2017-11-21T18:56:56-05:00

Housing Works Bookstore Cafe and Thrift Shop in SoHo

November 21, 2017/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

One thing that you can count on with Housing Works is that they always carry above average merchandise. But what makes this Housing Works on Crosby Street in SoHo even better than most (if not the best) is the Housing Works Bookstore Café next door. If you have never been to the Housing Works Bookstore Café, I strongly suggest that you check it out. It is an absolutely wonderful bookstore with a great vibe. It is such a popular spot in SoHo but for all the right reasons – atmosphere – the books – the beauty of the mahogany walls – and of course, the café. They serve coffee, snacks and some light alcohol. The café won me over with the vegetarian options. Well done! If you are lucky enough to get a table (more often than not, you will)), you can sit back and flip through one of the thousands of mostly pristine condition books that they carry. They have a book special the first weekend of the month where books are 30% off which is a steal considering the books are already reasonably priced. And if you are a Housing Works member, you can add on another 10% off – who could ask for anything more. Did I mention that the staff is phenomenal – welcoming, helpful and overflowing with graciousness and professionalism! I can’t say enough about this bookstore including the fact that all proceeds benefit the homeless and those affected by HIV/AIDS in NYC.

Now for the Housing Works Thrift Store, I think they carry an above average variety of merchandise. The store is well organized and the displays are always nicely done. The staff is amazingly friendly and helpful. Also, the staff is honest when you ask opinions which I appreciate. I enjoyed looking through the selections and they do carry an array of sizes. My only wish is that they had more selections the day I was in but I figure they just sell out merchandise as soon as they stock it because of the popularity and location of this store.

When it comes to accessories, in my humble opinion, I find that Housing Works carries the best jewelry. I have found some amazing pieces on my visits to various Housing Works. Not too long ago I found a pair of Elsa Perretti Tiffany sterling silver teardrop earrings that were an ABSOLUTE steal at $75 and a gorgeous choker for $10.00 at the Ninth Ave Housing Works. On this visit to SoHo, I found fun sparkly earrings 🙂 in a $2 basket that have become one of my favorites. I believe all merchandise in the windows is sold through online auctions.

The bottom line is that Housing Works may be a bit more expensive but it is worth it if you find something you love of good quality.

In case you are interested, here is the information on a membership with Housing Works:

https://www.housingworks.org/donate/membership

Housing Works Bookstore Cafe
126 Crosby Street
New York, NY
(212) 334-3324
Monday – Friday – 10 am – 9 pm
Saturday – Sunday – 10 am – 5 pm

Housing Works Thrift Shop
130 Crosby Street
New York, NY
(646) 786-1200
Monday – Saturday – 11 am – 7 pm
Sunday – 11 am – 5 pm

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!

TWIGS Thriftree Thrift Shop in Mount Kisco

October 19, 2017/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

If you are a serious thrift shopper, you will notice a trend where hospital thrift shops have higher pricing than the standard thrift shop. On the upside of this, the merchandise most often consists of designer clothing and accessories. Such is the case for TWIGS Thriftree Thrift Shop in Mount Kisco which benefits Northern Westchester Hospital. I was impressed looking through the racks with clothing that you would see in Saks, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s or pricey boutiques. They carry men, women and children’s clothing and accessories. While they carry limited small home décor/housewares, what they do have is quality.

If you want to take a peek inside the boutique, please visit their website at https://www.twigsofnwh.org/take-a-peek-inside-the-boutique.

I can’t emphasize this enough, if you are looking for trendy/expensive clothing, you will pay higher prices – plus you will have to frequent the better thrift shops in trendy neighborhoods (Like St. Luke’s on Hudson Street in NYC) and those thrift shops associated with hospitals. Memorial Sloan Kettering Society Boutique was a perfect example as they carried the finest designer clothing and accessories. This even goes for furniture – the Society Boutique always, always had fabulous furniture that flew out the door as quickly as it came in. (Sadly, the Society Boutique closed last year.) I will say that every time I was there, there was someone obviously affluent going through the racks and more often than not, purchasing merchandise. It is something you see more and more when thrift shopping; everyone on every financial level is looking for that great find or unbelievable bargain.

In addition, I find that hospital thrift shops carry quality evening wear and more formal than the standards. A good rule of thumb is do NOT wait until last minute before you have a special occasion, start looking a month or two beforehand and you may get very lucky.

FYI – All profits from the Thriftree benefit the hospital. Volunteers also create layettes and make comfort pillows for patients. Donations are gratefully accepted, by appointment.

TWIGS

449 Lexington Avenue

Mount Kisco, NY 10549

(914) 666-6557 info@twigsofnwh.org

https://www.twigsofnwh.org/take-a-peek-inside-the-boutique

Hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – 9:30 am to 4 pm

Wednesday and Saturday – 10 am to 1 pm.

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

Attic Sale Recap 2017 & Another Blockbuster Sale Coming Up In Irvington

September 29, 2017August 8, 2019/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

Once again, the Irvington Presbyterian Church Attic Sale did not disappoint. This year I did exceptionally well for myself and I will give credit to the fact that I went on the first day of the sale (my first time) which may have made the difference. But then again, I have also done well when going on the second day when pricing is much better and there are still great selections. Some of the items in my haul were a Lands End turtleneck for $4.00, a Kenneth Cole black wrap dress, a See by Chloe funky dress (I am loving it), a Marc by Marc Andrew tunic/dress – and each dress was $10.00. All the clothes were in pristine condition. Talk about steals; it was a great score. I did focus on the clothing FIRST. I took my time and went through the racks which were incredibly organized as is the entire sale. They have designated areas for furniture, books, shoes/handbags, jewelry/crystal, fine china, accessories and so much more. I scored a special edition Barney’s Lady Gag tote bag which is just gorgeous at the unbelievable price of $5 – YES $5. I just had to buy for my equally gorgeous niece who I know would love it. I just have to tell you that this sale is packed and there was always a line to get into the handbag room and the jewelry room – it really is growing in popularity every year for both sale lovers and collectors. I can’t emphasize it enough – this is a really great sale that should not be missed if you love these kinds of sales. All proceeds benefit multiple worthy charities in the Westchester area so all the money is helping others!

If you missed the Attic Sale, the good news is that right next door to the Irvington Presbyterian Church is the Church of St. Barnabas. And….wait for it….St Barnabas is having their Fall Outreach Clothing Sale starting on Tuesday, November 7^th. I have been to this sale as well and all I can say is these sales are both equally phenomenal and not to be missed. This sale includes fall/winter clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women and children – they also have a Christmas room and food is served in the café. The main purpose of this sale is to raise money to support the outreach efforts of the parish. Over the past twenty-plus years St. Barnabas has donated over $726,000 to charitable organizations throughout the area.

Here are the details:

The Church of St. Barnabas

15 N. Broadway, Irvington, New York

Telephone 914.591.8194

Tuesday November 7th through Friday, November 10th from 10 am until 7 pm

Saturday, November 11th from 10 am until 4 pm

Sunday, November 12th from 12 from 12 pm until 4 pm

See you at the sale!!

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!

Steinway Thrift Shop – a little patience goes a long way

September 12, 2017August 8, 2019/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

Steinway Thrift Shop looks like your run of the mill thrift shop but what makes it stand out is that if you have the patience, you can walk out with some real gems here. I noticed a few designer samples pieces which were pretty cool. Maybe I am just an eternal optimist but I always find something that makes me fall in love with thrifting all over again. I found a Neiman Marcus sweater for $9.99 which I swooped up.

What I do find in this instance is that if you go through the racks of items that interest you, there is more of a shot of finding something that you like. The day I went, I decided I was only going to look through the sweaters because it has been chilly in the office and I ended up finding the ideal sweater. But of course, if you have oodles of time and you can go through all the racks, then have fun :). I briefly checked out the men’s department and it was not bad at all, lots of Dockers, Banana Republic, Gap and all the usual men’s labels.

Steinway Thrift carries some vintage, lots of shoes, pants, suits and dresses for women and I think the store is in a very hipster area and perfect for the people who want to carve out their own style. You can have a blast with the vintage or near vintage and even throw in some preppy pieces.

The window displays show all the antiques and some unique decor that you just might like!

If you are in the neighborhood, I suggest you stop in, you just never know what you might find.

Steinway Thrift Shop

2588 Steinway Street

Astoria, NY 11103

718.204.0310

Monday thru Saturday 10 am – 8 pm

Closed on Sundays.

Until next time, Happy Shopping!!

Hudson Street in the West Village has one of NYC’s best thrift shops!

August 29, 2017August 8, 2019/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

Tucked away on Hudson Street in the West Village is by far, one of the best thrift shops in New York City. I feel exceptionally confident making this statement. This place is PHENOMENAL – the selections are top-notch and high quality. The prices may be higher than some other thrift shops but I can assure you, you are getting exceptional merchandise. They have a section called the “Posh Tree” where they have top designer merchandise for women – the great thing about this section is that they rotate onto the “regular” racks after a certain amount of time so you will see some pretty cool offerings in both sections. The men’s section is well above average and there is definitely a great selection of suits and shirts. The household items and home décor are placed all around the store and are pretty standard for thrift shops with a very good amount of standouts. The jewelry selection is very eclectic and fun to go through. The accessories are extraordinary and not to be missed even if just browsing. Tom Ford. Louis Vuitton, Gucci are just a few names I came across.

On the Saturday when I went, it was half off clothing so I was able to get a Michael Kors poncho top for $12, a bedazzled tunic for $9 and a gorgeous scarf for $9. Now I see on their Facebook page that on Saturday, September 9^th they are having their End of Season Bag Sale. Fill a bag with clothing, shoes, handbags, belts, hats….all for $25. PLUS SPECIAL ONE DAY ONLY : ALL JEWELRY HALF PRICE – this is one sale that I promise I will not miss. Filling a bag with this kind of merchandise will be an absolute pleasure and one of the reasons why I love thrift shopping.

Overall, this is definitely in my top five thrift shops of all time.

All proceeds from purchases at St. Luke’s Thrift Shop help to support St. Luke’s community service programs. Please read about St. Luke’s rich history on the website. www.stlukeinthefields.org

St. Luke’s Thrift Shop

The Church of Saint Luke in the Fields

487 Hudson Street

New York, NY 10014

(212) 924-9364

Hours:

Monday – Friday 11am – 6pm

Saturday 10am – 6pm

Sunday CLOSED

Until next time, Happy Shopping!!

August 17th is National Thrift Shopping Day

August 16, 2017/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

August 17^th is National Thrift Shopping Day. Most thrift stores celebrate with significant discounts.

Why shop at thrift stores? According to the U.S. EPA, a whopping 85% of all discarded textiles – 13 million – end up in landfills every year. Plus textiles and decomposing clothing release methane, not to mention the dyes and chemicals in the fabrics that can saturate the soil. Let’s recycle folks, donate to local thrift shops, your local Goodwill, Salvation Army, Humane Society, local hospital or church thrift shops– there are so many GREAT charities that NEED your donations. The money that these charities raise through their thrift shops help countless others gain a better quality of life and protect out little four legged friends. I think that is one of the best reasons to donate along with reducing our carbon footprint. Plus think of all the people that are able to clothe themselves and their families at a deeply discounted price. I think it is a win-win.

I just happen to LOVE thrift shopping for so many reasons. I love helping the environment and I like trying new styles at a fraction of the cost – if I don’t like it, I just wash the clothes and donate them right back. The key to thrift shopping is patience. If you have some time and go through the racks, you would be surprised at what you can find. You can’t go to a thrift shop think I need a little black dress and expect to find one in one visit BUT if you go to the RIGHT thrift shops, you may just find one. For example, I always say if you want something formal or fancy, try City Opera and Vintage Thrift East in the 23^rd St area of NYC. With these two stores, there is a good chance especially with a freshly stocked store – you can put together a great outfit. If you are in the Connecticut area, Stamford Goodwill is one of my favorites as well, their dress section is fabulous. Don’t be afraid to ask when they put out the “new” stock – it sometimes is Wednesday/Thursday in preparation for the weekend. I am also learning to create my own styles. I once found a beautiful black ankle length sequined duster and I paired it with straight legged pants and a clingy top and I received oodles of compliments and it was something that I might not have necessarily worn in prior years. It ended up being a favorite outfit for special occasions.

Life is complicated and chaotic at times and I find when I go thrift shopping I get such enjoyment out of finding that very special addition to my wardrobe at quite the price. I find it calming and relaxing and a great way to emerge myself in something that brings me great joy. I have also met some pretty incredible people along the way.

I look forward to telling you about my thrift shop visits – I have visited quite a few over the summer and I can’t wait to share my findings with you.

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!

Goodwill on the Upper West Side – 72nd Street

August 1, 2017August 8, 2019/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

This Goodwill is compact but most definitely loaded with value. It is boutique style and it feels like every item in the store was hand-picked. I absolutely loved going through the racks and found a Boston Proper sequined top (with the tags still on) for $7.99. I am sure new it was at least $79.00 and even if it was on sale, it was still $39 or $49. They also had a good variety of sizes which is always wonderful. The selection of blouses was just right and very weather appropriate. Of course high end designer wear was appropriately priced.

I thought the dress selections were great especially the evening wear. The only downfall I see in this store is the two dressing rooms on the first floor which can cause an occasional line.

The store was packed when I was there so the turnover of merchandise must be excellent. They carry TOP designers and I was especially impressed with their jean selection. Top quality jeans and they started at $9.99. Plus remember that if you get the tag color of the day, it is discounted so that is always something to look forward to.

On the stairs leading up to the men’s department, household items were strategically displayed – artwork, candle holders, all the usual merchandise that Goodwill would carry and again, the displays were very well done.

Upstairs there was the men’s section which had a fine array of brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, Banana Republic, Kenneth Cole to name a few of the brands. They carried everything from shirts, pants, jeans, sweaters, tee shirts and shorts. There was a great variety too and the prices above average for the merchandise they carried.

As with ALL thrift shopping, patience is the key. But I would definitely say that this Goodwill is a gem!

Goodwill

Upper West Side

157 West 72^nd St

New York, NY 10069

212.799.2723

Hours:

Monday through Saturday 9 am – 9 pm

Sunday 10 am – 8 pm

Until next time, Happy Shopping!!

Vintage Thrift East – A Definite Favorite and Must See!

June 5, 2017August 8, 2019/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

Vintage Thrift East is a must visit. They have such a wide array of women’s clothes along with shoes, accessories, housewares and more. The store setup is spectacular and the displays are eye catching. There is so much to love about this shop especially how organized it is. The clothes are in excellent condition and priced accordingly (translation reasonable). If you like to create your own style, this is the place to shop because there they have such an eclectic selection of clothing especially in the women’s section.

I was impressed with the setup of the housewares section. I actually saw quite a few gift quality platters and dishes and vintage serve ware which was quite nice.

The window displays are striking but the pleasant surprise is that the there is much more “window quality” pieces when you continue to browse.

The men’s section is not as extensive as the women’s but certainly worth a look.

There is just so much to this store; it is going to require a few return trips 🙂

Vintage Thrift proceeds benefit the United Jewish Council of the East Side which is another good reason to shop there. Of course, donations are tax deductible.

VINTAGE THRIFT EAST

286 Third Avenue, between 22 & 23 Streets

(212) 871-0777

SUN: 11:00-7:00

MON- THU: 10:30-8:00

FRI: 10:30-sunset

SAT: closed

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!

St. Thomas’ Church Thrift Shop and Mamaroneck Farmers Market

April 13, 2017August 8, 2019/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

I thoroughly enjoy my trips to St. Thomas’ Church Thrift Shop not just for the plentiful thrift shop but also for the Farmers Market. Let’s start with the thrift shop; it is a treasure trove of clothing, books and tons of household. There are a lot a fabulous finds —- if you practice one of the golden rules of thrifting which is patience. I found my most favorite sweater there – J Crew and for $5.00!! They have tables piled high with all top brand sweaters like Ralph Lauren, Talbots, Banana Republic and more. In the men’s department I have seen Brooks Brothers sweaters. They have pants, jeans, tops, polos, jackets, suits, etc. The fabulous volunteers are always restocking the merchandise when I am there. I must say, it seems to get better and better. The prices are exceptionally reasonable. I have not seen anything that I would consider overpriced or even close to it.

I bought my favorite glassware there ($1.00 each). The bedding seems to be very popular from what I have seen on the checkout line. I think the housewares/household section gets some very nice items but they fly off the shelves (like all good thrift stores). I know that when I found my glasses, they had just put them out so I was exceptionally lucky.

The book section is abundant with every book imaginable. The coffee table books are above average. I was able to buy my brother two coffee table books on trains (his passion) for $5.00 each during the book sale. I consider that reasonable for coffee table books considering the books were in excellent condition and retailed for $65 plus. Their selection of art books was impressive as well as their cookbooks selection.

And for the finale, you must stop in the Farmers Market upstairs. While not extensive, it is incredible. They have excellent quality fruits and vegetables, the breads absolutely delish and the pies/cakes/muffins scrumptious. They have a dumpling station sells out of the vegetable dumplings quick (yummy).

One of the main reasons why I love this market is that they also carry my most favorite salad dressing of all time (yes, all time). Momo Ginger dressing made in Brooklyn. I just love it. The Momo reps are only there every other week so I have to time my visits. 🙂

There are a lot of reasons to go to this thrift shop – I suggest you go and don’t miss the Farmers Market.

St. Thomas Episcopal Church

168 West Boston Road

(at the corner of Mt. Pleasant Ave.)

Mamaroneck, NY 10543

914.698.0300

Wednesday 10am – 1 pm

Saturday 10am – 1 pm

Farmer’s Market on Saturday’s 9 am – 1 pm

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

Scarsdale Congregational Church – Big Clothing Sale This Saturday!

March 9, 2017August 8, 2019/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

The Scarsdale Congregational Church is having a HUGE clothing sale this Saturday, March 11^th starting at 9 am. I can assure you that the line will start forming at 8 am if not sooner. I called to confirm because of the weather and it is happening!!! This sale is right up there with the Attic Sale (one of my most favorite sales of all time) – and in my humble opinion, not to be missed!!! Unlike the May Garage Sale and the November Fair, there is no $5 entry fee. They absolutely could charge an entry fee if they wished, this sale is that good. There are fixed (and very low) prices on clothing by category (men, women and children). I can assure you there will be plenty of high end designer clothing in pristine condition and very reasonably priced! The lovely volunteers give you a large plastic bag to hold your findings until you go up to the front and check out. Everyone is wonderful and it makes for a very enjoyable and successful clothing sale for both buyers and seller. I thoroughly enjoyed my shopping experience last year and I am looking forward to Saturday! Run, don’t walk to this sale!

Future sales at The Scarsdale Congregational are:

Garage Sale Saturday, May 6, 2017 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Fair Saturday, November 4, 2017 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

In case you live in the Scarsdale area and want to donate for future sales, here are the rules (taken from the website):

We gladly accept donations of art, furniture (by appointment), estate items, jewelry, house wares, books, clothing, toys, linens and electronics*.
Donations, must be clean, working and in very good condition. Clothing must be in season for the coming sale, (i.e. we are currently accepting spring and summer clothing only).
Kindly place all donations behind the partition on our Office Building Porch at 1 Heathcote Rd., Scarsdale between mid-August through the end of October, & mid-February through the end of April.
We do NOT accept dated technology,* skis, children’s car seats, videotapes, textbooks, magazines or encyclopedias.
Furniture is NOT accepted on the porch. Please contact contact Colin at colinnewyork@gmail.com . Jewelry is accepted in the church office year-round.
Pick up your signed tax receipt in the box on the left side railing of the Office Building Porch, after dropping off your donation.
Call the office at 723-2111, extension 204, or e-mail us .

Church volunteers and staff have had to spend a lot of time dealing with unwanted donations, and we very much appreciate your help in complying with these donation rules.

* Technology donation rules:

Televisions: LCD or Plasma Flat screen only.
Fax machines or copiers: NOT accepted.
Computers: Windows based systems must be Windows 8 or 10. Mac computers must be flat-screen iMacs, Mac Pros, Mac Minis, Macbooks or Macbook Pros only.
Monitors: LCD or plasma flat panel only.
Printers: Laser printers in working condition. New ink jet printers only.
Scanners: USB scanners only.

Scarsdale Congregational Church
One Heathcote Road
Scarsdale, NY 10583

Phone: 914-723-2111

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!!

ToniOnThrifting – Thrift Shopping Made Simple

Housing Works Bookstore Cafe 126 Crosby Street New York, NY (212) 334-3324 Monday – Friday – 10 am – 9 pm Saturday – Sunday – 10 am – 5 pm

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!

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TWIGS

449 Lexington Avenue

Mount Kisco, NY 10549

(914) 666-6557 info@twigsofnwh.org

Hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – 9:30 am to 4 pm

Wednesday and Saturday – 10 am to 1 pm.

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Here are the details:

The Church of St. Barnabas

15 N. Broadway, Irvington, New York

Telephone 914.591.8194

Tuesday November 7th through Friday, November 10th from 10 am until 7 pm

Saturday, November 11th from 10 am until 4 pm

Sunday, November 12th from 12 from 12 pm until 4 pm

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Steinway Thrift Shop

2588 Steinway Street

Astoria, NY 11103

718.204.0310

Monday thru Saturday 10 am – 8 pm

Closed on Sundays.

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St. Luke’s Thrift Shop

The Church of Saint Luke in the Fields

487 Hudson Street

New York, NY 10014

(212) 924-9364

Hours:

Monday – Friday 11am – 6pm

Saturday 10am – 6pm

Sunday CLOSED

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Goodwill

Upper West Side

157 West 72nd St

New York, NY 10069

212.799.2723

Hours:

Monday through Saturday 9 am – 9 pm

Sunday 10 am – 8 pm

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St. Thomas Episcopal Church

Farmer’s Market on Saturday’s 9 am – 1 pm

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

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Housing Works Bookstore Cafe
126 Crosby Street
New York, NY
(212) 334-3324
Monday – Friday – 10 am – 9 pm
Saturday – Sunday – 10 am – 5 pm

157 West 72^nd St