Photograph: Jay Muhlin

Dear Old Schooler: I love vintage clothes and am so in awe of how senior citizens dress! Where do you shop? Any fashion advice?
—Alexia Davies, 25, East Village

Alice Childs, 80+, Upper East Side
I’m not really stylish; I just like to look good. I think it’s too bad if you let yourself go. Over time, my look has become more individualistic. I love costume jewelry and earrings. I never go out without earrings—not even to check the mail! My sister and I used to go to thrift shops. There was this great place on 57th, and now there’s Housing Works and the arthritis one (The Arthritis Thrift Shop, 183 Third Ave between 78th and 79th Sts). I go to the flea markets at Martha’s Vineyard in the summer; I got this necklace at a flea market. I used to like very much to go to Lord & Taylor, but it’s too tiring now. And Macy’s is too big. When shopping, I always try to think how one thing will go with another. Do I have the proper bag? Or the proper shoes? And will it be good-looking? But I really don’t shop a lot anymore. What I spend my time on now is bridge.