Find your fall(ish) wardrobe for less at these 4 Charlotte shops

It’s starting to finally feel like fall — wait, who am I kidding?

There is no fall in Charlotte, only melt-your-Popsicle summer and does-this-parka-make-me-look-snowed-in winter. Sure, you can buy a cozy sweater to pretend sea levels aren’t rising faster than high-waisted jeans on hipsters, but you’re lying to yourself.

Here’s where to shop in Charlotte for clothes that can zig when the fall(ish) weather zags.

Great Things Consigned & Boutique

One time, this place had a 60 percent off sale on gowns. GOWNS. With a capital “G.” My girlfriend Lara and I went wild and we now own more than enough gowns for the price of a Gap T-shirt or two. My velour number with the pearl straps keeps me warm enough while giving my shoulders the right air.

Oh hi, I’m a glamorous person. And you can too.

*clutches pearls*

A photo posted by @lookitsjoanne on Mar 18, 2016 at 10:30pm PDT

8042 Providence Road, #800, Charlotte. 704-541-7475. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday.

Clothes Mentor

With two locations in Charlotte, you’ll find me sifting through pants, summer dresses and sweaters (I just can’t wear them together). When I needed a dress to emcee Girls Rock Charlotte and pose for the We Are North Carolina campaign (one air-conditioned and one very not air-conditioned), I went straight to the Arboretum location and found a rainbow Kate Spade frock for just $54.

“People who support HB2 have no idea how their words are hurting the LGBTQ community. I’m glad to have good friends and family who support me with actions and words. HB2 has made me feel nervous when going out in public with my girlfriend, I fear that we may be targeted for harassment or even ejection. If my girlfriend goes out on her own at night I feel that I have to be glued to my phone to be sure she comes home alive.” Joanne Spataro Charlotte, NC Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers Profession: Copywriter and Features Writer

A photo posted by @wearenorthcarolina on Sep 23, 2016 at 5:13pm PDT

Here’s me donning vintage St. John to yell at the North Carolina General Assembly the day they passed House Bill 2. Yes it was late spring, but fall is basically the opposite of late spring. Never once did they ask where I got my outfit.

Giving the Senate a piece of my mind! #ncpol #keepncfair

A video posted by @lookitsjoanne on Mar 23, 2016 at 11:56am PDT

Arboretum: 8120 Providence Road, #500, Charlotte. Open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, and 1-6 p.m. Sunday. 704-594-7949.

Second location: 901 South Kings Drive, Charlotte. Same hours. 980-613-8744.

Stash Pad

I’ve talked about this vintage wonderland in Plaza Midwood before, and I’ll talk about it again: They have an eclectic selection of new vintage-style dresses and vintage clothes, many with fun tags that say, “Honeymoon Sweater” since the person who last owned it got engaged to her now husband of 30 years. One of my best purchases here was a Saks Fifth Avenue long-sleeve velour dress. I can take it to any semi-formal fall gathering and say, “Look at these rad bishop sleeves popping with white silky fabric. LOOK AT THEM.”

Green screen action today in Donald Devet’s studio for an upcoming series. Stay tuned!

A photo posted by @lookitsjoanne on Jul 9, 2016 at 7:59am PDT

It also has women’s casual tops with more fabric than the toddler-sized ones at department stores at the right price. I’ve already wore this $5 number everywhere:

To see my girlfriend’s face in a mural uptown:

@laraamerico is a mural now. Official unveiling is Sept. 16. ♡♡♡

A photo posted by @lookitsjoanne on Sep 10, 2016 at 7:05pm PDT

To kiss in front of The Stonewall Wall Inn in NYC:

Paying homage to where Sylvia Rivera, Marsha P. Johnson and other LGBTQ leaders fought for our human rights. Photo credit: @queendelighted

A photo posted by @lookitsjoanne on Sep 28, 2016 at 7:43am PDT

To eat a Bea Arthur cone at Big Gay Ice Cream Shop with my Aunt Crissy:

One of the highlights from my weekend in NYC was singing the Golden Girls theme with my Aunt Crissy. Obviously impressed, the cashier gave us cards for a free ice cream cone the next time we visit. That’s us holding our Bea Arthurs (vanilla ice cream filled with dulce de leche and covered in crushed Nilla wafers). I have a sweet incentive to come back soon.

A photo posted by @lookitsjoanne on Sep 28, 2016 at 3:45pm PDT

1216 Thomas Ave., Charlotte. 980-224-7321. Open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. everyday except Tuesday.

Buffalo Exchange

The local staple for your everyday vintage and used clothing needs. The tropical Miami-style romper I found here has taken me to a party where I swirled into an impromptu dance number, a news segment, and a date night dinner in Plaza Midwood. The three-quarter length sleeve with the short shorts ratio means you’re ready for cool weather on top and a day at the beach on the bottom.

Find your tropical romper for fall and you’ll have people saying, “Why isn’t she pretending it’s fall like the rest of us?”

Getting ready for the Trans Mixer! Starts at 8. #transpride

A photo posted by @lookitsjoanne on Apr 2, 2016 at 3:57pm PDT

1521 Central Ave, Charlotte. 704-372-2300. Open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday.

Photo: Lara Americo

This story was originally published October 3, 2016 at 10:58 PM with the headline "Find your fall(ish) wardrobe for less at these 4 Charlotte shops."