If you've been to New York before, you know the shopping's great. Although Fifth 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 and across the bridge in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. 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 at 382 Lafayette Street: Cyndi Lauper used to work here and costume designers find their stars outfits at this East Village vintage stop. Incredible jewelry selection and fantastic, iconic T-shirts.
Beacon’s Closet at 88 North 11th Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn: This is a personal staff favorite, and possibly the most wonderfully overwhelming shopping experience in NY. Located just 1 stop into Brooklyn off the L subway train, you can literally find
anything here. Vintage and consignment, designer and untagged—you will never leave here empty handed.
Buffalo Exchange at 504 Driggs Avenue, Williamsburg, Brooklyn: Great vintage jeans 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.
Mini Mini market at 218 Bedford Avenue, Williamsburg, Brooklyn: 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 at 9 Greenwich Avenue: A truly 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 at 122 Ludlow Street: Features designer vintage and some designer-esque vintage, with tags from the owner that say things such as "Looks like Gucci to me."
Eleven at 15 Prince Street: 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 at 84 East 7th Street: Shop here and you'll find yourself collecting 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 at 18 West 8th Street: Situated close to Astor 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 at 325 East 5th Street: Located on a sleepy block 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 at 329 Lafayette Street: Specializing in accessories, this boutique is fashionably cluttered with everything from old-school designer heels to a Queen's ransom of interesting, hard to find vintage jewels. Great selection of sunglasses and purses.
Resurrection at 217 Mott Street: 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 at 1109 Lexington Ave # 2: 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 at 15 Bleecker Street,101 Thompson Street and 21 Prince Street: A bona-fide 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 as well as 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 prices are high—some of their stuff won't be found anywhere else.
Tokio at 64 East 7th Street: 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 GoGo at 218 West 14th Street: 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 at 119 Second Avenue: Crazy/fun selection of clothing and gifts. Lots of outrageous looks, fantastic to visit just before Halloween party season.
Remember to check out our
fashion blog to stay on top of the latest trends—even in vintage!
