First and Foremost: Fast-Fashion and Second-hand shopping
The sheer convenience and ease of driving to the nearest mall to scout the warehouse sized fast-fashion powerhouses of 800% markups only to find a body suit owned by thousands of other people is a familiar routine, an almost inevitable custom of the average consumer. To be an informed and conscious shopper means a counter-effort of falling into the trap of being fed by big business, and as adorable as that PacSun corduroy button-up skirt is, a similar one is hung up in the Buffalo Exchange on East 11th Street. The difference being the purchase at a consignment shop will be significantly cheaper and won't contribute to the destructive environmental and social practices that would be supported with the purchase from Zara, Forever 21, or Primark. (**Hello yes if you aren't aware of the common morally corrupt truth behind the textile manufacturing industry in Asia read this article right here**)
In a 2013 Environmental Protection Agency report, it was stated that textile waste reached 15.1 million tons. With the industry of fashion booming and evolving at such a rapid pace, these large fast-fashion corporations have grown more than 9.7% in the past 5 years. Such an alarming rate begs the question, if we continue on in this pattern of cheap, poorly-made, impulse bought garments, how will we manage the waste? Thrifting and consignment are the necessary encouraging establishments of accessible advancement. The dangerously accelerating heartbeat of the fast-fashion industry contributes to a problem that will suffer from the "if they don't see it they don't care" mentality- if preemptive actions aren't taken. Textile waste, use of low-cost/high-yield outsourcing tactics, and dizzyingly fast cycle turnovers are immoral standards of corporations that have been taking over the fashion world. The effort to resist this movement is more essential than ever, and second-hand shopping is the pinnacle of these actions. Even the smallest purchase from one of these stores is money not supporting the practices of big business. It's one less item being purchased therefore less funding for the company to continue the harmful system of mass-produced garments.
This is not to say that brands outsourcing manufacturing to minimize costs is not a wise business tactic, even practiced in even very small companies. Its effective structure is what provided the common business model to skyrocket in sales.
This is also not an angry protest of all big fashion companies, it's a memo to all of you who, like me, have purchased almost exclusively from brands like these for most of your life. It's truly a matter of principle. Only recently have I started to stop and think about what the impact of each purchase would do. I'm in the fifth percentile of eternal laziness, so being a wiser shopper to me first meant buying the stuff nobody wanted. Yet as I did more research I came to find that it's simpler than going out of your way to dig through racks of ill-fitting trousers that reek of mothballs and buyer's remorse.
Thrift and consignment store shopping is rewarding in every aspect. Yes, there will probably be many a Gap sweater but through the darkness you will find a treasure, whether it be a vintage Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress or just a well-fitting, soft t-shirt. If you truly love fashion, or just want to save money at all, second-hand shopping is a viable option that deserves more attention in the I-want-it-now generation.
**Of course I'm no expert and if you'd like to know more about this topic I'd highly recommend Justine Leconte's YouTube channel- a Paris-based fashion designer with lots of advice and knowledge about the manufacturing of a garment and the nature of fast fashion. Her video on the rise of fast fashion is what initially opened my eyes to the issue.**
The 6 Best Thrift/consignment Stores in Nyc ♂♀
Most of these are chains, with few spread around the city. These are my favorite locations, due to their Vast variety and price range.
No Relation Vintage
Mid-size, fairly priced (5-20$ range), lots of trendy NYU kids popping in and out of the two, *and only two* dressing rooms in various pairs of Levi 501's. Very popular due to the prime east village location, make sure to check out the 5-10 dollar priced WALL of denim cut-off shorts or the rack of overalls. Iconic and one of the many amazing L-Train Vintage shops. L Train Vintage is the best of the best. It's a collection of thrift stores located off different stops on the L train going through Williamsburg. No Relation is pretty close to their crown jewel.
Beacons Closet (Bushwick)
Beacon's Closet is another fairly iconic thrift and consignment shop chain. If you want true to form vintage, including windbreakers, lacy 60's slips and old designer handbags (can I get a heck yeah), this is the place for you. I'd say around 5-50$ price range, as it varies all over the place based on age, brand and so on. They do have a high concentration of unique and stylish pieces that transcend time and the passing fads. I actually walked in by accident the first time, and it's now in my top 2 favorite stores.
L Train Vintage
If you're cold, ever have been cold, are going somewhere cold, come to this mecca of jackets and fur coats. Located a five minute walk from Beacon's closet on the border in between Bushwick and East Williamsburg, this store is for those looking for the quintessential Vintage shop. Prices are pretty reasonable, around 5-40$, but can reach up to 100 (in the case you want a pimp daddy lookin fur cloak if ya catch my drift).There are many other locations like this under the umbrella of L Train Vintage, and to find the other locations click here.
Urban Jungle
Simply put, this is the costco of thrift shops. This is additionally located next to Le Point Value, another warehouse-type second hand store with even more finds. This is for the advanced thrift shopper, or at least someone who really knows what they want. Substantially cheap and varied, priced around 2-50$, Urban Jungle is iconic, classic and a landmark of Bushwick. If you're in the area, make sure to stop by another landmark of gentrification, the pizza and italian hipster mecca Roberta's.
Buffalo Exchange (East Village)
The pumpkin spice latte of consignment/thrift shops. Very easy to get to, two huge stores in Chelsea and the East Village. Great selection of 4 year old Divided by H&M crop tops and Forever 21 pieces circa 2011. But seriously though this chain is the best for beginners and those looking for modern, up to date items with a vintage fit and style. Price range is around 5-30$, very easy to find things that are currently trendy, fit well and it's a pretty upbeat store on top of it all. Lots of teens and college kids scouring the racks in any given location. Oh, and they've got a killer accessories section. Find all locations here. *They've also got locations all over the country, including Philly and Boston*
Crossroads Trading Company (Williamsburg)
Oh, Crossroads. Why do you slaughter my wallet every time. Nestled half a block from the Bedford stop on the L, this is by far the most pristine consignment store I've ever seen. This was the store that turned me on to the world of thrifting and consignment, with a wide variety and range of current and designer clothes at a distinctly cheap price. I remember coming here with my mom and sister about 3 years ago and feeling like we knew a secret that no one else knew. Priced in between 5-50$, I have found free people, Levis, vintage Gucci, Kate Spade bags and a slew of other treasures here. Not very vintage-y, much more modern but still a must-do for anyone shopping in the city. Also, AMAZING quality. Consignment for people that don't like consignment. *They also have a location in Manhattan that you can find here*
Honorable Mention
(For the local homies)
Rebel Supply Co.
Asbury Park has a great downtown district with a ton of unique and innovative shops. One of my favorites is Rebel Supply Company. Prices range from 5-30$, with a refreshing mix of old and new. They have implemented a prevoiously unseen tactic of half the store dedicated to new, half dedicated to consignment. RSC truly has something for everybody.
Basic Tips for Thrift shopping
How to find the best deals and make the process easier
- When searching without specifics in mind, try and imagine each piece hanging in a trendier store (i.e.: Urban Outfitters). Very helpful tip for those just starting out.
- Thrift shopping is cheap, MUCH cheaper than other retailers, but it's not pocket change. Plan a budget as you would when going to the mall.
- Bring your own bag. Let me repeat that: BRING YOUR OWN BAG. You usually have to pay for bags at most second-hand shops so bringing a big canvas one rolled up in your purse will save some extra bucks.
- Always wait in the dressing room lines. Sometimes they can be daunting, but the reward of a completely unique item that fits you like a dream (promise, it will happen) is worth it.
- Ask for help. If someone chooses to work at a trendy thrift shop, they will be pretty great at assessing what kind of garment or style you want.
- If you are put-off by the hygienic aspect of second-hand stores, ask for hand sanitizer or bring a travel sized tube with you.
- Try things on that you would never think about wearing, it will help you expand your knowledge of what you like and what looks good on you. I guarantee you'll be surprised by what you end up buying.
- Always look at the shoes. This is usually where the true gems are.