August 29, 2008
If you've been to NY
before, you know the shopping's great. But to be honest, although 5th
and Madison avenues may draw the biggest spenders and the swankiest
names in fashion, it's the vintage boutiques that are coveted by
natives and visitors alike.
Everyone from hipster darlings like
Kirsten Dunst, to high fashion mavens like Chloe Sevigny swear by the
vintage wares found in Manhattan across the bridge in Williamsburg, BK.
These are the kind of stores that are found when you stumble across
them as you're wandering around the streets, treasure troves of
one-of-a-kind wares.
To help you get started we've rounded
up a list of the best to date, both vintage and consignment (because
those brown fringed boots from 2 seasons ago will always come back
around...)
- Screaming Mimi’s – 382 Lafayette st., New York, NY 10003,
212-677-6464
Cyndi Lauper used to work here and costume designers find their star's outfits at this east village vintage stop. Incredible jewelry selection and fantastic, iconic T-shirts.
- Beacon’s Closet -88 North 11th Street, Williamsburg,
Brooklyn, 718-486-0816
This
is a personal favorite, and possibly the most wonderfully overwhelming
shopping experience in NY. Located just 1 stop into BK off the L-Train, you can literally find anything here. Vintage and consignment, designer and un-tagged...you will never leave empty handed.
- Buffalo Exchange - 504 Driggs
Ave., (between 10th St & 9th St), Brooklyn, NY 11211 (718) 384-6901
Great
vintage jean selection, and the store is organized by style and size.
Although you may have to search a bit for some hidden gems, it's pretty
cheap and they have fantastic accessories and tees.
- Minimini market - 218 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11211, 718-302-9337
This
store features a great combination of indie designers, vintage
clothing, and interesting gifts. It's a bit pricier than others, but
you get your money's worth from the hipster casual look and the great
staff that will help you get it.
- Zachary’s Smile - 9 Greenwich
Ave., (between 10th St & Christopher St), New York, NY 10014 212-924-0604
A
very unique spot filled with vintage dresses and accessories, as well
as a fantastic in-house label. Some items could be considered a bit
expensive (silk dresses), while others (boots) are always a great buy.
- Ellen - 122 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002, 212-471-0080
Features
designer vintage and some designer-esque vintage (with tags from the
owner that say things like, "Looks like Gucci to me?")
- Eleven- 15 Prince St., New York, NY 10012, 212-334-5334
Insanely
cute collection of shoes and boots in every shape and size, and mostly
under $125. The vintage leather jackets are also very well stocked and
the jewelry (vintage and new) is to die for. World's comfiest and
cutest sneakers also sold here in 6 colors for $18.
- Amarcord - 84 E
7th St, New York - 212-614-7133
Shop
here and you'll find yourself collection wearable art you couldn't find
anywhere else. Your wallet will be noticeably lighter but your closet
will thank you forever.
- Andy’s Chee-Pees - 18 W. 8th st. (between 2nd and 3rd), New York, NY 10009, 212-420-5980
Situated
on St. Mark's Place, this store caters to its fans, featuring a
gigantic selection of grungy-but-clean vintage tees and punky leather
jackets. Polyester dresses occupy a few racks, but you'll never spend
too much and you'll always leave happy.
- Ponica - 325 E. 5th st. (between 1st and 2nd Avenue), New York, NY 10003 212-475-5125
Located
on a sleepy section of East 5th street, this tiny shop features
in-house designs inspired by the vintage clothes that share the racks
with them. Intricate, gorgeous headbands sold exclusively at this store
are a huge draw, as is the selection of little-known up-and-coming
designers that craft everything from belts to earrings to lingerie.
- Eye Candy - 329 Lafayette St., New York, NY 10012, 212-343-4275
Specializing
in accessories, this boutique is fashionably cluttered with everything
from oldschool designer heels to a Queen's ransom of interesting, hard
to find vintage jewels. Great selection of sunglasses and purses.
- Resurrection - 217 Mott St, New York, 212-625-1374
Undoubtedly
the most expensive on the list, but also one of the most exceptional.
This one stop designer shop is very selective and features items only
from the best past collections of fashion's superstars, like YSL, Chanel, and Lanvin. If you're craving something for a special occasion, look no further.
- A Second Chance - 1109 Lexington Ave # 2, New York, NY
10075, 212-744-6041
Shop
here for the best designer bags at pocket-friendly prices: huge
selections from Louis Vuitton, Chloe, Prada, Chanel, Sonia Rykiel,
Mulberry, and more. Also features loads of jeans, sweaters, and shoes,
all on consignment. You can also bring last season's stuff in and the
staff will sell it for you for a good price!
- INA - 15
Bleecker St. Between Lafayette and Bowery, 212.228.8511, 101
Thompson St. Between Prince and Spring, 212.941.4757, 21 Prince
St. Between Mott and Elizabeth, 212.334.9048
A
bonafide NYC legend...Ina is where all the ladies who work in the
fashion industry head to deck themselves out head to toe in the best
designer clothing at consignment prices - and to sell their "gently
used" high fashion duds. You can find almost anything here for a good
rate, although don't be surprised if the price is high...some of their
stuff won't be found anywhere else.
- Tokio 7 -64 E. 7th St., New York, NY 10003, 212-353-8443
Cheap
and chic...well, kind of. This is an east village treasure chest that
has everything from Gucci glasses and loafers to Sass and Bide dresses
to Lanvin Opera gloves. High end and low end meet in this well
organized downtown shop.
- Rags a Go Go - 218 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011, 646-486-4011
Specializes
in menswear, which means, lots of great blazers, lots of great
waistcoats, and lots of great ways to dress up your boyfriend, brother,
or father.
- Love saves the day - 119 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003-8331, 212-228-3802
Crazy/fun selection of clothing and gifts. Lots of outrageous looks, fantastic to visit just before Halloween party season...
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Posted on 8/29/2008
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