Summer Vintage Vibes on the Beach
A pair of friends turned their love for old‑school clothes into a pop‑up shop on Virginia Beach’s oceanfront.
The store, called Septemberchixz Vintage Collective, sits at 223 17th Street and opened just in time for the sunny season.
The founders, Katie Darlington and Summer Shoults, share a birthday month—September—which inspired the shop’s name.
Their journey began on local flea markets across Virginia and nearby cities. They sold thrifted pieces online, filmed playful videos, and slowly built a community that cares about sustainable fashion.
The pandemic pushed them deeper into the movement, and they decided to offer their own line of Y2K‑style tees called Thrift Tease in 2024.
When a retail spot opened up on the beach, they jumped at the chance. They signed the lease in May and had only a month to set everything up, turning an empty space into a lively boutique with racks of curated goods.
The shop features:
- Men’s and women’s apparel
- Hats, handmade items, jewelry, belts
- Local Virginia Beach brands
- Vintage swimwear
A special section holds a large collection of old Victoria’s Secret pieces.
Darlington insists every item is cleaned before display, aiming for a boutique feel rather than a typical thrift shop smell.
Vendors like Erica Harper from Maryland bring carefully chosen pieces that suit a beach setting, excited to shop in person for the first time.
The owners want their space to be a one‑stop spot where locals and tourists can discover quality vintage finds. They plan to keep the shop open until September 20, hoping to find a permanent home afterward.
