This spring, I am sprucing up my look with a three-part approach. I started by cleaning out my closets. If there are clothes you have that no longer fit you, whether physically or mentally, donate them. Don’t forget to get a receipt for your taxes. Giving away your college jeans is not admitting dietary defeat. You are moving forward with your life.
Take care of any items that need a button, special cleaning or tailoring. Unwearable clothing equals clutter. Once you get rid of all of the closet clutter you can see what you really have.
You are, in essence, going shopping in your own closet. I did this and it feels like I have a whole new wardrobe of rarely worn fashion finds. Now, complete your stylish triple play by going vintage shopping. Everything in style now was in style at another time. In addition, rather than following boring trends you’re a true fashionista.
Here are 5 Vintage Shops in NYC:
Designer Couture Vintage
New York Vintage is the place for elegant and high end previously worn looks. If you’re attending a black tie event or wedding, you’ll find something uniquely gorgeous here. According to their site, their absolutely beautiful clothing collection spans 100 years.; it’s like a fashion library.
New York Vintage is located at 117 West 25th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues. Ring them up at (212) 647-1107 or find more information on their comprehensive site. Take the 1 or 2 Train to 23rd Street.
Hipster Vintage
If you are looking for something more downtown and maybe even slightly edgy, then Beacon’s Closet is the vintage clothing outlet for you. The store has several locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn with a fabulous selection of accessories for you to try on.
Find Beacon’s Closet consignment shop at 92 5th Avenue in NYC. Find the scowling and fashionable at 10 West 13th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues in Greenwich Village. Call (917) 261-4863. You can also shop online. Take the L Train to 6th Avenue.
Eclectic Vintage
The Harlem Goodwill Store is full of fantastic surprises. Seeking a simple crochet sundress to wear to the beach? You’re in the right place. Looking for a used armoire from the 1945? You’re still in the right place. This is a great vintage shop with cool finds from 50’s style veiled hats to 70’s style bell bottoms. They even have electronics!
Harlem Goodwill is at 2196 5th Avenue between 132nd Street and 135th Street. Call this Goodwill store then go for it: (212) 862-0020. Take the 2 or 3 Train to 135th Street.
Trendy Vintage
The high end consignment shop Second Time Around is so chic that they even have their own reality TV show. You can watch the ladies haggle it out over Jimmy Choos shoes on Bravo’s “Fashion Hunters.” They never use the word vintage but used clothing is used clothing even if the label says Dolce and Gabbana, and we love it!
Visit Second Time Around at 1040 Lexington Avenue between 74th and 75th Streets on the Upper East Side. See if they have anything new by ringing 212-628-0980. You can also buy the latest Tory Burch bags and more with special selections in their online shop. Take the 6 Train to 77th Street.
Bohemian Vintage
The super-organized Screaming Mimi’s is practically a New York City shopping institution. You can find haute looks from any decade to make your friends and haters alike clutch their proverbial pearls. Don’t be intimidated. This is a great vintage shop to find a classic casual blazer or quirky bracelets to wear to the office.
Shop Screaming Mimi’s at 382 Lafayette Street. For more information call (212) 677-6464. Take the 6 Train to Bleeker Street.
Happy shopping!
