ToniOnThrifting

ToniOnThrifting – Thrift Shopping Made Simple

Category: New York City

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!

/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

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

/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, 2022

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

/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!!

Housing Works Bookstore Cafe and Thrift Shop in SoHo — November 21, 2017

Housing Works Bookstore Cafe and Thrift Shop in SoHo

/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.

IMG_0579

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.

IMG_0576

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!

 

August 17th is National Thrift Shopping Day — August 16, 2017

August 17th is National Thrift Shopping Day

/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

August 17th 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 23rd 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.

IMG_0066

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.

IMG_1111

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!!!!

TonionThrifting914

Vintage Thrift East – A Definite Favorite and Must See! — June 5, 2017

Vintage Thrift East – A Definite Favorite and Must See!

/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.

IMG_0537

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

IMG_0538

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.

IMG_0540

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!!

City Opera Thrift Shop Art Event — January 21, 2017

City Opera Thrift Shop Art Event

/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

If you love art, then you should not miss the City Opera Thrift Shop Art Event. They have a stellar assortment of sculptures, art books and artwork for sale.

img_0340

The art books are some of the best out there and all priced to sell. The artwork is outstanding and the sculptures magnificent.

I will let the pictures tell this story.

img_0344
img_0347

As you can see, the works that are for sale are stunning.

The art book selections cover a wide variety of artists and their acclaimed works that will absolutely delight all art lovers.

The selections extend from all eras and genres.

img_0352
img_0342

City Opera Thrift Shop has been supporting Opera for 35 years so what a great cause to support!

img_0346

I highly recommend this art sale, you will not be disappointed!

City Opera Thrift Shop

222 East 23rd Street

New York, NY

For shop hours and more information, please visit:

http://cityoperathriftshop.org/
One Of Brooklyn’s Best – Life Boutique Thrift — June 13, 2016

One Of Brooklyn’s Best – Life Boutique Thrift

/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

There is just so much to love about Life Boutique Thrift on 5th Ave in Brooklyn. The best thing being that this shop donates all profits to Chai Lifeline, an organization that provides services for Jewish children and teens with life-threatening illnesses. They also take care of the family with support programs, counseling, and educational services. Their Camp Simcha benefits 400 seriously ill children each year providing them with an extraordinary camp experience which include talent shows, concerts, and helicopter, hot-air, and motorcycle rides. What a wonderful organization. Please note that they do accept hair donations. Check out the website for further information. http://www.chailifeline.org/program/hair – Kudos!!

IMG_0070

Life Boutique Thrift is one of the best thrift shops I have ever set foot in for a variety of reasons. One is that it has an astonishing vintage selection. They have some really great vintage pieces and a wide variety as well. I am sure it changes weekly because their selections must fly off the racks. They have good quality pieces and the clothes that I looked at where all in pristine condition. I think the prices are more than fair especially for vintage. They carry an array of sizes but like all thrift shops, it can vary day to day, week to week.

IMG_0071

Life Boutique Thrift has great clothing on sales racks as well as some great shoes so make sure that you check out all the sales. Their clothing racks are loaded with a wide array of store and designer labels. Their displays are well done and I thought the front window was classy and elegant.

You must look at the vast selection of jewelry and accessories; there are lots of great buys plus some unique and lovely pieces. They have a rack of handbags that fit almost every and any occasion and they were all in great condition. The pricing was according to the designer and I think all prices were more than reasonable. They had scarves, sunglasses, gloves, all kinds of accessories.

They have lots of LPs and some great choices if that is what you enjoy.

IMG_0074

What made this visit extraordinary was the staff; they could not have been any nicer, any more helpful and always smiling. They are just so professional and they want you to have a great shopping experience and it definitely comes through with their demeanor. I was exceptionally impressed. This is one store that you do not want to miss. It will definitely be on my top ten list.

Life Boutique Thrift

515 5th Avenue

b/t 12th and 14th

South Slope in Brooklyn

718.788.5433

Mon

 

11:00 am – 9:00 pm

Tue11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Wed11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Thu11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Fri11:00 am – 6:45 pm
SatClosed
Sun11:00 am – 9:00 pm

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

ToniOnThrifting – The First Year — May 24, 2016

ToniOnThrifting – The First Year

/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

My dream blog has become a reality. It has been an amazing year (plus). Thanks to some great publicity from the very popular blog, Struck By Wanderlust (https://struckbywanderlustblog.wordpress.com),  my blog has been read in over 26 countries including Australia, Israel, and Greece to name a few. Outside of the U.S., the UK folks seem to be reading my blog the most :). My blogs have been viewed well over 4,000 times and the numbers keep growing. The most popular blog was on the Humane Society of New Rochelle. They posted my blog on their Facebook page and it went through the roof. The most popular day to read my blog is Tuesday and the most popular hour is 9 p.m. (Thank you WordPress for all the great stats.) Please note I am posting on Tuesday but not at 9 p.m. 🙂

Thrift Shopping has been steadily increasing over the past few years for many reasons. People who want to have a unique/individual style start thrifting to create these styles. Vintage clothing is hugely popular right now and trending. People are very cost conscious as well especially when it comes to clothing and they find thrifting a good alternative. Most importantly, by reselling and recycling clothing, you are helping the planet.

Goodwill has been evolving and introduced “boutique shopping” and opened their newest boutique in Union Square last year. Reselling websites like Real Real, Tradesy and Thred Up are thriving. Consignment shops are more popular than ever especially in the high end handbag and accessory category. The luxury handbag category is an exceptionally competitive market. In 2014 alone, revenues for the thrift store industry were close to $9 billion

I know a couple of people that buy used items at thrift stores and resell on eBay. They buy top brand name shirts, blouses and jeans at shops like St. Bart’s for a few bucks and then resell on eBay for anywhere from $10.00 to $20.00 depending on the quality, brand, etc. and what they paid.

I take great joy in finding new thrift shops, visiting my “regulars” and buying new outfits or something for the house. So whatever you desire, whether to shop for yourself or shop to make money, I hope that you enjoy my blogs; they are truly a labor of love.

THANK YOU FOR MAKING A DREAM COME TRUE!!

Here is the link to Struck by Wanderlust:

https://struckbywanderlustblog.wordpress.com/

Also check out Michael in the City on Struck By Wanderlust

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!

P.S. Feedback always welcome .

Cure Thrift Sop – Love at first sight…. — February 3, 2016

Cure Thrift Sop – Love at first sight….

/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

I walked into the Cure Thrift Shop and it was love at first sight – the 50% off sale just made it so much easier. This a great thrift shop and it benefits Juvenile Diabetes Research and Advocacy. The layout is magnificent and so fun to walk around, the staff outstanding and the selections bountiful. The displays are very well done and indicative of the top quality merchandise that this shop carries. The prices are good normally and with the 50% sale, the prices are spectacular.

The selection of both men and women’s clothes is outstanding. Everything trendy to classic pieces as well. The accessories section is generous and the jewelry wonderful.

They had brand new handbags, tote bags and accessories along with many other accessories including belts, scarfs, etc.

This is just one of those thrift shops that you just have to go to and I would be surprised if you did not find anything. The decor/home section has a wide variety of top quality items.

It is a great experience just to browse through this shop!! I highly recommend this shop, it is quite the experience. Kudos to the staff!

This is one thrift shop you should not miss!! Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

CURE THRIFT SHOP

111 EAST 12TH STREET

NEW YORK, NY 10003

212-505-7467

OPEN DAILY FROM

12PM-9PM