Sustainably Styling in NYC

Happy February everyone! While the semester is about to be back in full swing, I've been able to take time the past few weeks to check out some new digs here in NYC, both by myself and with my friend Sarah. Last semester, too, I carved out time to explore and see what I could find in terms of (affordable) sustainable fashion in New York. What I've discovered is a great sprinkling of curated, unique consignment stores especially around lower Manhattan and East Brooklyn. Whether you're looking to score some y2k, 50s, reworked vintage, or designer items, there is truly a spot for almost everyone's taste in the city. I love walking into a place that I know puts effort and care into finding its pieces, while also featuring other local artists and curators. Slow fashion is (slowly but) surely making a comeback, so grab your tote bag and check out these places to score your next best clothing find.

MANHATTAN

East Village Thrift Shop

This joint has some of the best prices thrift-wise and is packed with clothing and accessories inside. The store itself is quite small and unorganized, so you'll have to squeeze through aisles and really dig to find some gems, but the hunt is definitely worth it!

Reminiscence

Hidden among some of the large buildings near Union Square is this cool spot to find vintage clothing, jewelry, and toys as well. I was able to get a great deal there and the owner was super accommodating!

Enzs 76 East 7th

Stepping into Enzs is like going back in time; the quaint yet dazzling store contains 50s and 60s vintage fashions along with bags, hats, shoes, and jewelry to match. The owner is sweet and welcoming, and pricing-wise, it is very fair for higher-end pieces! If you're looking to expand your wardrobe with older fashion styles, you need to venture into Enzs.

East Village Vintage Collective

I have found some really cool articles of clothing here over the past few years, and the store is a lot bigger than it looks on the outside as it has a basement full of vintage goodies. This is another spot where pricing is quite fair for vintage pieces, and the workers there are always nice to interact with.

GoldWater Thriftique

A small find in the East Village, this boutique features a good selection of vintage curated clothing and shoes, as well as inexpensive necklaces and other accessories. I'm always greeted kindly when I come into the store, and usually find something small and cute to take home with me.

Rogue

One of the newest thrift spots in the city, Rogue features curated vintage and designer pieces including many genres of clothing. On the higher end of pricing, it's a perfect spot to hit when they have their bin sales & other events! Emma is super sweet and puts a lot of work into picking out clothes for the shop.

Spark Pretty

Probably the funkiest spot to check out for 90s and y2k clothing and accessories is Spark Pretty - they have really unique brands, tee shirts, and reworked vintage items every time I go in for fairly reasonable prices! Plus the changing area and inside decor overall are really cute :3 A must-visit for statement pieces and overall old-school vibes.

Here Nor There

This small boutique not far from Spark Pretty has the coolest wall of pictures and a curated selection of designer and on-trend clothing, along with accessories and home goods. Their prices range from item to item, so definitely check them out if you're looking to splurge on a fresh find.

Trash & Vaudeville

This is my all-time favorite place for punk clothing in NYC - while it may not be considered consignment, they do have pretty reasonable prices for all of their brand-name clothing and shoes. The staff is always happy to help and I've found a bunch of grungy items here that are constant pieces in my wardrobe!

Places I plan on visiting in the future in Manhattan:

Funny Pretty Nice

Hamlet's Vintage

Hello Banana Vintage

Vintage Reserve LLC

BROOKLYN

Beacon's Closet

A small thrift chain in NYC, Beacon's is a staple spot if you're looking to thrift for relatively low prices and find some cool stuff. The last time I went, Sarah found a sick pop graphic tank, and I found a pair of vintage shorts - the key is to look everywhere, even the sections you don't think are going to have anything good!

Crossroads Trading

Similar to Beacon's, Crossroads is another great small chain spot if you're looking to thrift for low prices. Their selection is quite large, and you can spend a decent amount of time browsing before finding something that you like. A great place to find multiple hidden gems if you're willing to search!

Le Grand Strip

Another crazy cool vintage spot, you can tell Le Grand Strip is truly glamorous before even stepping inside. Their large selection of 50s/60s pieces and vintage designer were stunning, yet of course on the higher end of the price gauge. This is a place to treat yourself if you've got the budget!

Amarcord

This small but lovely vintage boutique has items from everywhere around the world and in nearly every color. The pieces featured here are a mix of vintage finds and designer lines, so it's a great spot for those with flexible budgets. The owner of the shop was extremely friendly and welcoming, talking about his past and working for his father before becoming a shop owner. His charisma and the selection definitely make me want to visit again.

Monk Vintage

Monk has a few locations in the city, and each of their small storefronts has a great selection of clothing and accessories. The staff was friendly, and most things were very reasonably priced - a great place to visit if you're looking to just wander around and find something!

The Attic

This spot is one of the newer ones I've visited, and the store is very organized and easy to navigate. The prices are also extremely fair, with several racks in the store having discounts. Sarah found the coolest Dickies skirt here, and we both agreed that this is definitely a place to go back to.

Awoke Vintage

On the smaller side, Awoke lies in a tiny market featuring other artists and vendors. Their selection of vintage and modern thrift was pretty good despite the store size, and they also had jewelry and other accessories as well. If you're looking for a statement piece of clothing, you may just find one here!

Bedford Vintage

Another small storefront, this cozy shop has a cute selection of curated vintage and local artists' work - similar to Rogue, this thrift spot would be best to venture out to during their sales events, as you're more likely to find a piece that catches your eye and is within your price range.

Places I plan on visiting in the future in BK:

Tired Thrift

Any places that I missed on the list? Which out of these do you plan on stopping at next? Let me know in the comments!

Until Next Time,

Anna