I’ve always been a vintage devotee. In high school when everyone was conforming to the Gap and J. Crew mainstream, I was hunting for unique, secondhand finds. Over the years, I’ve matured from polyester hippie button-downs and lilac corduroys to Prada trenches and Dior skirts. I’m willing to pay a pretty penny for a rare designer find – Chanel circa 1958, perhaps. I’m not willing, on the other hand, to overpay for nondescript chain store ware pawned off as "vintage".

Urban Outfitters has been carrying its Urban Renewal line of secondhand and surplus apparel for close to 20 years. I’ve always been drawn to the evolving style of this collection, but have been consistently turned off by the prices. It’s difficult for me to justify spending more on an Urban Renewal dress than I would on a new Urban Outfitters one. Are they selling overpriced merchandise or am I paying more for the vintage source and creative reconstruction?