Everybody loves a good deal, and I've found that the most consistent place to find a jaw-dropping bargain is not your local Wal-Mart, but instead thrift stores. Being a Chicago-area chiquita, my dive of choice is any of the lovely Village Discount Outlets -- so diverse in selection and so cheaply priced I may be spoiled because I often find Goodwill's goods overpriced.
One of my favorite things to do when I visit a new place -- whether it's Indy to see my little sister or small-town Ohio to visit my grandma -- is to hunt down these shops of recycled goodies.
I'm slowly saving up to visit my good pal Jessica who runs Fig & Plum. Last time I came it was for "business" so we didn't do much shopping aside from the absolute funfest we had at Pearl River and other haunts down in Chinatown. My pre-visit preparation work helped me to find a real gem of a Web site. As such, I must recommend this site for learning more about thrifting in the big apple.
But I don't expect the only place I'll ever visit will be New York so bring on your tips. Got any great recommendations for super thrifting spots in your neck of the woods?
Posted by joyolivia at March 17, 2004 8:58 AMOoh, you hit on a topic close to my heart! I love thrifting...I think it's the thrill of the hunt. The vintage scene hasn't decended upon El Paso yet so you can still get great vintage tees for under 2 bucks!
Posted by: vanessa at March 17, 2004 12:43 PMHave you been to ragstop around belmont and clark, in chicago? that place and the place right below it have amazing retro thrifty clothes.
Posted by: Aimee at March 18, 2004 12:15 AMbeing a chicago native myself and spending my high school days traipsing from the halsted village, to the pizza factory village near rainbo (its passing still hurts), to elston, to who knows where else, the need for deep discounts and great finds was established. i just moved to baltimore and had noluck finding any non-consignment/resale places...and then, like a beacon, i came across a Village Thrift! I thought it might have been a mirage, but no, it was real...so location: it's on North Ave. just east of the on to 83, right near Eutaw. You can't miss it if you're looking on your right side (if you're coming from the west). everything in store is 50% off M,W,S from 2-7 pm. happy hunting!
Posted by: abby at March 18, 2004 12:47 PMBROWN ELEPHANT! That's the place to go for good thrift in Chicago! Please tell me it's still around.....Boys Town, don't remember the exact address....... I also dug all the hospital thrift stores-the one on Lincoln near the children's hospital was really nice. They don't have those in the Twin Cities, they're mostly church-run stores.
Posted by: beccajo at March 19, 2004 2:26 PMi am so grateful to have this link, joy! i've sat around complaining about thrifting in NYC for three years and never got off my duff to see what was out there after one disappointing visit to the now-defunct domsey's in williamsburg. maybe it's time to stop grousing and start thrifting, particularly since PR has left me a bit broke.
BUT, you know the thrift is still #1 in my heart...
j
Posted by: jess at March 20, 2004 11:48 AMoh, also - ragstock - does THAT stir up memories of teenagedom! they have a great selection. i try to stop by when i'm in town.
i'll bet el paso has some phat vintage blue jeans on top of all those fab tees...
Posted by: jess at March 20, 2004 11:55 AM