A Philadelphia Must-See: Philly AIDS Thrift

The award-winning non-profit thrift store Philly AIDS Thrift, located in the South of South neighborhood at 710 S 5^th Street, is some place that every Philadelphian or tourist should visit. When I visited P.A.T for the first time I was not expecting the size and amount of inventory the store had. There were so many rooms with nooks and crannies hiding clothes, books, and furniture, that you would need one full day to go through everything. Many people have recommended this store to me saying they have always left with something. I didn’t realize that P.A.T. had more than clothes. Instead I found one room filled with videotapes, DVDs. TVs, a mini-bookstore, trinkets, and furniture. There were also more clothes than I had time to look through. Luckily there are maps to help you find your way because it is very easy to get lost. Clothing areas included a Fancy land, a vintage room, a dollar section, as well as women’s and men’s sections. P.A.T even had several wedding dresses for sale.

          Philly AIDS Thrifts is a true thrift store. You must be ready to look through every room and clothing rack in search of a great find. I have no doubt that there are fantastic treasures hidden throughout, but you must be willing to do the work to find them. The store was bustling for a snowy Saturday afternoon and people seemed lost in their own world, looking through each room. I was surprised and delighted to find a café off the book room. The café consisted of a few tables with chairs and vending machines. It seemed like a great place to relax and look through the hundreds of books lining the shelves.  

(Left and Right: Alexandra Carlino; Center: Google)

Since P.A.T is a non-profit, it has volunteers helping. Many of them putting away clothes and other items, while others helped customers, worked the cash registers, and took donations. I approached one of the volunteers, named Rita, to ask about the store and she happened to be a freshman Drexel student. Her volunteer shift was the first time she had been to P.A.T but she fell in love with the store and would be coming back again. I felt the same way. Philly AIDS Thrift donates its profits to the AIDS fund, who then distributes the money to twenty-nine AID agencies in five Philadelphia counties. They are always looking for donations. P.A.T accepts items in good shape. This includes clothing, furniture, electronics, books, records, artwork, and various tschotchkes. You can bring them during store hours. The store is open Monday through Thursday 11:00am – 8:00pm, Friday and Saturday 11:00am – 9:00pm, and Sunday 11:00am – 7:00pm. P.A.T is also always looking for volunteers. If interested you can call their number or send an email.

This is a Philadelphia institution that you cannot miss!

Mobile Fashion: Smak Parlour

Since I began at Drexel in the fall of 2009, I’ve noticed that lunch trucks have slowly started to take over the campus. Food trucks have become the newest and coolest way to get your food. One day while I was walking through University of Pennsylvania’s campus looking for a place to eat lunch, I came across what I thought was a new offering. To my surprise it wasn’t a lunch truck at all, but a fashion truck. You may be asking yourself what that means exactly. Well basically, it’s a store on wheels. The truck is called Smak Parlour and it is an extension of the Smak Parlour boutique located in Old City. The truck is normally parked on 40^th and Locust but sometimes travels to conventions. 

I had never seen anything like this before so I clearly had to go inside. The truck was pretty spacious; there was room for at least 6 people to comfortably shop without feeling overcrowded. I had never been to the stand-alone boutique in Old City so I wasn’t sure what kind of clothes to expect. I was happily surprised when I found trendy, fun clothes that are very similar to things I wear normally. The truck was nicely decorated. There were tables and shelves set up with scarves and pretty costume jewelry. There was even a dressing room—really it was more of a curtained off corner— where you could try on clothes. The prices were a little higher than the other places I have talked about. But we must remember that Smak Parlour is a boutique, not a thrift store. Dresses range from $50 and above and sweaters $35 and above. The costume jewelry, however, was not overpriced; I saw some rings for $10, and necklaces for $20. Good for one-of-a-kind pieces your friends won’t have. Like a boom box necklace or “Dope” ring.

Top and bottom left, top right: Alexandra Carlino; Bottom right: Google

After my experience at the truck, I visited the actual store to see how it differed. The boutique had more inventory, obviously, but it also had a back room with little kitschy items. For example, I saw a jewelry plate, a book with handlebar mustaches, and funky sunglasses. The boutique in Old City is open Monday through Thursday 12:00pm – 7:00pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:00am – 8:00pm, and Sunday 12:00pm – 6:00pm.

One of the owners, Abby, was at the store and she said that the truck isn’t open in the winter, but will be back on UPenn’s campus once the weather gets warm. During the winter months, the truck only travels to convention centers. Abby told me it was recently in New York City for The Big Retail Show, and the Tattoo Convention here in Philadelphia. As of now, Smak Parlour is the only fashion truck in Philadelphia. Fashion Trucks “I’m told” are very popular in Los Angeles but hopefully more trucks will start to make their way to our area.

If you are ever in University City, don’t miss this innovative way to shop.

Online Outlets

While I think every woman should try going to a thrift or consignment store at least once, it may not be your cup of tea. But through the Internet, I have found two more fashion discount sites that are worth mentioning. The first is ShopeHers.com. This website is dedicated solely to pre-owned designer fashion. To purchase an item, you contact the seller directly to talk about price and any other questions you may have. Since these are top-label items, the prices can get very expensive. For those who want to set a maximum price you are willing to spend, an option for that. When signing up with ShopHers, you are asked exact measurements for your shoe size, waist, hips, and inseam. You are also asked to pick your favorite designers off a list given to you. The point of this site is to tailor your profile as close to your likes as possible.

After signing up I gave my measurements, picked my designers, and shortly thereafter, my homepage displayed items I have been admiring for years. For example, a pair of Jimmy Choo sandals originally priced at $455 were being sold for $145.  Spending $145 is relatively cheap compared to the original price but is still a good amount of money. When I do spend that much, I want to know that the item I am buying is legitimate. I don’t want to open the package and see “Timmy” Choo, and realize I was scammed. Luckily for us, ShopHers has taken care of that. After you buy an item, it is shipped to website headquarters where it is authenticated. Once everything is approved, ShopHers then sends the item to you. Michelle Katz, my previous interviewee, told me about this site. She has gotten a few things from this site including a pair of light blue Salvatore Ferragamo flats.

Left: Jimmy Choo pumps; Right: Salvatore Ferragamo flats (Instagram @meeshkatz)

The second site is OutNet.com. As opposed to selling pre-owned designer items, OutNet is a fashion outlet. The website sells discounted designer women’s wear and accessories. The people who started Net-A-Porter.com also created this site. Most of the items on this site are 40%-50% off their original prices. This website is ideal for women who love designer labels but don’t want anything pre-owned. Designers who are featured on this website almost never put their clothes on sale. So to see Oscar De La Renta pumps at 50% off their original price is amazing.  

I have known two people who have ordered from this site, and neither have gotten clothes. One of them is Michelle, again, and the other my cousin Stephanie. Each ordered a pair of shoes and both were happy with their purchases. I do know that they charge for returns so when ordering, you must accurately know your size. Michelle’s boyfriend got her a pair of Jimmy Choo pumps from this site. She was happy with the present, and he was happy that he saved money. A win-win situation for everybody. Stephanie bought a pair of Tory Burch flats; she would wear them everyday if she could.

I’m really excited when I find websites like ShopHers and OutNet because it’s the only way I can afford to keep up with my tastes. I can shop for hours without having to leave my bed and still make smart shopping choices. Signing up for both of these sites is free. It never hurts to look around. Think of it as window-shopping, or whatever you would call the online equivalent.

“Fashions fade, style is eternal” -Yves Saint-Laurent

Drexel University is known for its exemplary engineering school, its co-op program, and— you may not know this— but also for its fashion program. I sat down with a senior design and merchandising student, Michelle Katz, to talk about her fashion background, personal style and shopping rules of thumb.

As a fashion student, Michelle only gets to participate in one co-op rotation, because the design and merchandising program is only four years. However, this did not stop Michelle from pursuing more internship opportunities to get her foot in the door of the competitive world of fashion. Her first internship was with Elle Magazine for 6 months. Michelle experienced a childhood dream when she worked in the Elle accessories closet. She got to organize and look through the items that we see on the pages of Elle each month. She even got to take home some of the accessories.

After Elle, she commuted from Philadelphia to New York City three days a week when she worked at Badgley Mischka. Michelle said that commuting was extremely hard and she remembers being exhausted every day but it was worth it for the priceless real-world experience. This commute went on for three months. After finishing at Badgley Mischka, Michelle secured an internship with Allure Magazine. Her three-day per week commute to New York City continued with this internship, but she said it was easier the second time around. Allure was a great experience for Michelle because her dream is to become a fashion editor at a major magazine one day. Allure gave her more responsibilities, leadership roles, and creative freedom, which is more than she ever had dreamed of. Because of this experience, she was even offered a job. Unfortunately, Michelle had to turn it down because she is still a full-time student at Drexel.

I have known Michelle for a few years and admired the way she has dressed for just as long. She takes simple pieces and combines them to make an outfit that many of us could have never put together. I like to check her Instagram to see her outfit of the day (#ootd) and newest accessories. Below are some highlights of the interview I had with Michelle.

How would you describe your personal style?

“I would describe myself as professional with an edge. I want to be classic but make it original with accessories.”

(Instagram @meeshkatz)

What are your favorite thrift stores?

“Starstruck Vintage in Greenwich Village, and Impact thrift, which has a few stores in Bucks and Montgomery Counties. I really like having to sift through racks. You really have to have patience to thrift.”

What is your personal “splurge” and “save” list?

“I splurge on jewelry, handbags, shoes, and button downs. You need to find jewelry that you love, everyday pieces that are well made.” She has five pieces of jewelry that she never takes off. “A handbag can last forever; they are an investment.” Michelle and her Mom both take their handbag purchases very seriously because they know that good ones can be passed down for years. Button-down shirts are a new obsession for Michelle. They are a basic item that every woman should own. They are always in style and can be paired with pretty much everything.

“Save on trendy clothes, or buy them thrifted. If it’s not a staple item, you don’t need to spend money on it.” Trendy accessories can also be saved on.

What are your top 3 favorite items in your closet?

1  Quilted cross body Chanel bag

2  Calvin Klein button down, moss colored and goes with everything

3  Shoe collection

Left: Chanel purse, Ferragamo flats; Right: vintage YSL pumps. (Instagram @meeshkatz)

        Michelle says she tries to never pay retail. She likes the ASOS sale section. She once found a white pencil skirt for $24, on sale from $100. She also recommends going to Bloomingdales’ sales, “They have great coupons,” and also Nordstrom annual sales. It is always interesting to hear how other people shop. You may find something worth spending money on, while someone else wouldn’t agree. Because she is an experienced thriftier, I gave her the names of favorite Philly thrift stores. Happy shopping Michelle and thank you for sitting down with Off the Rack!

Sophisticated Seconds

            Unlike several other consignment and thrift stores I have visited in and around Philadelphia, I didn’t hear about Sophisticated Seconds from other people. Instead, I found the store online while looking up top consignment stores in the city. Highly rated through Yelp, I decided to go in and see if I my trip would be as successful as that of the reviewers. Located at 2019 Sansom Street, right near Shake Shack, the store is cute and inviting. If I weren’t already there on purpose, I probably would have stopped in on my own. Currently, it is running a sale on winter coats because, as I have mentioned before, everyone is trying to get rid of their winter clothes for spring items. Sophisticated Seconds is small but it seemed have a lot to offer. I casually browsed through the front of the store when I saw a Louis Vuitton bag sitting on a shelf for only $33. But as I examined the tag, I saw it was a fake. I was disappointed but at least the store didn’t try to pretend it was real.

Left and Right: Google

Next, I went through the women’s dress rack and found a Michael Kors dress for $40 and an Isaac Mizrahi suit for the same. These were good finds but nothing out of the ordinary. The woman working the register was very nice and offered her help but I wanted to look around first and see if the store was worth my time. Well, I’m glad I did because I found the greatest hidden fashion treasure that I had ever come across while visiting consignment stores. When I went back to the coat section, I came across a black leather jacket. I almost shuffled past it, but the feel and look of the soft leather caught my attention. When I pulled it out for a better look, I saw this jacket was an Alice & Olivia piece. I looked at the tag and saw Sophisticated Seconds was selling this jacket for $53. The regular retail price is $880! I couldn’t believe that this unassuming little store was selling such a once-in-a-lifetime item. I wish I could tell you that I am now the proud owner of an Alice & Olivia leather jacket but, I cannot.  I think the markdown shocked me so much that I walked out of the store empty handed, or at least that’s what I tell myself. I forgot the golden rule of thrifting: never leave something you want behind. It will not be there when you go back for it. That’s a lesson I had to learn the hard way.

            If you’re prepared to look around the store, Sophisticated Seconds is a great place to visit. It is open Monday, Tuesday, Saturday from 10:30am – 6:00pm and Wednesday through Friday 10:30am – 7:00pm.

A man in the store, Greg, said he found a Burberry trench coat hidden among the racks and paid $143. Those coats will normally run you over $1,800. You may not be successful on your first trip or even your second but, the third time you could find your own version of the Alice & Olivia jacket. Don’t make my mistake; buy it as soon as you see it! There is also a second Sophisticated Seconds location at 2204 South Street.

Try your luck at one or both!

21st Century Thrift Store

             Technology has changed many aspects of our life, and shopping is no exception. I have written about discount websites, but what about clothes sharing? 99 Dresses is a phone app that allows you share to clothes with other app users to create the infinite closet. Buying dresses is a constant battle with myself. Too many clothes, yet nothing to wear. The way this app works is, you take a picture of a piece of clothing you are tired of and post it. When you “sell” a piece of clothing on 99 dresses, you are not dealing with actual money. Instead, you use “buttons” when buying and selling items. So, for example, a user would buy your garment for 230 buttons, and then you could use those buttons toward the purchase of another item that you like. The only thing you pay for is shipping and handling. You many also buy more buttons if you don’t have enough for a piece you want. The other option is to give away more items of clothing until you have earned enough buttons. When you sign up, the app asks your sizes so they can fill your feed with relevant items. This prevents you from falling in love with a garment that is not in your size. You may also follow women’ whose style you admire.

Right: Alexandra Carlino; Left: Google

I heard about this app through my friend Diana who gave away a five items of clothing and built up enough buttons to buy a BCBG cocktail dress. She used 1,200 buttons for the dress and it was in great condition. The dress arrived in a few days and it didn’t cost her anything! Now she has the option to put that dress back on the market or to give away a different dress. When this app was first launched, it was only for dresses. Now you can use it to get jewelry, makeup, skirts, pants, and sweaters.

The 99 Dresses was created by a 20-year-old women in Australia. She, like many of her friends, was never happy with the clothes in her closet. This app gives women a chance to continually change what they find in their closet. Women love borrowing clothes from their friends. Why limit themselves to people they know? Instead they can share with hundreds of others. I consider 99 Dresses, and other apps like it, the 21^st century thrift stores. Instead of walking into a store and sifting through racks; with the push of a button, you can have a new dress coming to your house. This app is available for free on the app store and compatible with iPhone and Android phones.

“Expensive does not mean classy” -Unknown

You need a new TV, more deodorant, and some mascara; where do you go? Probably Target. Need a Missoni bathing suit or a Phillip Lim blouse? You may not know it, but you can also go to Target for that. The bulls-eye logo isn’t the only thing setting this store apart from its competition. In the past few years Target has collaborated with some extremely high-end designers such as Rodarte, Missoni, Prabal Gurung and 3.1 Phillip Lim. These designers have created unique clothing specifically for Target at fairly reasonable prices ranging from $30 to $200. These exclusive collections have been massive hits: stylish high quality clothes at unbeatable prices, and found at your local Target, which shouldn’t be farther than 5 miles from your house. The Missoni collection, which sold out in one day, featured the patterns and fabric that are so unique to its name.

I myself have clothing from both Prabal Gurung and 3.1 Phillip Lim collections.  I purchased two dresses for Prabal Gurung on sale for $15 and $27, practically a highway robbery. When paying no more than $30 for a dress, you expect the quality to be lacking but I was extremely impressed with the quality of the fabric. Both dresses were expertly lined and looked far more valuable than their double-digit price tags. In the words of Prabal Gurung, “ A modern woman is not necessarily someone who buys expensive stuff, a modern woman is someone who buys intelligently.”

Prabal Gurung dresses from Target (Alexandra Carlino)

While everyone can agree the Prabal Gurung dresses from Target aren’t the same ones celebrities are gracing the red carpet with, they were much better than anything similar stores had to offer. It is this unique opportunity that has widened the Target customer base and has inspired other retailers to follow in its footsteps and collaborate with high-end designers. Vera Wang and Catherine Malandrino both have lines available at Kohls. H&M even has lines with Lanvin and Jimmy Choo.

3.1 Phillip Lim sweater (Alexandra Carlino)

Target’s newest collaboration is with Peter Pilotto. The lookbook was released on January 13^th and shows off the colorful and whimsical collection to hit stores on February 9^th. The collection will feature 70 items from skirts and dresses to purses and swimwear. Most of the items will retail for less than $60. Put this date on your calendars because these one-of-a-kind items will sell out quickly and you don’t want to miss out.

Hidden Gem: Once Worn

            When people think of going to thrift stores the first word that comes to mind is vintage. While some stores do have a few older items, it looks more like something your Grandmother would wear rather the effortless vintage look so popular today. Sometimes purchasing vintage clothing can cost more than current styles. For those of you who like to have a few vintage pieces in your wardrobe, Once Worn consignment is the place for you. Located in Northern Liberties at 906 N 2^nd Street, this cute shop has a great mix of vintage clothing and current styles. The store is nicely arranged and it’s easy to look through. A small designer clothes rack is available for those of you who like to find a good deal on high-end labels. I saw Hudson jeans priced at $35, and an Anne Klein skirt for $15. The shoe selection is pretty good as well; I found an adorable pair of grey pumps that had intricate elastic straps criss-cross straps for just $22. There was even a pair of Elie Tahari pumps for $15! I don’t often find myself in Northern Liberties nor I had heard about this store, so I’m going to consider Once Worn an “Off the Rack” hidden gem.

Left and Right: Google

The owner, Jen, was very helpful and told me what sells and what doesn’t. She explained that pants aren’t a big seller because people don’t like to try them on, which I can understand. Let’s face it, trying on clothes is annoying. She says brands like Urban Outfitters, Banana Republic and J.Crew sell very well. High-end designers aren’t popular unless they’re well-cut pieces or have an interesting pattern. As of February 1, 2014 Once Worn is only accepting spring clothes. The store is in need of men’s clothes so if you ladies with a significant other want to do a little closet cleaning for your boyfriends, you know where to bring them.  

            Once Worn is open Wednesday through Saturday 11am-7pm and Sunday from 12pm-6pm. Their business card has a frequent shopper card on the back. Spend $25 and receive a stamp. When you fill up your card, you receive $20 off your next purchase. I really liked the vibe and selections. This was the first store where I found some legitimate vintage items, like a leather Mario Valentino skirt, and I am interested to see what is new when I go back. If you ever find yourself in Northern Liberties, which seems like a nice place to find cute boutiques anyway, don’t forget to stop in at Once Worn. You won’t regret it.

Philly’s Best Kept Secret: Super Thrift

            The world of thrifting is similar to membership in an underground society. Many people participating, but no one is talking about it. 
          When speaking to customers at thrift stores, I like to ask them what their favorite thrift store in the city is. More often than not, the name Super Thrift kept coming up. When I asked for more information about the store, I was told it was located on Aramingo Avenue in a sketchy shopping center. There are no signs for it so you have to know where to go. My interest was piqued. A quick Google search told me that the address was 2403 Aramingo Ave. Thankfully someone had told me what to look for because my GPS was not very helpful. My thrift store guide said that when I saw a Pep Boys location, I had found the shopping center. After driving around the parking lot for a while, I eventually found this elusive store tucked in at the end of the shopping center. Listening to all of the talk surrounding Super Thrift, I was expecting some hole-in-the-wall shop, but it was actually very large with a good number of people shopping. 

Left and Right: Alexandra Carlino

            Racks upon racks of clothing took up the inside. I didn’t know where to start, so I just went straight to the blouses and looked through each size. The thrifters who frequent this store say you really have to have the patience to look through all the items. For every five pieces of bad clothing, you’re going to come across one or two fabulous finds. The patrons crowding the aisles each had baskets full of clothing, shoes, and trinkets. I came across a woman, who told me her name was Irene. She had found 2 Express dresses for $3.50 each. They were each in great shape and were still in style. During my own sifting I found an Eileen Fisher blouse for $4.50, a Michael Stars blouse and dress for $2.95 and $3.50 each, and finally, a Hervé Chapelier bag for $6.25. Each of those items retail for at least $80 and above. I was amazed by the prices of everything. I could probably spend hours in this store and still not find every fashion gold mine hidden among the racks.

            Another woman, Meg, I spoke to said she comes to Super Thrift frequently. She once found a woman’s Calvin Klein Suit for less than $40. Meg’s friend Donna said she finds items here that she has sold online for 3 times the amount she paid for them. Super Thrift is a serious thrifter’s heaven. Many of the thrift stores I have more inventory in woman’s clothes than anything else. This store not only had a woman’s section, but men’s – girl’s – and boy’s as well. Shoes lined the top of the clothes racks.

            My advice would be come to Super Thrift if you have had thrift store experience. I was wholly unprepared for the sheer amount of inventory in the store. I also did not have the time to look through every single rack, which is what you have to do to be a successful thrifter. Super Thrift definitely lives up to the hype surrounding it. This is one Philly spot you don’t want to miss.

Off the Rack Favorite: Bella Boutique

            For someone who has lived in Philadelphia for five years, I am not well versed in the institution that is South Street. I mean, it’s where Miley Cyrus went from sweet little Hannah Montana to the woman we are familiar with today. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Cryrus claims that Philadelphia is where she found her style.

“Have you ever been to South Street in Philly? That's where I got my first chain. Sixteen bucks – not real," she said.

Well, I wouldn’t say that I had a complete style makeover, but my shopping horizons were expanded after a trip to South Street. I came across Bella Boutique, a consignment store located at 527 South 4^th Street

            The store has been open for 15 years, the last 8 in its current location. The boutique offers a large inventory, from costume jewelry to high-end accessories, and everyday clothes to fur jackets. Bella’s shoe collection includes such brands as Manolo Blahnik and Christian Louboutin. I even saw a Hermes “H” belt behind the counter that the boutique was selling for $150. This belt is regularly priced at $500!

Who can beat a deal like that?

            The sales people at Bella were extremely helpful and were more than glad to answer my questions. The boutique accepts consignment Monday through Saturday from 1pm-7pm, and on Sunday from 1pm-6pm. There is no minimum number of items required to sell. Marie, the sales associate, said the salespeople pick inventory based on how customers are shopping in “regular” retail stores, and “of course” on the basis of need. At this time, the boutique is going through a transition period. That means they are trying to get rid of winter clothes – such as heavy coats, to make room for spring items.

            After customers bring in their items to consign, they will approve the price before the clothes are put on the floor. When their items are sold, they will receive 40% of the selling price. The employees maintain that the store tends to get more of the higher-end items than any of the other consignment shops around the area. After looking around the boutique for close to an hour, I tend to agree. If the items given to the boutique do not sell after 40 days, then they are donated to thrift stores like Philly AIDS Thrift. Or, customers can choose to take them back.

Top Left and Right: gold chain bracelet with pink accent; Bottom Left and Right: gold swirl bracelet. (Alexandra Carlino, purchased at Bella Boutique)

            While I was in Bella Boutique I fell in love with the accessories section. The boutique carried unique pieces that I haven’t seen in stores. I ended up purchasing 2 bracelets. I intended to only buy one, but to make the $10 credit-card minimum I had to choose a second. While checking out, Marie showed me a full finger sterling silver ring with an intricate design for $12. I almost bought the ring but fought the urge. But can a girl really have too much jewelry? Maybe another trip is in my future. I was pleasantly surprised by my first foray into consignment store shopping. This boutique will be my first stop when I make my way back to South Street, and this time I will bring friends along. Bella Boutique is officially “Off the Rack” approved.

Starter Store: Greene Street Consignment

Greene Street consignment is housed in a lovely brick building that stands out from the rest of the small boutiques that line South Street. Located at 7th and South, Greene Street seemed neat and organized, which instantly drew me in. My limited experience in thrift and consignment stores had me prepared to look through unkempt piles. In reality, this store is neater than the local Express.

My adventure into Greene Street took place on a snowy day. Very few people risked the weather for a little shopping, but a few brave customers walked the aisles. I approached a woman who was looking through a circle rack and after a little small talk I asked if she came to this store often. Liz said that she was visiting her sister from Maryland and discovered the store on her last trip. She walked out with some good buys so she wanted to come back and see what else she could find. Liz’s last purchases were a faux fur shrug from Bebe for $45 - the regular price was over $100. She also purchased a Banana Republic sweater for $20, an item that was regularly priced at $65. I, myself, found a pair of Seven jeans for $40, a BCBG Generation tank-top for $12, and a Love Ady blazer for $23. The best piece of advice I was given is to look through everything. She didn’t have any merchandise with her but maybe she got lucky after I left.

Left: Google; Right: Yelp

Behind the front counter at Greene Street is where high-end designer items are kept. The top items the store were carrying were a pair of Manolo Blahnik pumps and a pair of Gucci rain boots. The rain boots were being sold for $175. Normal retail price is $350. The jewelry was not anything special but it was well priced. Necklaces were priced at  $10 to $15 and the bracelets were no more than $10. If you need an everyday necklace or bracelet, you should look through the selection.

As opposed to other consignment stores, Greene Street requires you to bring in a minimum of 10 items to consign. The rest of its policy is similar to all other stores; the owner of the clothes will receive a 40% commission off the sale. All unsold items become Greene Streets property if they are not claimed at the end of the contract. Greene Street’s hours are Monday through Thursday 10:00am – 8:00pm, Friday and Saturday 10:00am – 9:00pm and Sunday 10:00am – 7:00pm.

If you are a first-time consigner, I think Greene Street is a great place to get your feet wet. Because it’s so well organized going through racks won’t be as tedious as other consignment stores. If you are on a tight budget and need everyday pieces to fill your wardrobe, then I recommend you stop by.