Around half a mile away from San José State, community members in downtown got to shop for second-hand vintage clothing on Saturday at So-So Market’s Y2K-themed pop-up event.
So-So Market is a pop-up event that provides access to local vendors that sell sustainable items while also creating a community for those interested in fashion, according to its webpage.
Over 30 vendors and dozens of customers filled the fenced-off area at the Valley Title parking lot on First and Second Street, selling and buying products, ranging from clothing to food to jewelry.
Xitlali Arguelles, an alumna from San José State, had her booth set up near the entrance of the pop-up market. At her booth, she sold and applied small, sparkly tooth gems to people’s teeth for her business “Xclusive Gems.”
“There's so many celebrities like Drake, Tyler, athletes like Odell Beckham Jr., who have tooth gems,” Arguelles said. “There's an endless amount of names, but I think because of that, there's definitely been even more of a blow up just because people were like, ‘Ooh, that looks cool.’”
Arguelles said she was inspired to start “Xclusive Gems” after she saw her brother start his own thrift clothing business.
After she built her business, Arguelles became a vendor with So-So Market in 2024 for the first time.
“I love doing markets because it's a great way to expand business, to meet new clientele,” Arguelles said.
At the next booth, Keibeth Mier, a business owner who runs 444 Baddies with her sister, was sitting on a lawn chair behind a display of stickers and bedazzled lighters as customers explored their racks of vintage clothing and accessories.
Mier said one of her favorite pieces on their racks is a Rocawear purse with black, pleated leather.
“Basically, our whole thing is kind of like shopping (on) Depop in real life,” Mier said. “We like to carry a lot of cute Y2K outfits that we know the girls would love.”
Y2K fashion is an aesthetic that embraces a confident attitude with bright colors and curve-hugging silhouettes, responding to the feeling of uncertainty, fear, optimism and novelty from the 2000s, according to a Jan. 26 article from Vogue.
“I was in elementary school at that time, but I would say, (my inspiration is) basically what people would be wearing to the club (18 and older),” Mier said. “I also always look at red carpet looks from that era, like Britney Spears, Beyoncé, the Cheetah Girls . . . That's where I kind of base what my Y2K would be for clothes.”
Mier said she was first inspired to be a vendor at So-So Market after visiting a couple of its previous pop-up locations in Berkeley and Santa Cruz. Now, she and her sister have been vendors at the market for two years.
Xitlaly Moncerat, the creative co-director for So-So Market, helps curate and coordinate the pop-up events.
“The majority of my work has been done unpaid—driven by a deep passion to uplift others and build something meaningful for the community,” Moncerat said in an email sent to the Spartan Daily.
She said the idea to expand So-So Market into San Jose began when a project management consultant from West Bank Corporations suggested the idea to help activate the downtown area while strengthening local businesses.
West Bank Corporations is a Canadian private company that collaborates with other organizations around the world to complete construction projects in retail, housing and more, according to its webpage.
“That moment sparked something much bigger: a movement rooted in creativity, collaboration, and community care,” Moncerat said. “I’m incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received from the San Jose community – it’s truly been a long time coming.”
Mier said the business of selling vintage Y2K items is becoming more competitive, but she still loves doing the work.
Between 2023 and 2024, the global market for second-hand items grew by 15%, or $30 billion, according to a 2025 resale report from ThredUp.
“I think it's super fun to just find stuff, so the struggle is eventually worth it when you do find really cute pieces or very rare pieces,” Mier said. “I feel like if we didn't struggle to find it, I feel like it would make it less fun.”
Jordan Michelena, a third-year theater arts student, was still wearing their work uniform when they were looking through the racks at the 444 Baddies booth with their partner.
“I'm out here at the So-So Market to be able to find second-hand pieces that fit my style, that (are) made (or) found by local vendors,” Michelena said. “I like finding the jewelry made by people here. It's just everything all together at once, right by campus, where I'm able to check out cool clothes.”
In 2024, 68% of Gen Z consumers shopped for second-hand clothing, according to the same report from ThredUp.
Michelena said Saturday was not their first time at So-So Market. Their favorite fashion piece they got from the pop-up market in the past was a black lace shirt Michelena bought from a friend for $5.
“Last time we were here, me and my partner (also) got these crocheted flowers, which were really nice because they'll live forever,” Michelena said.
Around 66% of consumers at younger ages reported that they would shop more for second-hand items if new government policies around tariffs and trade made apparel more expensive, according to the same report from ThredUp.
Michelena said they choose to shop for second-hand clothing and accessories because they are typically made with better quality. If a clothing piece doesn’t fit, Michelena and their partner discuss whether or not they should put time and effort into sewing and adjusting the fit.
“They don't make clothes like they used to,” Michelena said. “Even if you don't care about the environmental impact, your style will improve, because people were more creative back then, and your clothes will last. They will actually last you.”
