We can agree that pop culture is undeniably the biggest contributor of fashion trends in a highly digital era. The most notable and vital difference between the celebs we admire and ourselves is simple: tax bracket. We all simply cannot afford the Givenchy Kim K rocks on her dates or Louboutins Lala Anthony steps out in on a night on the town in NYC. However, just because we can’t afford their brands doesn’t mean we can’t be fashionable as we go about our daily lives on the MTA and at the office. Thrifting in NYC is how you get fashion for less.
Most people shop at the bigger department stores, which oftentimes comes with some equally big price tags. Alternatively, consumers can shop at local minority owned boutiques, vintage stores, or consignment and thrift shops. It may require a bit more effort in terms of locating stores and actually finding pieces, but you are sure to get more bang for your buck AND increase your originality exponentially.
With that said, here is a bit of information on a few thrift shops in the city that you can check out for awesome deals. I must start with a shop that is a huge advocate of a cause dear to my heart and vital to our communities. Housing Works (image right) has developed a community of individuals whose mission is to “end the dual crisis of homelessness and AIDS…” I have shopped at Housing Works intermittently since I was a little girl with my mom, and I have yet to be disappointed when I visit; there are ALWAYS great finds in this place. They house everything from music to books, house wares, furniture, shoes, clothes, etc. In addition to their twelve locations between Brooklyn and the Bronx, Housing Works offers an online shopping option
Beacon’s Closet (image left) “selectively buys, sells, and trades used clothing and accessories, from, to, and with the public, on a walk-in basis.” That old jacket in the back of your closet that you know you’ll never wear, but you can’t bring yourself to throw away can become quick cash for you at Beacon’s Closet. They do offer a wide range of high fashion designers so you may not find as many items priced below $10, but they are still amazing deals. There are three locations: Williamsburg, Park Slope and Manhattan, and they offer online shopping as well.
The proceeds of the Angel Street Thrift Shops in Manhattan and Brooklyn assist New Yorkers with substance abuse, mental illness and HIV/AIDS. Here you will find an eclectic mix of the new and old of housing, fashion, books, music, and more. As the two shops formerly mentioned, they replenish inventory daily and donations are fully tax deductible. You may find beautiful paintings for a new home or office, or a new classic story to read on your down time.
Ultimately, you should not underestimate or snub thrift shops. While giving yourself the opportunity to be fashionable you are saving money and donating to worthy charities. Thrifting in NYC is a win- win; so go forth, be THRIFTY & TRENDY!
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