2024-01-07T10:56:42-05:00

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

January 7, 2024/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.

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!

The Outreach Clothing Sale at the Church of St. Barnabas- One of the most popular sales in Westchester!

November 4, 2023November 4, 2023/ToniOnThrifting.com/2 Comments

The Outreach Clothing Sale has become one of the most popular and well-attended sales in Westchester County. This is because they have high-quality clothing at bargain basement prices. The sale opens to the public on Wednesday, November 8^th, and I assure you that there will be a long line starting early in the morning. It is well worth it to get the best merchandise. I have always found that I get the most for my money at this sale. This sale includes men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories. It covers a few rooms and has a boutique rack with designer and vintage items. The pictures featured are for next week’s sale!

This is also one sale where the men’s section is just as phenomenal as the women’s. Everything from tee shirts, shorts, polos, long and short-sleeve tops, sweaters, coats and jackets, pants and jeans, and so much more. And when you go, you must visit the shoe section. I purchased some nice boots a couple of years ago.

I spoke to Linda Pierpont, one of the founders of the sale and a parishioner for 34 years. The first sale was in 1995. It has grown significantly yearly, and the sale proceeds have reached over one million dollars. Just a few of the dozens of organizations that have received grants from St. Barnabas include ARC Westchester Foundation, Blthyedale Children’s Hospital, Greenburgh Nature Center, Irvington Senior Citizen Center, New Rochelle Humane Society, Phelps Hospice, Habitat for Humanity, Stephen Siller Tunnels to Towers Foundation and that is to name a few.

Linda said that two of the most significant aspects of the Outreach Clothing sale are the sustainability factor, which keeps clothes out of landfills and gives them new purpose, and the fact that she gets to work with such outstanding people with a common goal in mind of helping the planet and others. Linda also wanted me to mention that donations for this sale far exceeded last year’s donations, and there will be some great finds for all.

If you go to only a few sales a year, I must insist you take advantage of this one!! I hope the pictures give you an idea of what an extraordinary sale this is!!

For those who donated to the sale, the preview day is Tuesday, November 7^th – keep that in mind so next year you contribute to get in that extra day early!!!!

2023 Outreach Clothing Sale

The Church of St. Barnabas

15 North Broadway

Irvington, New York

Wednesday, November 8: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm & 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Thursday, November 9: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm & 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Friday, November 10: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm & 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Saturday, November 11: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Don’t miss this sale, and until next time, Happy Thrifting!

The Back Door Thrift Shop – Bargains Galore!

August 21, 2023August 21, 2023/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

I have another great treasure for you in White Plains. The Back Door Thrift Shop on Greenridge Avenue is a real gem and one that you should visit. They have a variety of men’s and women’s clothing. They carry shoes, housewares, costume jewelry, accessories, home décor, and various other items. The clothing they sell varies from new to gently worn to vintage. The Back Door Thrift Shop has set pricing which to me is a great big plus in any thrift store. I will say that on each visit that I have made, I have walked out with at least two or three items of clothing. They DO NOT sell children’s toys, clothes, games, or accessories nor do they sell books.

What the Back Door Thrift Shop primarily does is price their clothing to accommodate people in the local community struggling so they have a place where they can buy nice clothing at very affordable prices. They also cater to the true “thrifties” like me who love to shop at places like this. The business has been steadily picking up with many of their long-term customers returning and through word of mouth (and hopefully this blog) they will attract a whole new clientele. They have customers that come from Brooklyn monthly (impressive as there is no shortage of thrift shops in Brooklyn) to see what the Back Door’s latest merchandise is.

I was able to sit down with Wendy, Chair of the Thrift Shop Committee who has been a volunteer at the thrift shop for eleven years and a member of the Hebrew Institute for 30 years. We talked about the Back Door Thrift Shop and its history. The Back Door Thrift Shop has been in existence for over 40 years. In 2019, the Hebrew Institute (home of the Back Door Thrift Shop) began a renovation/rebuild and they had to close. They had moved to a temporary location just a few blocks away and then Covid happened, and they had to close the temporary location. The shop was reopened in January 2023 in their completely renovated place (beautiful, spacious, and bright) which includes ground level direct entrance which is ADA compliant. Wendy collaborates closely with Deborah, a former Chair, and other committee members, to create an amazing shop and shopping experience which makes it a great team effort.

Proceeds from the shop are used to support synagogue programs and activities for youth, adults, families, and seniors plus it helps bring in outside scholars and lecturers. They are always looking for donations that can be donated during shop hours. See the website for specific donation details.

I think that you will love the Back Door Thrift Shop so help me spread the word because they are doing so much for so many!

The Back Door Thrift Shop

20 Greenridge Ave

White Plains, NY 10605

Website: https://www.hiwp.org/thrift_shop

914-948-3095 ext. 301

Email: thriftshop@hiwp.org

HOURS: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
10am-2pm

Sundays reopening starting on October15 10am – 2pm

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

The Turnover Shop in Wilton, Connecticut – I can’t wait to go back!

March 29, 2023March 29, 2023/ToniOnThrifting.com/3 Comments

What makes The Turnover Shop different from other thrift shops is that they consign clothes as well as sell donated clothes. This makes The Turnover Shop a well-visited destination for thrift shop lovers. Located in the center of Wilton, CT, and open six days a week, Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM and Saturday from 10 AM to 1 PM, it continually gains popularity and has a high turnover rate. They carry a full line of women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing, shoes, antiques, housewares, games, books, jewelry, and small furnishings.

I went through racks and racks of clothing and found a beautiful sweater, jacket, and a couple of other household items, and I spent at most $30. They also happened to have a phenomenal sale, which made it easy. The shoe selection alone was too tempting, not to mention the jewelry and accessories. I know I was not alone because the store was crowded during my visit.

I had the pleasure of speaking to Sharon Sobel, the President of the Turnover Shop. She told me that what makes the Turnover Shop special is that customers who consign can donate the proceeds of their sales to a non-profit of their choice if that organization opens a consignment account to receive the funds. It is a great way to support a favorite local charity. The Turnover Shop donates proceeds from their store sales to many organizations, such as the PTA of Wilton, Visiting Nurse & Hospice, CT Humane Society, and ABC House, to name a few. All the volunteers love working at the Turnover Shop and look forward to their shifts there. I had a lovely visit with Sharon and saw the store. You can see that they have a very loyal customer base, and people are happy to shop there and are friendly with the staff.

Here is some history from their website: Founded over 75 years ago by a group of volunteers dedicated to serving the community’s needs, The Turnover has kept that tradition of service and generosity alive as we have evolved to help each generation. Our hard work reflects every lifestyle and fashion, and our current team of over 130 volunteers remains committed to the prospect of always being creative and innovative. Thousands of satisfied customers continue to validate their hard work.

A visit to the Turnover Shop should be on your must-see thrift shop list.

The Turnover Shop

98 Old Ridgefield Road

Wilton, CT 06897

Phone: 203.762.3160

Monday – Friday – 10 AM to 4 PM

Saturday – 10 AM to 1 PM

Women’s Club of White Plains – their pop-up sales are incredible!

November 27, 2022December 2, 2022/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

The Thrift Shop in White Plains had been in continuous operation since November 11, 1918. It had been the oldest thrift shop in New York State, possibly in the country. The idea of a Thrift Exchange, as it was called, grew out of the national desire to reuse and recycle items to aid the war effort. The original Thrift Exchange was held in the Tod Market on the corner of Court Street and Martine Avenue. The building is still in existence. In 1923 the Thrift Shop moved to a barn behind the old Preudhomme residence on Church Street. It remained at that location for 50 years until finally moving to its final place in the White Plains Presbyterian Church on North Broadway. The Shop was a 501c3 entity jointly owned by the Woman’s Club of White Plains, the Scarsdale Woman’s Club, and the Hitchcock Presbyterian Church in Scarsdale, with proceeds donated to local charities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Thrift Shop of White Plains was forced to close its doors and was disbanded in 2022. The Woman’s Club of White Plains will continue the Thrift Shop of White Plains tradition and operate out of its clubhouse at 305 Ridgeway in White Plains. Credit: https://www.womansclubofwhiteplains.org/about.html

The Woman’s Club of White Plains has pop-ups throughout the year and a regular shopping day on Tuesdays from 10 am until 12 pm. Their next pop-up is on Saturday, December 3rd, from 9 am until 1 pm. The selections are all high quality and priced to sell. I cannot emphasize enough that these pop-ups are not to be missed. As for me, I have purchased some fantastic pieces that have become favorites in my wardrobe. Prices start at $4.00 (yes, $4.00) and upwards for the regular shop items, with high-end/boutique items more than reasonably priced. They also carry shoes, men’s and women’s winter clothing, and accessories. They have beautiful housewares and hosting serveware not to be missed. They will also be carrying high-end Christmas décor at the pop-up. The pictures shown are from one of their most recent pop-ups.

The volunteers are incredible, friendly, and helpful. They arrange areas for you to try on clothes (a major plus) and are devoted to raising money to help people in need in White Plains. I recently spoke to Judy Korman, Chair of the Thrift Shop and Marking, and I commend her on the great work the Woman’s Club of White Plains is doing and ALL the local charities that benefit from the work of these incredible women. Some of the previous recipients of their philanthropy include the White Plains Library, the YWCA, victims of domestic violence, and so many others.

There are also some fantastic and fun events to promote the thrift shop. They recently hosted a Sip & Swap where you can bring clothes and accessories to donate and take home donated items. They provide drinks and bites; if you are not a member, the great price is $10.00 for entry. I missed the last one but planned on being at the next one.

NEXT POP-UP – Saturday, December 3^rd

9 am until 1 pm

Woman’s Club of White Plains

305 Ridgeway

White Plains, New York 10605

(914) 948-0958

The New Canaan Thrift Shop is nothing short of amazing!

August 26, 2022December 20, 2022/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

The New Canaan Thrift Shop is remarkable, impressive, and unique in many ways. It is not just impressive because I found one of my all-time favorite bargains ($65), a Pottery Barn bedspread for a fraction of the cost. The quilt was something I had wanted for a while but was not willing to spend the $300 to buy it new. It was in excellent, nearly new condition, and I am thrilled with this purchase. It is also remarkable because every time I go there, The New Canaan Thrift Shop has a wide variety of merchandise that is nothing short of amazing. I commend the volunteers on the eye-catching displays and the boutique feel of the shop.

They have three levels and carry men’s, women’s, shoes, teens, children’s, babies, and toddlers’ clothes. They have an office section, a pet corner, luggage, linens, housewares and beautiful crystal, dinnerware, and serveware. Their clothes are reasonably priced for the names that you are getting. They carry Vineyard Vines, McLaughlin, Tory Burch, Coach, Ralph Lauren, and many other high-quality clothing brands, and their sales are great.

They have a fantastic selection of toys, games, puzzles, and children’s books. Their unique sports section contains golf clubs, skis, snowboards, lacrosse sticks, tennis racquets, ice skates, and other sports equipment – all good quality for a fraction of what you would pay in a sporting goods store.

What is impressive about the New Canaan Thrift Shop is that all the proceeds support the patient care Fund of Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fairfield County, a member of the Waveny Lifecare Network. As someone whose family used hospice when my mom was sick, I know how incredible, compassionate, and kind the hospice community is. I am in awe of the New Canaan Thrift Shop for supporting and helping their community with their proceeds. While at the thrift shop, I was happy to meet with Stella Clarke, the Executive Director of Community Engagement and Volunteering. Stella is an extraordinary woman devoted to the Waveny Care Network and its mission to help families at the most challenging time of their lives. I commend Stella, Ulrike (Store Manager), and all the dedicated volunteers I met.

The history of the New Canaan Thrift Shop is fascinating. While 2 Locust Ave is not its original location, the building they are in now has quite a history. It was constructed in 1840 by prohibitionist Joseph Scofield. He wanted to lease the building to the Young Men’s Total Abstinence Society. That did not work as planned, as the movement did not go very far. And in 1856, Scofield sold the building to Russell Hall, who sold coffins and furniture, and for years, it was known as “The Old Morgue,” as it is historically known in New Canaan. The building was sold, and fast forward to 1928 when the building was sold to the Veterans Club. In 1930, The Visiting Nurse Association volunteer Thrift Shop was founded to raise funds to support the charitable mission by selling used clothing. So here we are almost a hundred years later, and they are still going strong and more vital than ever.

The New Canaan Thrift Shop is well worth a visit!

New Canaan Thrift Shop (https://www.loc8nearme.com/connecticut/new-canaan/new-canaan-thrift-shop/7027323/)

2 Locust Ave.

New Canaan, CT 06840

(203) 966-2361

Monday to Friday 12 pm – 4 pm

Saturday 9 am – 1 pm

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!!

Katonah Thrift Shop is always a good choice when thrift shopping in Westchester!

June 26, 2022June 26, 2022/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

The Katonah Thrift Shop is an excellent Westchester thrift shop circuit stop. They have a good selection of clothes, and the inventory is continually updated. I have a blast walking around and looking at the other items—fabric, light fixtures, antiques, and much more. I bought a gorgeous silver picture frame there the last visit for the meager price of $2.00. It was in perfect condition and went with my décor well. I enjoy looking through the housewares, and I have previously purchased some unique serving pieces that I love.

I spent my visit poring through the racks for this blog. Their selection of clothing is good and the prices reasonable. Both men’s and women’s and all sizes. The women’s section is more extensive and has a nice selection of formal and informal dresses. Their accessory section has various bags, scarves, belts, etc. The displays are well done. I am always pleasantly surprised to find some vintage clothing, among many other treasures.

The Katonah Women’s Civic Club runs the Katonah Thrift Shop. The thrift shop is in the basement of the beautiful historic Memorial House on Bedford Road. Currently, the thrift store is managed by Joan Kachmarik, Ursula Martin, and Bobbi Stanton and is fully staffed by members of the Civic Club. All proceeds from the thrift shop go to the Katonah Women’s Civic Club, established in 1918, and are distributed to numerous community organizations – too many to mention. While there, they had so many donation drop-offs that I could not get all the volunteers together for a photo.

I spoke to Bobbi Stanton (pictured), one of the managers, and she told me that she loves when the oldies are playing and sees people dancing and bopping in the store – Bobbi said it makes her happy and the shopping more fun for customers. She said that all the members love working there, and the thrift shop has a very loyal following with many returning customers.

Well worth a stop and highly rated, the Katonah thrift Shop is worth a visit if you haven’t been and a return visit if you have. You can follow KTS on Facebook.

The Katonah Thrift Shop

71 Bedford Road (next to the Firehouse)

Katonah, NY 10536

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 10 am until 2 pm

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!!

Let’s talk to a popular Poshmark seller, Janani Rose!

December 20, 2021/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

I spoke to Janani U, @jananirose, (https://poshmark.com/closet/jananirose) a Poshmark seller who has 1200 sales in her 4 years and 345 active listings. Here are some of the things that we talked about:

Tell me about your process so people know what goes into being a Poshmark seller?

One of the great things about Poshmark is that it is a platform set up for anyone, from a seasoned seller to someone just wanting to clear out their own closet. The ease of listing combined with the simplicity of shipping means that you don’t have to be “a reseller” in order to sell on Poshmark. For me as a full-time reseller, I source inventory at thrift stores, estate sales, yard sales, etc. I write descriptions for each item and include details that would help a potential buyer get a good understanding of the item, such as the closure (button, zipper, etc.) and if the fabric has stretch. Because sizing varies greatly across brands, I also include measurements for every item. I then take photographs, again trying to capture any details such as embroidery or graphics.

What advice do you have for buyers and sellers on Poshmark?

For buyers, I would say the most helpful thing when buying online is to know your own measurements. Sizing varies and knowing your own numbers will help give you the best idea as to how an item will fit. You can also use a garment you already own, measure that piece, and then use those measurements to compare with an item that you’re interested in. Also, ask questions! Sellers are more than happy to answer questions about the item. For new sellers who are just starting out, there’s no need to buy inventory at stores or yard sales – start with your own closet! Pick a few pieces that you haven’t worn in a while and use those as your first listed items. For new & seasoned sellers, being honest about the condition of the item is important. Buyers understand that if they’re buying a used piece of clothing, it might not be in pristine condition. Just do your best to explain and photograph any and all flaws. Take clear pictures, ship packages promptly, and, if possible, share your closet once a day.

How do you feel sales have been during the pandemic?

Poshmark, and online reselling in general, is one of those businesses where you get from it as much as you put in. For me, my sales ebbed and flowed with my own energy & time spent on the business. I did notice that formal wear, business/office wear, and high heels were not as popular. As people were working from home and not going to fancy functions, clothing became all about comfort.

Any advice you have for first-time shoppers on Poshmark?

Each selling platform has its own rules, so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with Poshmark using their guide (found here: https://poshmark.com/posh_guide ) If you’re interested in an item, ask the seller questions if you have any, view all the photos and read through the description There is a “bundle” feature on Poshmark that is great to use – you add items from the same seller to your bundle and you can send one offer on all the items. As long as the bundle weighs less than 5 lbs., you only pay one shipping fee of $7.45; as a bonus, sellers are more likely to offer a higher discount and/or free shipping on bundle orders.

August 17th is National Thrift Shop Day!! Celebrate by shopping at one of your favorite thrift shops.

August 16, 2021/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.

When you shop The Ridgefield Thrift Shop, My Sister’s Place, Salvation Army, Habitat For Humanity, Cauz For Pawz, Housing Works, and countless others, you are supporting PHENOMENAL causes and helping change countless lives.

In honor of National Thrift Shop day, here are some quick tips for thrift shopping:

Be friendly and ask the staff when the most new merchandise is put out.

Be kind when thrift shopping, most of the people who work at charitable thrift shops are volunteers and they have already spent hours filling the racks. If you are putting items back, put them back on the right rack.

Know your labels and brands – know what to invest in for your basic wardrobe pieces and what to buy for fun.

Don’t buy something just because it is your favorite brand, make sure you love the piece and will wear it.

Remember if you buy an item and it needs alterations, the alterations can cost two to three times what you paid. Choose wisely when buying a piece that needs to be altered.

The smaller thrift shops sometimes have the best buys.

ENJOY the hunt and know that you may not always find something. Just keep going back when you find a thrift shop you love.

Merchandise is also very geographical so go out of your own area and you will be surprised at how different (in a good way) the merchandise is.

I hope you find these tips helpful.

Thank you for reading – if you like my blogs, please like my Facebook page: TonionThrifting

Until next time, Happy Shopping

Fabulous Fashions and Consignments in Oxford, CT – what a wonderful surprise!

September 25, 2018/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

I came across Fabulous Fashions and Consignments in Oxford, Connecticut while I was on my way to visit family — what a wonderful surprise it was. It is stores like this that always surprise me the most. Jam packed with women’s clothing and accessories and a huge kitchen in the back filled with household goods. Great selections with plenty of good quality vintage. Actually the vintage pieces that I looked at were exceptional and priced accordingly. The day I was there, I came across some excellent sales. Summer shoes were $3.00, shorts and capris starting at $1.00, and dresses for $5.00. They carry the better labels in women’s clothing and all sizes including plus sizes. They have an extensive accessories department and one well worth visiting if you are in that area. The handbag selections were abundant and priced to sell.

I absolutely loved the jewelry selection.

I look forward to my next trip to see all their Fall fashions.

If you are in the area, I highly recommend!

Fabulous Fashions and Consignment
23 Oxford Rd., (Rte. 67)
Oxford, Connecticut 06478
(203) 828-6222

Hours:
Tuesday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm
Saturday& Sunday 9 am – 3 pm

ToniOnThrifting