The 5 Best Vintage Clothing Stores In The East Village
If you're looking to spend an afternoon searching through thrift shops to hipster-fy your wardrobe, the East Village is your shopping destination. You'll find everything you've been craving from 80's Gucci bags for under $200 to plaid button downs for $10. By Sarah Shaker.
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No Relation Vintage is a large shop filled with printed t-shirts, furs, military jackets and leathers. They're known for a wide selection from the 70's and 80's. Check out an affordable shoe section lining the back walls. To find hidden gems, shoppers will have to spend some time searching the racks. Make sure to wash any of the items before wearing them to the nearest dive bar.
For designer items, visit Tokio 7. This consignment shop is not your typical polyester place. The racks are filled with high-end staples and accessories in luxe materials from Marc Jacobs to Prada for a fraction of the retail price.
Buffalo Exchange, a national chain boasting "new and recycled fashion," has an East Village location. Customers can sell their clothing for trade or cash on the spot. Whatever Buffalo Exchange can't buy or trade from you, can be donated to charity.
A longtime favorite of wardrobe stylists and costume designers, Screaming Mimi's is a funky shop for affordable, well-preserved vintage clothing downtown. You can't miss this spot with an always-interesting window display on Lafayette Street. Most items are casual pieces from the '60s, '70s and '80s. Don't miss their balcony area display of designer wear from the likes of Yves Saint Laurent to Balenciaga.
Eleven Consignment Boutique buys, trades and consigns designer garments and accessories. When your bonus check arrives, you'll want to run to their Chanel and Hermes selection for a big time handbag splurge.
Sarah Shaker is the founder of the blog Bright Lights, My City.