ToniOnThrifting

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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 .

Finders Keepers Thrift Shop in Mahopac – Supports PARC! — April 5, 2016

Finders Keepers Thrift Shop in Mahopac – Supports PARC!

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Finders Keepers is part of Putnam ARC . PARC is one of 55 chapters of  NYSARC, Inc. (formally New York State Association for Retarded Children, Inc.), and is at the forefront in providing advocacy and programming for children and adults with developmental disabilities within the geographic region of Putnam County along with Northern Westchester and Southern Dutchess counties. This thrift store was opened for people supported by PARC services to be able to work in their home community. I absolutely love this thrift store for what PARC is doing for their community and because I am proud to belong to the NYC Chapter of NYSARC.

As for the store, WOW – top quality merchandise and clothing with exceptional pricing. Who could ask for anything more? I went back in March and their Saint Patrick’s Day décor was outstanding and reasonably priced as well as their Easter décor. In fact all their décor is above average, high quality and well-priced.

The clothing selection is excellent. With prices starting at $3.00, I am sure though that they have must have a high turnover with these prices. Finders Keepers carries all brands and sizes for men and women. The clothing is in mint condition. They have a selection of shoes and all were good quality. They even had a pair of brand new Charles David boots. They had a coat sale with winter jackets starting at ten dollars. The coats on sale included Calvin Klein and Kenneth Cole Reaction. This is indicative of their merchandise, pricing and why they are doing so well.

Some of their home décor was brand new and still in boxes and marked slightly below other thrift store which does make Finders Keepers even more appealing.

Finders Keepers also serves as a small gallery for the PARC Crafter’s Guild. These lovely hand-crafted items are for sale.

If in the Putnam area, it would be great for you to visit and support Finders Keepers Thrift Store – it will only help continue the great work that they are doing.

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Finders Keepers Thrift Store

906 South Lake Boulevard

Mahopac, NY 10541

845.278.7272 ext. 2481

Monday and Tuesday – 11 am until 2 pm

Wednesday through Friday – 11 am until 6 pm

Saturday 11 am until 4 pm

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!

St. John’s Thrift Shop – How sweet it is! — February 24, 2016

St. John’s Thrift Shop – How sweet it is!

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I wish thrift shops like this were open more hours, they are just too good and should be visited by so many more thrifters. This shop is only open on Mondays and Saturdays from 10am until 2pm.  This shop is bright and cheery as are all the volunteers. They have everything in men and women’s clothing, shoes, housewares, home decor, small furniture and so much more! Just follow the signs on Sunnyside Lane and enter the world of St. John’s….

The prices are fantastic, the selections bountiful and if they are putting out the latest donations, even better!!! I have to say when I was there every single person shopping walked out with a bag and I thought that was very telltale of the merchandise.

So if you are in the Westchester area, the Pleasantville area in particular, this is a must stop thrift shop. Especially for housewares.

The clothes are above average and reasonably priced but I could see they have a very short rack life! I saw top notch brand like Anne Klein, Banana Republic, Ralph Lauren and so much more.

St. John’s Thrift Shop

8 Sunnyside Lane

Pleasantville, NY

Monday and Saturday from 10 am until 2pm

http://www.stjohnspleasantville.org/THRIFTSHOP.html

and check out their FACEBOOK Page!!

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Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

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!!!!

American Cancer Society Discovery Shop in Chappaqua ( Update – Now Fantastic Finds) — November 4, 2015

American Cancer Society Discovery Shop in Chappaqua ( Update – Now Fantastic Finds)

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Who doesn’t love to entertain? With the holidays just around the corner, you may want to stop by the Discovery Shop in Chappaqua. This is an upscale thrift “boutique” that donates 100% of its proceeds to the American Cancer Society. It carries everything from fine china, crystal, art, furniture, bric-a-brac, and so much more. They also carry new and very gently used men’s and women’s clothing. All items in this shop are in pristine condition. Not to mention that this is the only American Cancer Society Discovery Shop in all of New York State (California has 40 Discovery Shops). That is why I HIGHLY recommend visiting this store, I promise you will not regret it. 🙂 🙂

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It is obviously in an affluent area so the merchandise is top notch and the prices are a little high to reflect that 🙂 —- BUT you are getting exceptional merchandise. It seems that the Discovery Shop is the recipient of some truly amazing donations. You could see this from going through the clothing racks, it is amazing. Everything is incredibly clean too. 🙂 🙂 🙂

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I thought they had some rather fine art work as well. So many timeless art pieces hang on the wall. There were some great posters too. Toys and small appliances are listed on the website but I was so excited doing my thing that I might have walked right past these items.  😦

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I will also tell you that this shop is all run by volunteers. They are one nicer than the other and so sweet and helpful. They care about their mission and it shows in their work. Visiting the Discovery Shop is well worth the effort and a must see.

Chappaqua Discovery Shop
400 King St
Chappaqua, NY
914-238-4900
Monday through Saturday 10 am to 4:30 pm

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!

Women’s Guild White House Thrift Shop at St. Gregory’s in White Plains — October 22, 2015

Women’s Guild White House Thrift Shop at St. Gregory’s in White Plains

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I love the thrift shop at St. Gregory the Enlightener Armenian Church. It is run by The Women’s Guild of the church. They have the most beautiful china and serving pieces you can imagine plus so many other lovely items. Just real high quality merchandise at reasonable prices. The most incredible part of this shop is that they carry Michael Arem items at exceptional prices. I happen to be a Michael Arem fan and I find his pieces to be exquisite and unique. I hope you can see some of his work in the pictures.

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The heartbreaking part is that they are only open on Thursdays from 12 pm until 4 pm. Trust me, I lobbied and lobbied when I was there. I mentioned that to these lovely ladies that this shop is far too wonderful not to be open more. People need to see what a gem of this shop is.

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They do not carry clothes but do carry some accessories and lots of kitchen stuff (in one of the back rooms). The best part of the shop is the “dining room” area. They just had so many great pieces that I would love to use when entertaining. I am definitely going back as there were some pieces that I want to get for holiday entertaining. They have great demitasse sets, tea services, serving plates, candle holders, china, too much to list.
The women that run this shop are kind, compassionate and devoted to the success of this shop. So if you happen to stop in there, tell them to PLEASE PLEASE open at least one or two weekends a month. I promise that you will not be disappointed if you are able to get to this shop, it is a treasure.

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I will also keep you updated when they have their weekend holiday sale!

Women’s Guild White House Thrift Shoppe
St. Gregory the Enlightener Armenian Church
1131 North Street
White Plains NY 10605
(914) 428-2595 office

Thursdays 12 – 4

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!

Memorial Thrift Shop in White Plains — October 14, 2015

Memorial Thrift Shop in White Plains

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This fine thrift shop is located downstairs in the Memorial United Methodist Church in White Plains and it supports The Loft. The Loft provides a safe gathering place for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and supportive community of New York’s lower Hudson Valley. The LOFT facilitates a wide range of educational, health, social service, and recreational programs, and advocates for improved services for our community.” Our mission is simple and strong: The LOFT, an LGBT community center, works to further the cause for inclusion, diversity and pride through education, advocacy, and celebration.” (This information is from their website). I just think that you should know that since 2009, this AMAZING church has shared their building with the LOFT. KUDOS!!!! 🙂

It is also open Monday through Saturday. I have been to this thrift shop before and with patience, (definitely worth it) you will find something special. The clothing section is compact and I saw a few nice vintage pieces. They have accessories, shoes, jeans, dresses, quite a bit. The walls along the corridor are lined with artwork and some home décor. They do have good old fashioned vinyl albums for one dollar. And I know that these are the rage right now. 🙂

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They have a houseware section and I saw some lovely serving pieces that I regret not picking up especially with the holidays coming up. I will just have to make a trip back.

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The one thing that I did notice is that the shop was not as jam packed with merchandise as it usually is. If you live in the White Plains area, I think it would be awesome if you have some items that can be donated; you should stop by and drop them off. Tax receipts provided (only donations not accepted are children’s toys and large furniture)

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I highly recommend that you shop here. You can read more about The Loft and the great work they do at http://loftgaycenter.org/programs-and-services/

MEMORIAL THRIFT SHOP, open every Monday through Saturday!
Memorial United Methodist Church,
250 Bryant Avenue,
White Plains, NY
Hours of Operations:
Monday – Thursday: 10 am – 2 pm
Friday – Saturday: 10 am – 4 pm
Closed Sundays

Donations welcome; tax receipts provided (only donations not accepted are children’s toys and large furniture).

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!

Irvington Presbyterian Church’s Attic Sale held on September 11th and 12th Recap — October 1, 2015

Irvington Presbyterian Church’s Attic Sale held on September 11th and 12th Recap

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Just a quick report on the Irvington Presbyterian Church’s Attic Sale held on September 11th and 12th. To give you an idea on how successful this sale is, from 2000 – 2014, over $250,000 was raised and donated to many noteworthy organizations – just a few are Autism Speaks, Habitat for Humanity, Make-A-Wish, Salvation Army Food Pantry – it is quite an impressive list. I took some pictures because I DON’T THINK PEOPLE REALIZE JUST HOW BIG AND HOW GREAT THIS SALE IS. Please bear in mind, that I have been going on the second day, I can’t begin to imagine just how much merchandise I missed by not going on the first day. I understand that the home décor/ kitchen section pulled in a couple of thousand the first day.

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The men, women and children’s section was extensive and had clothes for all seasons including winter coats (which were being scooped up all over). The houseware section is amazing to say the least as well as all the other sections.

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I went on Saturday (the second day) and had a blast—I had to make two trips to the car. I bought a red plastic table for my little porch ($2.00), an adorable large tin decorative holder ($5.00) that I will use to hold my cooking magazines. Journals for my writing were $1.00 Each, I bought two packs of greeting cards ($2.00 each), a Banana Republic long sleeve tee shirt ($4.00). The book section is very book lovers dream. They had to have thousands of books for just $2 and $3 for hardcovers. I saw quite a few new releases.

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I went through all f the following sections:
Accessories
Baby
Bakery
Books
Boutique
Café (the coffee was awesome)
Children’s Clothing & Shoes
Electronics
Furniture
Holiday
Housewares
Linens
Men’s Clothing & Shoes
Sporting Goods
Toys
Women’s Clothing & Shoes

I said it once and I will say it again, this sale should not be missed for thrift lovers. I will of course keep you posted on their next sale. I just wanted to share my experience and a couple of pictures.

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

Cauz For Pawz Has A Great New Location — September 23, 2015

Cauz For Pawz Has A Great New Location

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On my way to the dentist, I just had to check out Cauz For Pawz and their new location on First Avenue between 19th and 20th Street. All I can say is impressive! To sum it up, it is as if they took their best merchandise and moved it to their new location. It also has a very fun feeling with the décor outside the store (see pictures) and it is bright and cheery inside the store. I hope that anyone that used to go to the old location checks out the new location — AND if you have not have shopped there — you should check it out — it would be a shame if you didn’t.

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Did I mention that the staff was excited about the new digs and happily working on stocking the store. 🙂

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The new shop is much smaller but I can assure you it is jam picked with the finest merchandise. I was very excited with the quality of the selections and they were still working on stocking the store while I was there. The women’s selections were outstanding in the blouse, skirt and dress department. The men’s selections looked good as well. The display case in the front was being diligently worked on with some wonderful pieces of costume jewelry and I thought that they had quite a few significant pieces and they had just started filling up the displays so I am sure I missed out on seeing some great pieces.

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So Cauz For Pauz is still in the area and a very short walk from all the other thrift stores on 23rd Street so I suggest that you do not miss the new location, you will be more than pleasantly surprised and I will bet you find something — I bought a beautiful polka dot dress for $15. 🙂 🙂

Cauz For Pawz
333 First Avenue (bet 19 & 20 St)
New York, New York 10003
(212) 684-7299
cauzforpawz@outlook.com
Store Hours: Mon-Sat 10am – 8pm
Sun 11am – 7pm

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!