Growing up in a world of climate crises, many teenagers nowadays have developed a desire to buy their clothes second-hand. Not only does this help with reducing one’s carbon footprint, it can also be a source of unique clothing, since the clothes are often no longer being produced. Therefore, Baad Sunday Vintage and Makers Market is one of Santa Barbara’s biggest hits. This bustling event of shopping, music, and community has its pop-up every third Sunday of the month, making the next one on this upcoming Sunday, March 15. The thrift market hosts over 20 vendors who each have their own booth with clothing, bags, jewelry, or accessories, as well as vendors selling drinks and snacks.
Baad Sunday takes place in EOS Lounge, on 500 Anacapa St. Being only two blocks from State St, it is a convenient location for anyone who is downtown. EOS Lounge is a nightclub transformed for the daytime event, though the music tells you otherwise. At all times, there is a DJ playing loud music, setting the mood for the whole thrifting market. There are many vendors inside the club, but it also expands to a grassy back area outside. Each vendor has their own area of the venue where they set up their own pieces of clothing and accessories to sell. Since all the vendors personally bring the items that they are selling, the vintage market becomes an automatic array of individualistic styles and pieces. Though with so many vendors and shoppers in the EOS Lounge at once, it does get quite crowded. This is the main concern people bring up when asked what Baad Sunday could improve on.
Every month, the pop-up market is packed with teenagers browsing the vendors’ booths for clothing. When asked why it is so popular, Junior Clover Guillemane said, “It’s definitely trendy fashion, and I know that a lot of teenagers in Santa Barbara like to thrift. And if you’re looking for early 2000s clothing, it’s definitely there.” Clothes that are almost guaranteed to be for sale by some of the vendors include sequined tank tops, low-rise flare jeans, zip-up hoodies, denim skirts, old Hollister pieces, and overall elevated basics. “If you really want to find cool pieces that you’re gonna see no one else wearing and just have your own unique style, I really recommend going there,” says Junior Sky O’Reilly when describing Baad Sunday.
The clothing is a big attraction for shoppers, but Baad Sunday also serves as a space for community. “I’ve been going for probably three years. And I try to go every time. So it’s cool because I always get to see the same people that go.” says Guillemane. Junior Isel Rodriguez agreed, saying that, “I like going for the vibes … I feel like everyone’s there just to have a good time.” With so many people going, it is almost promised to bump into someone you know; especially in the small town of Santa Barbara. “I see so many people that I know there … it’s great for hanging out with friends and meeting new people that are really interesting and fun,” says O’Reilly.
Baad Sunday is a great opportunity for teens and young adults to resell their clothes and earn money from it. Senior Ava Hough is about to be a vendor at the upcoming Baad Sunday, selling many of her own thrifted pieces from all of her high school years. “A lot of the clothes I’ll be selling I got freshman year from eBay, Depop, Mercari…” she said. As a thrifting enthusiast, Hough has more clothes than she could ever wear. “I applied because I have way too many clothes that I don’t wear anymore that I know could be going to other people that would wear them more often. It’s also a really easy way to make money, and it’s exciting because you get to see people excited to get clothes.” She explained that, to apply, you go through the link in the @baadtopia_vendors bio on Instagram. It is a simple application with a couple of questions about your booth, as well as pictures of previous clothing sales you have done. “I had never done Baad Sunday before – this will be my first time. So I just sent in pictures from the last flea market I did, and they accepted it,” said Hough. For her stand, people can expect “a lot of bling, colors, but also just versatile stuff. There’s not gonna be just one set aesthetic or style. There’ll be jeans, shirts, summer wear, and also shoes.”
Check out this month’s Baad Sunday on March 15 at 500 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara. With the market having its pop-up only once a month, it is best to take advantage of it when it is. Bring a friend and some cash – unless you have Zelle or Venmo, which most vendors do accept. If interested, there are also other Flea markets and garage sales happening in Santa Barbara. There is Thrifttopia – a thrift market in Isla Vista, which is run by the same people who do Baad Sunday. Earl Warren Showgrounds Flea Market, which happens every Thursday. Finally, Isla Vista Yard sales happen regularly, the next one being on Saturday, May 18. The opportunities are endless when it comes to shopping second-hand in Santa Barbara, so get out there and start the hunt.
