I Heart the Thrifts!

I began thrift shopping while away at college. People in Hampton, VA had no idea what they were giving away to these stores. Some of my most complimented pieces are from a thrift! Like my vintage Gucci carry on, all of my throwback leather bombers, tons of amazing earrings, my sunnies that are now being remade and sold at your nearest Urban Outfitters! Now, in VA, those items were brought at serious thrift prices like $5, $10 bucks. I don't think I have ever purchased something for more than that!

Here in NY, your local Salvation Army may have a few finds, but most of the "thrift" stores are wack to me. Don't get me wrong, great pieces are available, but not always at "thrift" prices. A lot of the stores in NY have lots of vintage items, therefore, the prices will be amazing for what you are getting but if I want to pay $500 for a Chanel bag, I mind as well save up for a new one! But hey, $500 for a Chanel is still a bargain so if you have that type of cash...I say go for it!

But if you are looking for the genuine "thrift" experience...come to one of my gigs!

Housing Works is a great organization, the largest in the nation, that is tackling the fight against HIV/AIDS and providing shelter, needle exchange and lots of other services for the homeless! How do they make their money?!

THRIFT STORES!!!!! Housing Works has a whopping 7 locations in NYC:
-143 W.17th St
-157 E.23 rd St
-306 Columbus Ave
-202 E.77th St
-245 W.10 th St
-1730 2nd Ave
-122 Montague St in Brooklyn

These stores hold everything from vintage Dior to Pepe Jeans, furniture, and electronics! As well as great finds from the latest seasons from Marc Jacobs to Michael Kors! We get great donations from the people of NYC! Now, some of these items are priced at about a third of retail prices. But like I said, if you have it, spend it. Besides, its for a great cause. But you can still find things at single digit prices too!

BUT....if you are looking for "thrift" prices for real....the second Saturday of every month, Housing Works holds a warehouse sale! You pay $20 for a brown shopping bag, and you get to stuff it with as much stuff as you can!!!! Before I worked there, I didn't realize they had such great items! I came home with a vintage Chanel bag from like the 70's, a Missoni sweater, and a Gucci blouse! So you can imagine what you can find! You just have to dig and push through the mobs of people!

So..if you have the chance, check out the site: www.housingworks.org and stop by the next sale(arrive early, there is always a line!) or a thrift near you!

Hope to see you at the next sale...I will be the colorful chick with something sequin on...stop by and say hello to your Dot!

Peace,
Sequin "Professional Thrift Shopper" Dot