2017-06-05T19:27:53-04:00

Vintage Thrift East – A Definite Favorite and Must See!

June 5, 2017August 8, 2019/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.

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

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.

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!!

AS SEEN ON HGTV – Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market in New Milford, CT

August 17, 2016August 8, 2019/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

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.

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.

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, 2016August 8, 2019/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

There is just so much to love about Life Boutique Thrift on 5^th 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!!

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.

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.

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 5^th Avenue

b/t 12^th and 14th

South Slope in Brooklyn

718.788.5433 Mon	11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Tue	11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Wed	11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Thu	11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Fri	11:00 am – 6:45 pm
Sat	Closed
Sun	11:00 am – 9:00 pm

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

Humane Society Of New Rochelle – NOW CLOSED :(

July 28, 2015April 23, 2022/ToniOnThrifting.com/1 Comment

There are a lot people who hold the New Rochelle Humane Society Thrift Shop near and dear to their heart. I completely understand and you can tell from the exorbitant amount of donations they receive. The fact is that the New Rochelle Humane Society services over 19 communities in Westchester County and rescues over 500 dogs and 900 cats a year. They provide loving care to animals that have been lost, abandoned, injured, and mistreated. What a phenomenal organization and what uplifting work — I have nothing but respect for this organization.

Upon first glance, this shop looks stuffed to the gills and then after looking around you realize that it is and just overflowing with bargain after bargain 🙂 (loving making things so positive). And this store does everything in its power to keep those shelves and racks bursting with goodies. (They do excel at this) 🙂

This shop can definitely double or even triple its space easily just to hold the donations they have on hand alone. The quality of clothing donations is mostly good but with patience, there are some great high quality pieces. You will find lots of jeans, tee shirts, shoes and casual wear with an extensive houseware section that you would normally see in a much larger store. They carry men, women and children’s clothing so there is a lot to go through Where the real treasures are when you first walk into the store to the right side sits some fabulous home décor, pictures and almost new or brand new items.

I have seen some stunning artwork, exquisite candle holders and so many other wonderful decor just waiting for a new home 🙂 .

The shop has been under new management for some time and Donna really puts her heart and soul into the shop and she is more than fair in her pricing.

Patience is the key in this shop!!!!!

Humane Society of New Rochelle Thrift Shop
54 Centre Street
New Rochelle, NY
11am – 3:30pm – Tuesday thru Friday
10am – 4pm – Saturday
(914) 336-1207
I SUGGEST YOU CALL FIRST TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE OPEN!!

There is municipal parking on Huguenot Street and Centre Street but don’t forget – you have to feed the meters.

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!!!

A Trip To Long Beach Island That Amazes

July 14, 2015August 8, 2019/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

A wonderful friend invited me out to Long Beach Island in New Jersey a couple of weeks ago and it was a spectacular weekend all around – the company was outstanding, the weather cooperated and the food was absolutely delish! And while there, lo and behold 🙂 to my surprise, I found a thrift/consignment shop 🙂 called Coastal Consignment & Salvage Co. Do not let the name fool you – this shop was so good that I am contemplating another trip there 🙂 even if it is just for a day. Their business card states “An LBI Experience” – and it truly was — the layout of the store, the quality of the merchandise, the pricing, the variety, all well above average. I think the reason for this is that they have very strict guidelines for donating/consigning and it shows in the exceptionally high quality merchandise.

They only carry ladies’ clothing and it was all stylish and very much in fashion, the layout of the store was one of the best I have ever seen and the pricing ridiculously reasonable. They had beach themed home decor for sale along with beautiful vases, crystal, porcelain, you name it and all good pieces and high quality. The clothes were very chic and in a wide variety of sizes as were the shoes. All name brands, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Jones New York, Gap, Eileen Fisher too many to mention.There is a good variety of handbags from inexpensive to moderate. The shoe section is on the small side but what they have is AWESOME. They had a nice rack of jeans all sensibly priced. Great accessories as well! They also sell estate jewelry.

I picked up two pairs Vera Wang pajamas in what looked like new condition for $12 each, a gorgeous black lace overlay skirt for $15 and a great Ralph Lauren stretch tee shirt (black of course 🙂 )for $10.

I hope that the pictures do this shop justice because it has definitely made may top ten and I don’t ever see it falling off the list.

So I must tell you if traveling to Long Beach Island in New Jersey, you must stop at Coastal Consignment! It was a GREAT shopping experience. 🙂

Coastal Consignment & Salvage Co.
511 North Bay Avenue
Beach Haven, New Jersey 08008
609.492.9400
www.coastalconsignments-salvage.com
Mon, Tues, Wed and Sunday – 10am-5pm
Thurs, Fri and Sat – 10am-7pm

A note about summer months – for the smaller thrift shops, always call first as most of the those shops close or have shortened hours during July and August (especially those affiliated with churches/houses of worship).

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!!

Using Facebook For Buying And Selling

July 8, 2015August 8, 2019/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

Did you know that you can buy and sell your “stuff” on Facebook? Facebook has dedicated groups if you are looking to buy, sell or are “in search of” (ISO). Most groups are geographically based such as Yorktown Mom’s, Bronx Yard Sale, Westchester and Putnam, etc. The groups can contain dozens, hundreds or even thousands of members. Some groups are public which means that anyone on Facebook can join and see who is in the group, the group description and what members post. You can also be invited to join by a member of the group. A closed group is where anyone can ask to join or be added or invited by a member and the only difference from above is that only members from the group can see postings from the group. There are also “secret” groups. Anyone can join a secret group but they have to be added or invited by a member and only current and former members can see who is in the group and what members are posting.

There is an admin(s) who runs the page and approves if you can join the group. Only an admin can change the privacy settings for the group.

How do I join a group? Go to the group you want to be part of and then click Join Group in the top-right corner. Or if you see a group on a friend’s page, you can click on the group.

The great thing about Facebook groups is that for the most part, prices are negotiable. I must warn you that one of the drawbacks is that, occasionally someone is trying to get over or not being honest about their merchandise. That is where the admins come in, the great ones do not tolerate any nonsense or bs and they call out people for their “games”. Most pages also have a set of rules that they expect you to adhere to if you are joining their group. Admins are not paid so they have less tolerance for drama and I don’t blame them. Most admins will post general “rules” for joining their group. One in most groups is that you are contacted in the order that the buyer received the post or message. Things along those lines — one thing that does disturb me is that sometimes people post rather nasty comments when a sale or purchase does not go the way they intended or if they disagree with a price – folks – no need to be rude or nasty – just keep it moving – life is too short. Will what is upsetting you matter in a month or two, I doubt it.

Some of the Facebook groups local to the Bronx area that I belong to are:

Westchester Tag sales
Bronx Yard Sale
Stamford’s Treasures & Tag Sale
Westchester Yard Sale
Bedford Yard Sales
Northern Westchester, Putnam & Dutchess Yard Sale

Above are some of the items that I have posted on Facebook for sale. I have sold many items on Facebook with no issues whatsoever!

One of the issues I have noticed is regarding designer handbags. I have seen a knockoffs attempted to be sold as authentic. Also, please remember it is illegal to sell knockoffs on the internet so buyers and sellers beware. Authenticity can be confirmed with a receipt in most instances. One major helpful tip I can give you is beware of anyone who has just created a personal Facebook page to sell merchandise – that is one major RED FLAG and one that should be taken seriously.

PLEASE NOTE:

There is also a group that helps people in need in the Bronx & Westchester that you could join ☺:

Helping Friends In Need Bronx/Westchester — it is always great to help those in need.

I have many more options to tell you about buying and selling in the coming weeks!!

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!

A “Unique Boutique” On The Upper East Side

June 30, 2015August 8, 2019/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

Thrifting refers to the act of shopping at a thrift store, flea market, garage sale, or a shop of a charitable organization, usually with the intent of finding interesting items at a low price. A larger philosophy permeates the act of thrifting which celebrates the recycling of formerly-owned items, finding new use and new love for vintage material goods which had been thrown out, and the thrill of imagining what the former life of the item was like. A zine called “Thrift Score”, published in the 1990s by Ms. Al Hoff, celebrated this lifestyle. Many “resale” shops pull their more interesting items from thrift stores and sell them at higher prices – the premium is because the “digging for gold” has already been done.

This is from Definitions.net – I just thought you would enjoy! 🙂

I always find thrifting much more fun when I am not on the hunt for a particular item. It is because I am going through most racks and I stumble upon pieces that I may have otherwise missed if on a specific hunt. I have also noticed that my wardrobe is becoming much more eclectic and fun because I am mixing traditional with funky or vintage when appropriate. I have received compliments on some of my outfits so it must be working :).

There is a “Unique Boutique” on the Upper East Side that is pleasantly nice. There is a good selection of men and women’s clothes, a decent book selection and the inventory seems to constantly change. They have some housewares and the good news is that they do use the color coded tag system so there are always sales. 🙂

I enjoy this small shop because it is reasonably priced and if you are lucky enough to find items that you like and they are on sale, all the better. They have a great tee shirt section and if you are job hunting and need a suit, the suits are sensibly priced. The shoe selection is not bad and quite often, there are some new shoes on the rack for sale. (I think what happens with shoes is that us lovely ladies buy shoes and then have buyers regret or they are too tight, heel not right, etc. and it is not in the window of returning so we donate 🙂 which works out well for thrifters. 🙂

Unique Boutique
1674 Third Ave
New York, NY 10028
(between 93rd & 94th)
212-427-0077
Mon-Fri: 11 AM- 7 PM
Sat: 10 AM-6 PM
Sun: 11 AM-5 PM

There are two Housing Works that are in the area that are worth a visit;

Housing Works
202 East 77^th Street
New York, NY 10021
212-772-8461
Mon-Fri: 11 AM- 7 PM
Sat: 10 AM-6 PM
Sun: 11 AM-5 PM
Closing at 5 pm on July 4th.

Housing Works (Yorkville)
1730 2nd Ave. (at 90th Street)
New York, NY 10128
212-722-8306
Mon-Fri: 11 AM- 7 PM,
Sat: 10 AM-6 PM
Sun: 11AM – 5 PM
Closing at 5 pm on July 4th.

I must say that I favor the 90^th Street location as they always seem to have a great inventory (both men’s and women’s) and the prices are reasonable. They seem to jam pack some great finds in this smaller space. I think that this is most definitely worth a visit. The 77^th Street is also worth a visit.

I tried to capture the 77th Street windows above – Housing Works does a great job on their windows.

Have a safe and wonderful July 4th holiday and until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!

ToniOnThrifting