ToniOnThrifting

ToniOnThrifting – Thrift Shopping Made Simple

Category: best flea markets

W. 26th St. in Chelsea is Thrift Row, the place to be for buying and selling vintage. — May 11, 2025

W. 26th St. in Chelsea is Thrift Row, the place to be for buying and selling vintage.

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When in Chelsea, I highly recommend that you go to W. 26th St. for an abundance (and I mean abundance) of thrift and vintage opportunities, both buying and selling.

Each one of these stores is fabulous and has loads of vintage t-shirts, clothing, shoes, sneakers, and accessories. They all have a broad range of clothes and shoes in New York City at appropriate prices. AND in each store, you will find unique vintage pieces. Also, all these stores carry on-trend clothing, and these pieces are priced appropriately. We all have different tastes. Our styles look very different. So, it is a personal choice as to which shop will be your favorite. You will definitely find merchandise you like. It will be in one of these stores. I found a few items that I could not leave without.

Here are some of the stores that I visited:

Crossroads Trading
@crossroadtrading
24 West 26th St
Crossroadtrading.com

If you want to sell clothes, Crossroads has an app that tells you the number of sellers ahead of you. If you do not have time to wait, they have a 48-hour drop-off selling service and a sell-by-mail service.

Buffalo Exchange
@buffaloexchange
114 West 26th St
Buffaloexchange.com

They also have a text notification system that alerts sellers about their place in line, so you can trade for store credit.

Garage Sale Vintage
@garagesale_vintage
122 West 26th St
Gargarsalevintage.com

I can only say this is one of the most fabulous vintage shops I’ve ever been in. Garage Sale Vintage has a great vibe and a fantastic selection( there is even a record section), and it is a great space that offers a great shopping experience. This is a must-see stop on Thrift Row. See their website for details on the store and the more fun events at the shop

Thrift NYC
@thriftnycchelsea
150 West 26th St.

Thrift NYC has an excellent reputation for having the friendliest and most helpful staff and an excellent selection. It is well worth the trip.

2nd Street Chelsea
@secondstreetusa
142 West 26th St
ec.2ndstreetusa.com

They have stores nationwide, and with 250K followers, they are very popula

Flamingos Vintage Pound
110 West 26th St

Flamingos Vintage Pound is incredible. You must stop in to feel the vibe and see all the clothes. The staff is chill and very helpful—a great way to shop.

Goodwill
103 West 25th St.
Goodwillnynj.org

Goodwill is also around the corner, and their prices and variety were great. How can you not stop at Goodwill if it is right there?

Do not forget, if you go on a Saturday or Sunday. Do not miss the Chelsea flea market at 29 W. 25th St. between Sixth Avenue and Broadway. I promise it is worth going, even to browse. They are open 8 AM to 5 PM year-round.

Please remember sustainability and the importance of REDUCE, REUSE, AND RECYCLE!

Visit my Facebook page for local sales in Westchester County.

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

How Thrift Shopping is Changing in 2025 — May 4, 2025

How Thrift Shopping is Changing in 2025

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According to the Thred Up 2024 Annual Report, two-fifths of the clothing items purchased were secondhand. The report also states that 55% of consumers say that if the economy doesn’t improve, they’ll spend more of their apparel budget on secondhand, and 60% say shopping for secondhand apparel gives them the most bang for their buck.

I have seen this increase in the number of people shopping in the thrift stores I visit; prices are starting to increase in some stores. Some thrift store managers state that more resellers than ever are shopping to increase their inventory; quite a few thrift stores are now checking Poshmark and eBay to see what their items are worth and adjusting their pricing. The demand for second-hand clothing is increasing dramatically every year. I know of one thrift store that has adjusted its pricing by charging Poshmark prices. Rummage sales and thrift stores have special sections with new items with tags and designer merchandise. It is a sign of this new thrifting era.

With this many people shopping secondhand, it is harder to find the bargains of yesteryear, but don’t despair. There are still plenty of bargains out there; it just takes a world of patience now. I love local rummage sales, especially when the money goes back into the community (The same for smaller independent stores, where the money goes right back into the community).  Rummage sales are gaining in popularity by leaps and bounds. I recently went to a rummage sale in Westchester County that started at 9 am. I got there at 8:30 am to get in line, and there were 64 people ahead of me. That was unheard of just a few years ago. The good news is that most rummage sales have fixed pricing on clothing and shoes. Fixed pricing usually does not include high-end merchandise, but if it does, jackpot! Patience and a good eye will always be the key to excellent thrift shopping scores.

Thrift store shoppers save approximately $1,760 each year by making purchases secondhand. Approximately one-third of clothing and apparel items purchased in the U.S. over the past year were secondhand. In 2023, the U.S. secondhand market generated an estimated $53 billion in revenue. Resellers are also taking advantage of the booming thrifting business. For some, it is a full-time business; for others, it is a way to make ends meet.

I still love the thrill of the hunt when thrift shopping and seeing so many people that I have become friendly with on the thrifting circuit. So go out there and REDUCE, REUSE, AND RECYCLE, and most of all, enjoy finding those great bargains that we all love to brag about and show off. There are still plenty of bargains out there. So keep thrifting!

Please check out my Facebook page for local sales!

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

August 17th is National Thrift Shop Day — August 17, 2024

August 17th is National Thrift Shop Day

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August 17th is National Thrift Shop Day. We all know that I think it should be a national holiday. I love my thrift shopping – both shopping and writing about it. Why do people love thrift shopping? Why do I love thrift shopping? The thrill of the hunt is looking for that great find. The chance to create your style and make a fashion statement. The ability to save money by not shopping in expensive department stores. Secondhand and vintage clothes are better quality than today’s fast fashion. Even thrift stores have sales. Help your community by supporting local thrift shops that use their proceeds to help people in their communities. It gives you a chance to keep updating your wardrobe at reasonable prices. If you dislike a purchase, you can donate it right back.

Most importantly, by thrift shopping, you are saving the planet and keeping clothes out of landfills. These are just some of the reasons why we all love thrift shopping. I have been thrift shopping for over forty years, and it brings me great joy and is my passion. There is no better way to enjoy a few hours than by going to a thrift shop and just looking through all the racks hoping to find those unique pieces that I will buy and love for years to come.

Happy National Thrift Shop Day!!

Thank you for reading – if you like my blogs, please like my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/tonionthrifting/

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

Here are some of my favorite quotes about thrift shopping that I love! — January 7, 2024

Here are some of my favorite quotes about thrift shopping that I love!

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Happy New Year! I wanted to share with you some of my favorite quotes on thrift shopping! I hope that you enjoy them!

Thrift shopping is all about going into the thrift shop and having no expectation of what you might find.

Macklemore

My mom passed on her obsession of all things antique or vintage. I love to go thrift store shopping or explore any sort of garage sale. Treasure hunting is a family passion.

Zoey Deutch


Thrift shopping is really just an extension of me being that same kid and going into a place that’s completely unconventional that has really endless possibilities in terms of outfits that you can put together and really just expressing yourself.

Macklemore

I love thrift shopping. You can get ten things because everything costs, like, three dollars.

Lorde

I might wear skinny pants one day; I might wear thrift shop pants the next day.

Post Malone

I am a theater girl, and a lot of theater girls dress however pleases them. I wear whatever looks good on me. I wear what I wear because I have been shopping at thrift stores since I was five.

Kirsten Vangsness

The whole thing of clothes is insane. You can spend a dollar on a jacket in a thrift store. And you can spend a thousand dollars on a jacket in a shop. And if you saw those two jackets walking down the street, you probably wouldn’t know which was which.

Helen Mirren

Thank you, Brainy Quote, for the above quotes!

And here are three more:

Natalie Joos
On her advice for new vintage shoppers: “Never shop for something specific. Just browse. Don’t expect to find what you were looking for. It never works. Either go for cool pieces that stand out and are unique (you will keep them longer) or go for the big designer pieces that will last you a lifetime. Don’t buy things you know you will dispose of. Try stuff on. Vintage was made for smaller people. But don’t be afraid to buy things too big. Alterations are common when buying vintage. You don’t want to miss a cool piece just because it’s too big. Too small is not recommended!” —Elle, February 2013

Winona Ryder
“Most of my wardrobe is vintage and I’ve worn dresses to the Oscars that I got for $10. At Sean Penn’s last Haiti gala I wore this vintage dress that I’d worn to a film premiere in 2005. I know that’s kind of a no-no in the fashion world, but why wear something just once if you love it?” —Red, April 2014

Tracee Ellis Ross
“I buy a lot of vintage because, well, it’s AMAZING! And truthfully you can get great stuff for not a lot of money. I have a passion for vintage clothing because of the quality and uniqueness of the pieces (you don’t really have to worry about showing up in the same outfit as someone else). To update some of my vintage finds or sometimes just to make them fit, I have the help of a fabulous seamstress and dressmaker, Daniela Kurrle. She really is stupendous and our collaborations have resulted in some of my favorite dresses in my closet.” —her site, February 2013

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

August 17th is National Thrift Shop Day — August 16, 2022

August 17th is National Thrift Shop Day

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August 17th is National Thrift Shop Day. We all know that I think it should be a national holiday. I love my thrift shopping – both shopping and writing about it. Why do people love thrift shopping? Why do I love thrift shopping? The thrill of the hunt is looking for that great find. The chance to create your style and make a fashion statement. The ability to save money by not shopping in expensive department stores. Secondhand and vintage clothes are better quality than today’s fast fashion. Even thrift stores have sales. Help your community by supporting local thrift shops that use their proceeds to help people in their communities. It gives you a chance to keep updating your wardrobe at reasonable prices. If you dislike a purchase, you can donate it right back.

Most importantly, by thrift shopping, you are saving the planet and keeping clothes out of landfills. These are just some of the reasons why we all love thrift shopping. I have been thrift shopping for over forty years, and it brings me great joy and is my passion. There is no better way to enjoy a few hours than by going to a thrift shop and just looking through all the racks hoping to find those unique pieces that I will buy and love for years to come.

Happy National Thrift Shop Day!!

Thank you for reading – if you like my blogs, please like my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/tonionthrifting/

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

When this is all over, there will be a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow (or two) for thrifters. — May 1, 2020

When this is all over, there will be a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow (or two) for thrifters.

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I hope that this finds everyone safe and well during this unprecedented time in our lives.

I think there is a pot of gold (or two or three or more) waiting for us thrifters when the thrift shops start opening up again. But caution and patience will be the key.

Everyone has been home for weeks now and most of us have been cleaning out our drawers, closets, attics, storage and more. The trunk of my car has at least eight shopping bags waiting to be dropped off plus lots of home decor. I think the abundance of donations is going to be amazing and there will some outstanding scores for all of us thrifters. But you must exercise caution and patience when you do start thrift shopping again.

Depending on your level of comfort will decide when you start visiting thrift shops after they reopen your area to businesses. I personally will wait a couple of weeks before I start shopping. But I will arm myself with large plastic bags to put the clothes in before they go in my car. It would also be a good idea to spray with disinfectant before you put the items in your car (depending on the fabrics of course). You must also make sure that everything is washed as soon as possible. Better to be safe than sorry.

Let’s be positive, there will be deals to be had so make sure you have your comfortable thrift shopping clothes on! It will be the best thrifting that we have seen in years. Depending on the amounts of donations, this windfall could last a few months.

I think that thrifting is going to surge as the economy may be rough for a while. People have lost their jobs and have to clothes themselves, their partners and children. I believe that people will be more open to thrifting than in the past. And we all know, once you step in the thrift shop, it can be love at first sight —- and you just keep going back. The thrill of the exceptional find.

People are also more earth conscious as well and I hope that that makes a difference. As it stands, 84 percent of all unwanted clothes end up in landfills, according to Newsweek.

Pricing may be different when the stores open depending on the thrift store or charity and the amount of donations they have in stock.

I am finding that some thrift stores use comparable pricing to EBay while other shops price to empty the shelves/racks. Either way; you are helping some GREAT charities and small business owners not to mention helping the planet by not having clothes end up in landfills. It is a win-win.

I wish you happy and exciting thrift shop adventures when the stores reopen. Stay well and healthy and make sure you practice social distancing.

Look for the rainbows and the pots of gold, I promise, they will be there waiting for you.

Toni from TonionThrifting

P.S. Thanks Alice for the great pictures of the double rainbow! xoxo

Today is National Thrift Shop Day!! Celebrate by shopping at one of your favorite thrift shops. — August 17, 2019

Today is National Thrift Shop Day!! Celebrate by shopping at one of your favorite thrift shops.

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August 17th is National Thrift Shop Day. We all know that I think it should be a national holiday. 🙂 I love my thrift shopping – both shopping and writing about it. I take great enjoyment out of the “hunt” and I have met some remarkable people along the way. Please remember when you shop My Sister’s Place, Goodwill, Salvation Army, Habitat For Humanity, Angel Street, Cauz For Pawz, Housing Works,  and countless others, you are supporting PHENOMENAL causes and helping change countless lives. So on National Thrift Shop Day, please go out and shop, you will be supporting someone in need and helping the environment!! Every piece of clothing purchased second-hand means one less new one produced. So in honor of National Thrift Shop Day, here are my top reasons why I love thrift shopping: You are more than likely supporting a charity that helps people in need. You are helping to save the environment. Thrift shopping allows you to create your own style, be unique and try different things. You are saving money. Vintage pieces can make an outfitlook spectacular. You can decorate your home inexpensively. You can buy housewares at a fraction off the original cost.

You meet some amazing people along the way.

Thrift stores have sales too. and…. The enjoyment I get from thrift shopping especially when I find a really special piece. Happy National Thrift Shop Day!! Thank you for reading – if you like my blogs, please like my Facebook page: TonionThrifting Until next time, Happy Shopping!
Best Sale Of The Year — This Weekend ONLY! – The Attic Sale At Irvington Presbyterian Church — September 9, 2016

Best Sale Of The Year — This Weekend ONLY! – The Attic Sale At Irvington Presbyterian Church

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I have raved about this sale in the past and it should not be missed.  If you get a chance this weekend, you should go to Irvington Presbyterian Church in Irvington, New York and experience the Attic Sale. I promise, you won’t ever miss another one.

Here is the link to my blog about last year’s sale : https://tonionthrifting.com/2015/10/01/tonionthrifting-chapter-24-irvington-presbyterian-churchs-attic-sale-held-on-september-11th-and-12th-recap/

So run, don’t walk to the Attic Sale.

Some of the departments are:

  • Accessories
  • Bakery
  • Books
  • Boutique
  • Café
  • Children’s Clothing & Shoes
  • Electronics
  • Furniture
  • Holiday
  • Housewares
  • Linens
  • Men’s Clothing & Shoes
  • Sporting Goods
  • Toys
  • Women’s Clothing & Shoes
  • and more!

Not only is this one of my most favorite sales of the year, the amount of charities that Irvington Presbyterian Church helps with this sale is astonishing.

  • Abbott House
  • Autism Speaks
  • Bedford Hills Correctional Children’s Center
  • Boys & Girls Club of Tarrytown & Sleepy
  • Hollow
  • Children’s Village
  • CLUSTER
  • Dobbs Ferry Food Pantry
  • Dobbs Ferry Volunteer Ambulance Corp
  • Elizabeth Mascia Child Care Center
  • Exodus Transitional Community, Yonkers
  • Family Services of Westchester
  • FISH of Irvington
  • Good Shepherd Early Childhood Center
  • Scholarship Fund
  • Guiding Eyes for the Blind
  • Heifer International
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Helping Hands of Potsdam, NY
  • Holmes Presbyterian Camp
  • Hope’s Door/Northern Westchester Shelter
  • Hour Children
  • Hunger Project
  • Hurricane Sandy Relief
  • Irvington Senior Center
  • Irvington Volunteer Ambulance Corp.
  • Irvington Volunteer Fire Dept.
  • Lighthouse International
  • Make-a-Wish Foundation
  • Medical Benevolence Foundation
  • My Sister’s Place
  • Pegasus Therapeutic Riding
  • Peter M. Goodrich Foundation
  • Pets Alive Animal Shelter
  • Phelps Memorial Hospice
  • Puppies Behind Bars
  • PW Mission Pledge
  • Midnight Run
  • National Children’s Cancer Center
  • Rosary Hill
  • Rural & Migrant Ministries
  • Safe Horizons
  • Salvation Army Food Pantry
  • Sharing Community Food Kitchen
  • Smile Train
  • Spring Community Partners of Dobbs Ferry
  • St. Cabrini Adult Day Health Center
  • Tarrytown Ambulance Corp.
  • The Bowery
  • Trickle Up
  • West Hab
  • Westchester Boy Scout Council
  • Westchester Coalition for Hungry & Homeless
  • Women of Grace Widows Fund
  • Salvation Army
  • Westchester Animal Shelter
  • Midnight Run
  • SPRING Community Partners of Dobbs Ferry
  • Queen Daughter Day Nursery in Yonkers
  • Saint Barnabas Church of Irvington
  • Furniture Share House of Westchester Co.
  • Exodus
  • The Bowery of NYC
  • AFYA of Yonkers
  • New Beginnings in Elmsford
  • P.S. 56, Norwood Heights School
  • Vietnam Veterans of America

So go enjoy the Attic Sale, you will thank me later!! 🙂 🙂 🙂

Irvington Presbyterian Church Annual Attic Sale

25 North Broadway

Irvington, NY 10533

Friday, September 9th from 10 am until 5 pm

Saturday, September 10th from 10 am until 3 pm

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!

AS SEEN ON HGTV – Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market in New Milford, CT — August 17, 2016

AS SEEN ON HGTV – Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market in New Milford, CT

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There are all different kinds of buyers at the Elephant’s Trunk Flea market in New Milford, CT. There are the super-early bird buyers who go in at 4:45 am for a $40 admission price. Then there are the early bird buyers who can start their treasure hunting experience by 5:45 a.m. and up until 7 a.m. for a $20 admission. And last but not least, there is lil ole me and anyone who waltzed in just after 7 for a $2.00 admission fee.

IMG_0152

Elephant Trunk’s Flea Market has gained enormous popularity after appearing in many episodes of “Flea Market Flip” with Lara Spencer on HGTV. I definitely understand why people would pay to get in early, this place is paradise for anyone who loves flea markets and/ or if you are looking for some DIY projects and need some items to start. This is a great place to find something simple and turn it into something spectacular or just find something unique.

IMG_0141

There are some really amazing food trucks. I heard the mini donuts should not be missed. There is quite a bit to choose from – anywhere from breakfast foods and sandwiches to lunchtime hamburgers, hotdogs and they have lots of sweets for those with a sweet tooth.

This place has anything and everything you can think of when it comes to vintage merchandise. They have tons of furniture that you can easily bring home and transform into a unique masterpiece. They have furniture that can just be brought home and placed in a special spot all ready to be enjoyed. They have vintage jewelry, handbags, clothing, signs, home décor, coins, shoes, kitchen appliances, kitchen accessories, chairs, rockers, lamps, clocks, planters, toys, collectibles, and so, so much more. This place is definitely a treasure hunter’s paradise. And just as an added plus, all vendors are eager to sell for a reasonable price so don’t be afraid to speak up if you want something, vendors are willing to bargain. Also, please note that because the vendors are there so early, some start packing up early too. I suggest you get there early to have the whole experience (and make sure you get some decent parking). Things start packing up around 2 p.m. when they stop charging admission. Also, bring cash otherwise you might lose out on a great buy!

I hope that the pictures help you understand just what a great experience this is or just tune into HGTV and catch an episode of “Flea Market Flip” that takes place at Elephant’s Trunk and all the treasures that you can find.

They are open on Sundays from April through December and have over 500 vendors.

490 Danbury Rd
New Milford, CT 06776
Phone number (860) 355-1448

UNTIL NEXT TIME, HAPPY SHOPPING!!