ToniOnThrifting

ToniOnThrifting – Thrift Shopping Made Simple

Something Special Vintage Thrift in Wilton, CT – WOW! — January 16, 2018

Something Special Vintage Thrift in Wilton, CT – WOW!

When I first walked into Something Special Vintage Thrift Store for Our Lady of Fatima School I thought wow – it was worth the one hour drive! Something Special Vintage Thrift Shop is a hidden Wilton gem, tucked away in a white house behind Our Lady of Fatima School. They carry a fabulous collection of vintage and antique finds and at prices that are rock bottom.

In one cabinet in the second room, they had large pieces of matelassé designer quality fabric for $5.00 per piece– one piece had to be at least two yards! If I ever have seat cushions to reupholster, I will come here first for the fabric. In a curio cabinet in the front was a Lladró six inch bride and groom figurine that sold for $6.00 right in front of me – when Something Special says that they price things to sell fast, they are not kidding! What completely blew me away was a record cabinet that was in the front room that was spectacular. After checking it out, all it really needed was a new plug and a little polish and it would look even more amazing! And wait for it….. the price was $25.00. Can you believe it?? Look at the pictures. (I doubt it is still there sadly.)

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I found a bookshelf that I was quite happy with – what I was ecstatic about was that it was all wood and $15.00. I have included the before and after pictures.

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At Something Special
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At Home

 

If you are redecorating or just want to spruce up a room, this is definitely a place that you would want to stop in if you are in the Wilton, CT area – I personally think it is worth traveling to.

From their Facebook page:

“It is an artistic inspiration for the decorators of today and the artists of tomorrow. If you are looking for something in particular, we can help you find it. All proceeds go towards education for the kids.”

The Something Special is only open on Saturday and Sundays from 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm. It is a volunteer-run thrift shop, where 100-percent of the proceeds benefit The OLF School.

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Something Special Vintage Thrift
225 Danbury Road
Something Special is located up the drive on the south side of the Our Lady of Fatima School at 225 Danbury Road in Wilton, CT.
Wilton, CT
(203) 762-8100
Hours are Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!

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

Housing Works Bookstore Cafe and Thrift Shop in SoHo

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.

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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.

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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!

 

Attic Sale Recap 2017 & Another Blockbuster Sale Coming Up In Irvington — September 29, 2017

Attic Sale Recap 2017 & Another Blockbuster Sale Coming Up In Irvington

Once again, the Irvington Presbyterian Church Attic Sale did not disappoint.   This year I did exceptionally well for myself and I will give credit to the fact that I went on the first day of the sale (my first time) which may have made the difference. But then again, I have also done well when going on the second day when pricing is much better and there are still great selections.  Some of the items in my haul were a Lands End turtleneck for $4.00, a Kenneth Cole black wrap dress, a See by Chloe funky dress (I am loving it), a Marc by Marc Andrew tunic/dress – and each dress was $10.00. All the clothes were in pristine condition.  Talk about steals; it was a great score.  I did focus on the clothing FIRST. I took my time and went through the racks which were incredibly organized as is the entire sale. They have designated areas for furniture, books, shoes/handbags, jewelry/crystal, fine china, accessories and so much more. I scored a special edition Barney’s Lady Gag tote bag which is just gorgeous at the unbelievable price of $5 – YES $5. I just had to buy for my equally gorgeous niece who I know would love it. I just have to tell you that this sale is packed and there was always a line to get into the handbag room and the jewelry room – it really is growing in popularity every year for both sale lovers and collectors. I can’t emphasize it enough – this is a really great sale that should not be missed if you love these kinds of sales. All proceeds benefit multiple worthy charities in the Westchester area so all the money is helping others!

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Tote bag from Barney’s
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See by Chloe

If you missed the Attic Sale, the good news is that right next door to the Irvington Presbyterian Church is the Church of St. Barnabas. And….wait for it….St Barnabas is having their Fall Outreach Clothing Sale starting on Tuesday, November 7th. I have been to this sale as well and all I can say is these sales are both equally phenomenal and not to be missed. This sale includes fall/winter clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women and children – they also have a Christmas room and food is served in the café. The main purpose of this sale is to raise money to support the outreach efforts of the parish. Over the past twenty-plus years St. Barnabas has donated over $726,000 to charitable organizations throughout the area.

Here are the details:

The Church of St. Barnabas

15 N. Broadway, Irvington, New York

Telephone 914.591.8194

Tuesday November 7th through Friday, November 10th from 10 am until 7 pm

Saturday, November 11th from 10 am until 4 pm

Sunday, November 12th from 12 from 12 pm until 4 pm

See you at the sale!!

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!

Steinway Thrift Shop – a little patience goes a long way — September 12, 2017

Steinway Thrift Shop – a little patience goes a long way

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.

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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.

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The window displays show all the antiques and some unique decor that you just might like!

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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, 2017

Hudson Street in the West Village has one of NYC’s best thrift shops!

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.

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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 9th 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.

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Overall, this is definitely in my top five thrift shops of all time.

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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

August 17th is National Thrift Shopping Day

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.

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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.

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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!

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.

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

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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.

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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!!

Scarsdale Congregational Church – Big Clothing Sale This Saturday! — March 9, 2017

Scarsdale Congregational Church – Big Clothing Sale This Saturday!

The Scarsdale Congregational Church is having a HUGE clothing sale this Saturday, March 11th starting at 9 am.  I can assure you that the line will start forming at 8 am if not sooner. I called to confirm because of the weather and it is happening!!! This sale is right up there with the Attic Sale (one of my most favorite sales of all time) – and in my humble opinion, not to be missed!!!   Unlike the May Garage Sale and the November Fair, there is no $5 entry fee. They absolutely could charge an entry fee if they wished, this sale is that good. There are fixed (and very low) prices on clothing by category (men, women and children). I can assure you there will be plenty of high end designer clothing in pristine condition and very reasonably priced! The lovely volunteers give you a large plastic bag to hold your findings until you go up to the front and check out. Everyone is wonderful and it makes for a very enjoyable and successful clothing sale for both buyers and seller. I thoroughly enjoyed my shopping experience last year and I am looking forward to Saturday! Run, don’t walk to this sale!

Future sales at The Scarsdale Congregational are:

Garage Sale    Saturday, May 6, 2017                                    9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Fair                    Saturday, November 4, 2017                       9:00 am – 3:00 pm

In case you live in the Scarsdale area and want to donate for future sales, here are the rules (taken from the website):

  • We gladly accept donations of art, furniture (by appointment), estate items, jewelry, house wares, books, clothing, toys, linens and electronics*.
  • Donations,  must be clean, working and in very good condition. Clothing must be in season for the coming sale, (i.e. we are currently accepting spring and summer clothing only).
  • Kindly place all donations behind the partition on our Office Building Porch at 1 Heathcote Rd., Scarsdale between mid-August through the end of October, & mid-February through the end of April.
  • We do NOT accept dated technology,* skis, children’s car seats, videotapes, textbooks,  magazines or encyclopedias.
  • Furniture is NOT accepted on the porch. Please contact contact Colin at colinnewyork@gmail.com . Jewelry is accepted in the church office year-round.
  • Pick up your signed tax receipt in the box  on the left side railing of the Office Building Porch,  after dropping off your donation.
  • Call the office at 723-2111, extension 204, or e-mail us .

Church volunteers and staff have had to spend a lot of time dealing with unwanted donations, and we very much appreciate your help in complying with these donation rules.

*     Technology donation rules:

Televisions: LCD or Plasma Flat screen only.
Fax machines or copiers: NOT accepted.
Computers: Windows based systems must be Windows 8 or 10. Mac computers must be flat-screen iMacs, Mac Pros, Mac Minis, Macbooks or Macbook Pros only.
Monitors:  LCD or plasma flat panel only.
Printers:  Laser printers in working condition. New ink jet printers only.
Scanners:  USB scanners only.

Scarsdale Congregational Church
One Heathcote Road
Scarsdale, NY 10583

Phone: 914-723-2111

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!!

City Opera Thrift Shop Art Event — January 21, 2017

City Opera Thrift Shop Art Event

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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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:

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

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!!