2022-08-16T18:36:19-04:00

August 17th is National Thrift Shop Day

August 16, 2022August 16, 2022/ToniOnThrifting.com/1 Comment

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!

The Thrifty Hog – High-End Thrifting at its Best and All for a Great Cause!

April 22, 2022April 22, 2022/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

When you walk into the Thrifty Hog, you feel like you are in an upscale boutique. The impeccable displays, the friendly staff, and the unique selections all make the shop dazzling. This shop is well-curated to give you the ultimate shopping experience. Make no mistake; this is not your average thrift store. With donations from high-profile models, designers, fashion influencers, and beauty experts, to name a few, there is no shortage of fabulous on any given day. But what makes the Thrifty Hog extraordinary is that The Thrifty Hog’s net proceeds directly fund programs that help homeless mothers and their children.

The Founder & CEO of the Thrifty Hog is Deborah Koenigsberger. She is also the Founder & CEO of the nonprofit charity Hearts of Gold. Hearts of Gold’s mission and its purpose is reimagining the future of homeless mothers and their children. Their programs work with these moms to become confident and self-sufficient as they prepare to transition from New York City shelter system into permanent homes. The Thrifty Hog’s (an acronym for Hearts of Gold) net proceeds directly fund Hearts of Gold’s programs and services. Deborah’s efforts on behalf of Hearts of Gold have been featured on NY1, CBS New York, and Fox News, to name a few. Here is a link that will give you an in-depth look at Deborah and Hearts of Gold. https://www.heartsofgold.org/whatwedo

The pictures do not do the Thrifty Hog justice; only a visit there will. The selections are unique and unlike any other thrift/consignment store that you go to. You will pay more for designer duds, but you are getting the designers we all crave at a significant discount on original pricing. And there is plenty of affordable merchandise for sale throughout the store, especially in the accessories section. The inventory has a high turnover rate because the shop is trendy and in a high foot traffic area. Please do yourself a favor and make it a point to go to the Thrifty Hog. Well worth a trip or two or three.

The Thrifty Hog

11 West 25th Street NY, NY | (212) 206-1174 | info@heartsofgold.org

Store Hours

MONDAY & TUESDAY
Closed

WEDS, THURS, FRI

10:30AM – 6:3OPM

SATURDAY

11:00AM–6:00PM

SUNDAY

11:00AM–5:00PM

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!!

Thrifting is back and here are some standouts to share with you.

November 22, 2021June 18, 2022/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

One of my favorite passions is thrifting as you all know. Here are some thrift shops I have come across recently. I will write in-depth about them soon but I just have to share these gems with you.

Please call first as some thrift shops change their hours or close during the holidays.

Deer Hill Thrift Shop in Danbury. It is part of the First Congregational Church of Danbury. Located at 164 Deer Hill Ave. What a great surprise. Maybe I was just lucky the day I shopped. I scored Calvin Klein kitten heels on sale for $5.00. A Talbot’s sweater for $8.00 and Chico’s cargo pants for $4.00. I have a feeling that this one stays well stocked. They are open Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The phone number is (203) 792-3110.

Carousel Thrift Shop, a thrift shop affiliated with the Southport Congregational Church is another gem with lots of high-end merchandise and priced accordingly. They are located at 524 Pequot Ave, Southport, CT 06890. They are open Tuesday thru Saturday from 11am to 3pm. The phone number is (203) 255-6629. https://www.loc8nearme.com/connecticut/southport/southport-congregational-church/6491122/

The Hillside Thrift Shop is located at Zion Episcopal Church, at 55 Cedar Street, Dobbs Ferry NY, right before the intersection with Main Street. Just go up the driveway, where you’ll find ample parking, and go through the little red door with the thrift-shop sign. Open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 12:00 to 4:00 and accept donations on Mondays from 10:00 to 12:00. The phone number is (914) 693-9320.

St. Bartholomew’s Thrift Shop reopened and just as great as ever. Lots of Eileen Fisher merchandise too. They are located at 82 Prospect Ave., White Plains, NY 10607. Open Saturdays 9-1 and Thursdays 3 pm – 6pm. The phone number is (914) 949-5611.

Ridgefield Thrift Shop. (Please read my blog about the RTS) Top rated. Top merchandise. Unbelievable prices. They are located at 21 Governor St, Ridgefield, CT 06877. They are open Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 12pm – 4pm. The phone number is (203) 438-3328.

All of these thrift shops help those in need and are a great reason to shop at one, two, or all.

Thrilled to be back to thrifting and lots more to come. Please send any thrift shops suggestions to toniononthrifting@gmail.com. I would love to hear what your favorite places are.

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!

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/ToniOnThrifting.com/1 Comment

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, 2019December 15, 2021/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

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!

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!

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!!!!

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

ToniOnThrifting

ToniOnThrifting – Thrift Shopping Made Simple

Category: best thrift shops nyc