Best Vintage & Thrift Store Shopping in New York City

Dressing like a fashionista from NYC doesn’t need to be done on an NYC budget.

The following stores are the places I go to whenever I travel to New York City to stock up on affordable and budget-friendly fiends in the Big Apple! Get ready to look good, and spend less!

1. Friends NYC

Any chic dresser will want to get friendly with Friends NYC!

The Brooklyn-based vintage shop has a curated array of on-trend and stylish pieces that would whet the palate of any budding trendsetter.

Found while I walking to Sey Coffee in Williamsburg, the window of the shop was what caught my eye. Needless to say, I’m happy I walked in!

Some pieces worthy of a mention? A mesh “empire state building” turtleneck top, a silk cheetah print slip dress, and a pastel pink lacy bralette with heart-shaped buttons.

The pieces, while not cheap, are quite affordable, and of high-quality. I also want to mention that no one should leave without checking out their covetable range of jewellery and accessories!

For any NYC trend-seeker, head on over to Friends NYC, and perhaps grab a coffee after!

Location:
56 Bogart Street

Photo courtesy of Friends NYC official online store.

Photo courtesy of Friends NYC official Facebook page.

2. Buffalo Exchange

Photo courtesy of Buffalo Exchange official Facebook page.

Buffalo Exchange is an oasis for those who enjoy hunting for their fashion.

Rows upon rows and racks upon racks of clothing impeccably organized by size and colour fill every inch of available space in the store. It’s a real “Woohoo!” moment when you end up finding that perfect fuzzy sweater or unique printed tee.

The shop, which sells both vintage and used clothing, allows its customers to buy, sell, or trade their clothes and accessories for trading or cash. That means you can expect a new array of à la mode items each time you visit - score!

Location:
504 Driggs Avenue
332 E 11th Street
714 Broadway
114 W 26th Street 0

3. Beacons Closet

Beacon’s Closet is a thrift shop and consignment store with multiple locations across NYC.

Buy, sell, and trade lightly used clothing and vintage items at this chain that is always overstuffed with name brands (H&M, Ann Taylor, Madewell) and some designer goods (I found Prada heels, a DKNY dress, and Loeffler Randall flats).

Part of the joy of Beacon’s Closet is scavenging through the racks until you find that stellar piece that’s right for you.

T by Alexander Wang top - Photo courtesy of Beacon’s Closet official website.

Michael Kors shirt - Photo courtesy of Beacon’s Closet official website.

Photo courtesy of Beacon’s Closet official Facebook page.

4. Housing Works

Be assured that you’re doing good whenever you buy something from this thrift shop that helps the fight against homelessness and AIDS. This charity (part of the Housing Works non-profit) donates it’s proceeds, so you can do your part to help while keeping your wardrobe fresh.

Want to contribute more? You can always donate to their wonderful cause without purchasing anything. There is also a Housing Works bookstore that sells novels, records, and comic books if that’s more of what you’re into.

Photo courtesy of Housing Works Thrift Shop official Facebook page.

5. Awoke Vintage

In Brooklyn lies an adorable and airy vintage shop called Awoke Vintage.

The pieces here are beautifully curated, and for sale you can usually find colourful accent pieces, hair accessories, shoes, and an array of bold jewelry.

The prices are very reasonable, and behind Awoke Vintage you can find some other stores that are fun to browse.

My favourite purchase from here? Large tortoiseshell-pattenred earrings - too cute!