Fashion Friday: Thrift Stores
We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to bring you an announcement….THRIFT STORES ARE SOME OF THE BEST PLACES TO SHOP!
Really though, this Fashion Friday post will be all about the thrift store. They go by all different types of names, i.e., thrift store, consignment shop, vintage store, second hand store etc. However, they are all basically the same thing: gently used clothing, shoes, jewelry furniture, etc., that people have gotten rid of for various reasons, now available at a fraction of the price. Let me break down the different types of stores.
Vintage Shop: a privately owned store in which all of the items for sale were purchased by the store and are being resold at some sort of premium. The store can get their merchandise from any number of sources, but the most common source is a rag house through which they can purchase large bails of clothing. Other sources of stock include swap meets, vintage fairs, and individual hunting at estate sales or flea markets.
Thrift Store/Charity Store: sell used clothes that were donated by individuals. Depending on the individual store, profits from the sales that go directly to charity vary, but all sales contribute in some way monetarily to the charity who owns the thrift.
Consignment Shop: places where individuals can sell their used clothing through a dealer. The shop, as the dealer, takes a percentage of the profit for each item sold. If items do not sell during the period they are on the sales floor, they are returned to you and you receive no compensation.
All definitions via http://vintageclothing.about.com/od/vintagebasics/qt/retailtypes.htm
Now thrift stores are some of my favorite places to shop. I never really go to a thrift store looking for like standard items like jeans and shirts. Although, my sister did just get me a really cute leather skirt from one of them, and I love buying blazers from thrift stores. I usually go to thrift stores in search of really unique accessories like jackets, scarves belts, jewelry, hats and sweaters. These items can take a outfit from regular to spectacular in minutes. Usually thrift stores have really cool vintage pieces that you won’t find anywhere else. A breath of fresh air from chain stores like H&M and A/X…At least you won’t have to fear going to a party and wearing the EXACT same thing as someone else. My advice for going to thrift stores is:
- Do your research. Some thrift stores are a little more pricey Some have more variety. Some specialize in designer clothes, others in vintage jewelry, others in art. Google some of them and look at reviews so you know what to expect
- Make sure you have the time. Although thrift stores arrange items nicely, it’s a lot of work sifting through all the material, and sometimes they can be really hit or miss. Even if you think there is nothing, take your time and search through the racks. You may find that one hidden gem beneath all of the rubble.
- Keep an open mind. Look for interesting pieces that you like and then expand your inner fashionista and think about how you can apply it to outfits you already have.. Since the price is so cheap you can afford to use a little creativity.
- Know your size. Some thrift stores don’t have fitting rooms so you will either have to eyeball it or try them on over you clothes…if they let you.
I researched some different thrift/consignment/ second hand stores in different cities. It’s a long weekend so go check them out! You never know, they might have EXACTLY what you’re looking for.
Chicago: Leahey & Ladue Consignment – North Southport Avenue
Unique Thrift Store (MY FAV! Multiple Locations)
New York: Housing Works Thrift Shop – 157 West 17th Street
What Goes Around Comes Around – 351 West Broadway (good men’s selection)
Boston: Boomerangs – 716 Centre Street
Urban Renewals – 122 Brighton Avenue (really big selection)
Miami: C Madeleine’s – 13702 Biscayne Blvd (upscale clothing)
Sobe Thrifty – 1435 Alton Road
Atlanta: Lucky Exchange – 212 Ponce De Leon Avenue Northeast
Alexis Suitcase – 7878 Roswell Road
Los Angeles: UCLA Thrift Shop – 11271 Massachusetts Avenue
Wasteland – 7428 Melrose Avenue
Remember: Salvation Army and Goodwill are also good places to start looking!
Do you have a fabulous item that you got from a thrift store, or do you know a great thrift store in your are? Send in your pictures/information and we’ll feature it in our fashion section!
