ToniOnThrifting

ToniOnThrifting – Thrift Shopping Made Simple

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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.

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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.

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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!!

One Of Brooklyn’s Best – Life Boutique Thrift — June 13, 2016

One Of Brooklyn’s Best – Life Boutique Thrift

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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!!

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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.

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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.

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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

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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 .

St Bartholomew’s Thrift Shop – Never Judge A Book … — January 24, 2016

St Bartholomew’s Thrift Shop – Never Judge A Book …

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When you first walk into St Bartholomew’s Thrift Shop, it looks ordinary.  PLEASE don’t let it fool you. It turns out that it is one of the most extraordinary thrift shops I have ever set foot in. The majority of their donations come from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Thrift Shop in New York City.  That should tell you right there that they have phenomenal stock. And the rest is not so bad either 🙂 🙂 🙂 I think their specialty is clothing although they carry housewares as well. The prices are well below what you pay in other thrift stores in the area. Women’s tops start at $3.00 and men’s just a dollar or two more. They have good shoe section with equally appealing prices. Look all around the shop, they have hidden treasures everywhere!

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Fortunately or unfortunately, only a small part of the shop is dedicated to housewares. The housewares they do have are high quality. I bought a ceramic serving platter for $6.00 – the price was marked $40.00 on the back –(from the MSK thrift shop I am sure). I also purchased beautiful wine glasses for $1.00 EACH.

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This is a definitely hit or miss thrift shop (I have gone back a few times and have had many more hits than misses.) This is certainly worth the trip every time, it has been for me. Especially the when I scored a Land’s End wrap dress for $6.00.

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The staff is remarkable – professional, kind and courteous. The shop is small and has limited hours and it gets crowded on Saturdays so get there when they open. When they get fresh stock, it feels like Christmas. You just never know what you are going to find. Top name brands, high quality merchandise all the way. Stop in, it is highly unlikely you will be disappointed —- and you will even be pleasantly surprised.

St. Bartholomew’s Thrift Shop

82 Prospect Avenue

White Plains, NY 10607

914.949.5611

Tuesday and Thursday from 1 pm until 5 pm

Saturday from 10 am until 12 pm

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!

Treasures Thrift Shop And What A Treasure It Is! — December 3, 2015

Treasures Thrift Shop And What A Treasure It Is!

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I had been trying to get to the Treasures Thrift Shop for weeks and one thing or another kept coming up. I finally made it there and all I can say – WOW! Wow for the selection, wow for the prices, wow for the staff – and I had such a good time while I was there. I thoroughly enjoyed perusing through the shelves and racks – there is just so much to see and buy. 🙂 🙂 🙂 It was a great “thrift” shopping experience.

Let me start with – they had SALVATORE FERRAGAMO shoes (in very good condition) for $12 – yes, $12. 🙂 🙂 🙂

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They also have free shelves right before you enter the store, how great is that?

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They had a good selection of jeans, tops, sweaters, jackets, suits and all at reasonable prices (quite reasonable) and they have an excellent home décor/ household section. Obviously, they have a great shoe section (see note above 🙂 ). They have a small boutique section with some designer clothes that has more than fair prices. They have shelves overflowing with bedding and linens and they had some spectacular items there too.

I understand that we should be on the lookout for our daily sales and markdowns as well as regular half-price and seasonal Five Dollar Bag sales.

Here is some additional information from their website:

Founded by Mildred MacDonald in 1968, and reinvigorated in 1993 by the efforts of Ginger Eliasberg, Treasures is staffed by a group of dedicated, hard-working volunteers from St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and the surrounding community. Treasures Thrift Shop’s mission is threefold:

  • To provide outreach to the wider community by providing affordable merchandise
  • To raise additional funds so that St. Stephen’s can expand its outreach programs (including support of Tanzanian AIDS orphans, the Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry, Friends of Karen, Canines for Combat Veterans, Fessenden House, the Rural and Migrant Ministry, The Bridge Fund of Westchester, AHOME, the Peter A. Bard Acolyte Scholarship Fund, Taconic DDSO, and the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility)
  • To provide fellowship for parish members by working together toward a common goal.

It just makes you want to shop there, all the more!! I HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend this thrift shop – it is one of the best thrift shops in Westchester. 🙂 🙂 🙂

Treasures Thrift Shop

50 Bedford Road

Armonk, New York

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

10 am until 2 pm

City Opera Thrift Shop Revisited — November 12, 2015

City Opera Thrift Shop Revisited

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I just had to revisit City Opera Thrift Shop because I keep hearing so many great things about them. This place is a New York staple and has been in business thirty-five years. Featured in Vogue as “the highest quality thrift shop in New York,” the City Opera Thrift Shop is the city’s only charity SHOP supporting the arts.  Browsing through City Opera is just a great experience and they have some truly amazing merchandise in this store. If you have a black tie event, this should be your first stop. The clothing, especially the evening wear is absolutely unique and spectacular. I have seen dozens of skirts, blazers and tons of little black dresses, one better than the other and all REASONABLY PRICED. And this shop just gets better with age!! The clothing is top notch and in great condition too so you can’t ask for more than that. They have a great shoe selection as well.

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The front of the store does hold some very special treasures in the form of bags and costume jewelry. You must check this out. All I can say is WOW! Although, I bet the turnover is pretty quick in this boutique.

Don’t Forget the beautiful upstairs – they have some pretty incredible home décor as well as a massive book section. There is also furniture and art work.

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This is probably one of the very best thrift shops that the city has to offer. It makes all the lists every year. I highly recommend that you visit City Opera, you will not be disappointed.

CITY OPERA Thrift Shop,
222 E 23rd St,
New York, NY, 10010
212.684.5344

MONDAY-WEDNESDAY 10-7
THURSDAY 10-8
FRIDAY 10-7
SATURDAY 10-6
SUNDAY 11-6

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!

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