Check out the best thrift stores in Brooklyn and best vintage stores in Brooklyn for clothing, home furnishings, & accessories.
I was recently asked a question that is something I get asked a lot. Today, I am going to be talking about thrift store shopping; specifically, how to only buy what you will use. I love this question. It is something I could talk forever about but I am going to reign it in and
Tokyo is one of the best places in the world for thrift shopping. There are a few areas in particular that have the best used and vintage shops and clothes. Find out how to get more bang for your buck!…
Thrift stores, flea markets, and garage sales are like Aladdin’s cave: you never know what treasures you’ll find inside. That’s where the Weird Secondhand Finds That Just Need To Be Shared Facebook group comes in—it’s a page dedicated to sharing the oddities that people spot in thrift shops. Scroll down to have a look and let us know in the comments which finds caught your attention the most. Oh, and don’t forget to upvote your fave photos!
Next time you find yourself in France, skip shopping at generic stores, and head straight to these amazing vintage shops in Paris to curate your own chic style!
Where to shop in Shimokitazawa, one of Tokyo's top spots for vintage and secondhand shopping.
20 Best Thrift Stores of Barcelona (with map) *Originally published by Catherine in July 2019 and updated by Vanessa in August 2022 and Updated by Vanessa R in August 2023 and by Vanessa M in
We have the ultimate list of tips for thrifting! The ultimate savings hacks to save you thousands on every thing you buy throughout the year!
Are you looking for more ways to save money and get fiercely frugal? Check out these simple frugal living tips from the Great Depression that anyone can do.
So, today we're going to talk about my favorite thing: thrift stores. As you know, I consider myself a true patron of the thrift, a master of the bargain bin. I didn't really set out to become such a person, but when I realized that it was going to cost me thousands of dollars to decorate my house, and then realized that I had about fourteen dollars, well, I decided just to make the best of the situation. So, I began thrifting. Over the course of about three years, I've been to a billion thrift stores (rough estimate) and managed to occasionally decorate my house pretty well (with the exception of this). And then of course, I started this blog two years ago, and everything just kinda fell into place. I could expand that paragraph into a 400 page novel, but I won't. Just know that from limitations comes creativity, so don't be discouraged if you find yourself in a similar spot. Ever since I wrote this post last year that went viral, I've gotten tons of questions about how I find such great stuff at thrift stores. I don't have any magic formulas, but I've definitely learned some tips over the years that have helped me find stuff that I wouldn't have been able to afford or find elsewhere. So, today I thought I would share just 10 of my favorite thrift store shopping secrets, in the hopes that it will help you, too. Let's get started. #1. It's all about location I get asked all the time about how to find good thrift stores, and in my experience, a thrift store in the nice part of town usually has better stuff than the one in the bad part of town, and they are usually less picked over. There are always exceptions, but usually... nice area = nice thrift store. For example, I went today (to a nice-area-store) and found a bunch of stuff, like this set of end tables originally from Bombay. I think they were $15 for the set. I was so tempted to bring them home and either spray paint them high gloss navy or use Rub n Buff to paint them gold, but I left them behind because they were a bit too small for what I needed for the bedroom. My search continues... I also found a great Bergere chair for $8. Chairs with cushions like this are pretty easy to reupholster and I thought this one would look really great in just about any updated fabric, maybe even something like the fabric I used here. The wood was in really great condition, but could easily be painted, too. I also found this piece, which was almost perfect the perfect height for what I've been looking for (for our tv in this room), but it had a broken leg that was beyond the point of my woodworking-skill-level-of-zero. Sidenote: That elephant planter totally mesmerized me. I stared at it for 5 minutes wondering if it was absolutely amazing or absolutely hideous. I kinda just wanted to buy it to put random stuff in it....like socks or catfood or remotes. Jesse: 'Where is the remote?' Virginia: 'Look in the elephant.' #2. Harness the internet. Let me introduce you to an awesome website. Next time you want to find a new thrift store in your area, or anywhere else, just enter the zip code on thethriftshopper.com. It tells you all of the stores listed in that area, complete with their hours, location, how to sign up for their mailing lists, and even reviews from other shoppers. It's kinda awesome. #3. Venture outside your comfort zone. It may sound crazy, but I love to thrift on vacation. I have no idea why, but I tend to find really cool stuff every time I do. I've never purchased anything big, but if we have our car with us, I might score a few small items that I love. We went thrifting while we were in Florida (as I mentioned in my vacation post), and I definitely found a few great items that I've never come across at home. I brought home a ginger jar, two milk glass vases, a silver champagne bucket, and three bronze wine glasses. I scored the bronze glasses for a dollar each. And they were a great little addition to my colorful kitchen cabinets. Btw, thank you guys for all your for amazing coffee suggestions on Facebook. It took me 85 years to get a fancy coffee machine, but it was worth the wait. Whoever recommended Chocolate Covered Donut gets a gold star. :) The silver champagne bucket was my favorite Florida find. I've been looking for one to use as a planter for awhile now, and was so excited to find one for just $10. And it totally inspired me to get my first Orchid, which currently resides in the office, and which I'm sure will be dead in a week's time. I swore to him that if he came to live with me, I would keep him alive. But, I'm already getting nervous after the situation with Vern's friend. Any tips? #4. The Change of Seasons Rule As a rule, I find the best stuff when the seasons change. It's the time when people clean out their house and give stuff away. Just after the first of the year is a great time, too. Not only is it the deadline for making donations that you can write off on your taxes, but it's also right after the holiday season when people have bought tons of new stuff and are shedding the old stuff to make room. Hint: If you are in the mood to clean out your house, it's probably a great time to thrift store shop because everyone else is cleaning out their house, too. I found most of the stuff on my mantle in the first couple months of Fall, and the thrift stores were absolutely packed with stuff around that time. The ginger jar, gold frame, and mirror were all found there. That's a fake orchid. And no, I don't feel any more equipped to raise a real orchid after living with the fake one for a bit. Here are a couple more items I saw when I checked out a few stores right after New Years. I thought that frame was a great find. You could have a piece of mirror cut to fit it, or you could use it to frame a great piece of art. I actually ended up buying this little green flower painting that I found for a dollar. It was framed in a simple wood frame that I painted gold. But, sidenote...can we just take a moment to appreciate the pineapple? He seems like he has a great personality. My little painting is really thriving in the kitchen these days. Although, there are still days when I think of The Pineapple. And what could have been... #5. Find out the best days of the week to shop Some days are definitely better than others when it comes to finding great stuff in a thrift store, and I find out by talking to the store employees. They are a total wealth of information. In our area, most stores tend to get their new donations on the weekends, and then they take 24-36 hours to process it. This usually results in Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday being the best days. The exception to this rule (locally) is Goodwill. I go to Goodwill on Sunday because that's when they announce the color of the tag that's going to be discounted for the week, and that's when all the good sale stuff first becomes available. Usually by Monday morning, most of the good stuff that was discounted is already gone and it's just junky stuff left on sale. Our Goodwill also runs sales for 50% everything on the first Saturday of every month. Basically, just ask the employees when new deliveries arrive so that you can have a chance at the best stuff. Here are just a few of my finds that I've been able to score because I knew which days were best to shop. All of these I was able to get the minute they were brought out onto the floor. I got this mirror for just $10. Total fave. And this really great navy vase for $8 that I sneak peeked on Instagram. And then this really great mirror (that ended up in the post about the dresser I painted back in December). Also, just yesterday I found this little guy for $4. He'll likely make an appearance on the silver leafed vanity in an upcoming post about the bedroom updates. #6. Frequency is key. Great merchandise moves fast in thrift stores. Sometimes it's sold the minute the staff sets it out on the floor. So, the more you go, the more you find good stuff. I do a quick 'pop in' a couple times a week at key times, which means I quickly dart around the store for about 5 minutes to see if there's anything there. For example, I went to my favorite store on Friday and didn't find a thing. Then yesterday, I went in and found this little gem for about $5. I've been wanting a garden stool for ages, but could never find one under $100 even at discount stores. Which is pure insanity. I'm thinking of spray painting it to look like this, but I'm taking a minute to ponder it. Thoughts? #7. Sign up for the email mailing list Not all stores have an email mailing list, but if they do, it's a great way to find out about sales or special promotions. For example, one of the local stores has a 50% Off sale every couple of months, and they usually send out an email announcing it. There's also a couple small thrift stores in our area that actually send out a weekly email with photos of their stuff, like this chair. Or these really great lamps. Either would be amazing with a modern shade. #8. Shop online. Did you know that you can shop Goodwill online? They list tons of their best stuff on their site, and all at great prices. My favorites categories are the art, home, and tableware sections. Goodwill also has a totally separate site just for books. I've mentioned several times on this blog how I always look at the book section every time I go to the thrift store. I'm constantly using pages from books as cheap art (like the horse situation), and you can really find some great stuff. You can visit the main Goodwill site here and the Goodwill Books site here. #9. Get a discount This may not exist in your area, but if it does, get excited. Our local schools issue school coupon books once a school year. They cost about $10 each and have a crazy amount of coupons inside. I usually buy one or two every year, for the sole reason that there is usually 2-3 coupons inside for thrift stores. And some of the coupons you can even re-use once a month. For example, our book has a re-useable coupon for 20% off your purchase at KARM (one of my local faves), and one for 25% off at Goodwill. Basically, it's saves me tons of money when I thrift, and there are also tons of coupons for free burgers and milkshakes. I do it for the children. And last but not least... #10. Don't take it too seriously. Thrift store shopping should be fun. And you shouldn't be spending tons of money or turning into a famous A&E hoarder. If you're doing either, you should probably sit down and nibble on your thoughts for a minute. And if something you bought breaks or doesn't work or turns out to be a terrible lapse in judgement (been there, girl), just high five yourself and shrug it off. You paid 99 cents. It's okay. For me, the goal is simple. I love finding things that have seen better days (but have tons of potential) and thinking about how to make them amazing again or how to reuse them in a different way. And then I do it, and save tons of money. Because rather than spending thousands of dollars on all new stuff, I've been able to repurpose a lot of old stuff that's ended up being pretty cool in the end. And my hope is that this blog shows you that you can do it, too. That's all for today, ya'll. Thanks for visiting my blog today. Ya know I mean it. You can check out my other thrift store posts here, here, and (the best one) here. And I'll be back soon to share my 10 spray paint tips, my favorite project yet, the bedroom reveal, and the craziest thing that's ever happened on this blog. Ever. 'Til next time! Christmas Countdown Are You Ready for Christmas? Here are a few of my LiveLoveDIY Christmas posts: DIY Ornament Wreath DIY Snowflake Books Magnolia Leaf Wreath DIY Christmas Ornaments Follow my blog with Follow my blog on or or Subscribe to LiveLoveDIY with email! Enter your email address: -->
You'll find some truly awesome things at this collection of stores.
NYC is a treasure trove of vintage shopping experiences. Here's your ultimate guide to the best thrift stores in New York City!
Thrift shops are a great alternative to regular clothing stores, whether you’re crazy about vintage clothes, care about the environment, or just want to save some euros. Here is a list of the least-expensive thrift shops in Paris for those looking to save some serious euros.
You would never pop a tag. This is a religion.
This is a complete guide to thrift stores. There are tips on what to buy, what not to buy, when & where to buy so that you can get the best deals.
Every time I go to Edinburgh, I have to put aside time to shop. And I’m not talking about the kind of shopping you do in New Town or on Princes Street. I’m talking about charity shops: the ultimate thrift shopping! These shops are everywhere in Edinburgh and whether you're an avid thrifter or not, y
You can spend hours in a supermarket and still not find what you're looking for. Or you can go into a thrift shop without searching for anything in particular and walk away with a full bag. I mean, how could you walk away from a plate with a drawing of a bird pooping, with the words, "Here's your snack, dumbass" written all over it? It would go beautifully with that cat-shaped dispenser that shoots tissues out of its butt. Bored Panda has collected some of the most delightfully weird thrifting finds people have ever come across and you have to see them to believe them!
Savvy Stockholmers knows the secret to a truly fashionable look is to frequent the city's best thrift shops, which are bursting with finds.
My seven worst thrifting mistakes and a very cool hipster photographer's vintage thrift store shopping advice I'm following from now on.
We all know that Georgians love a good bargain. Check out the best thrift stores in Georgia for a great shopping experience.
klyker.com brings 35 more crazy pics to remind us that thrift stores are a great supplier of strange items. Check out more weird stuff found in Thrift Stores
Thrift stores, flea markets, and garage sales are like Aladdin’s cave: you never know what treasures you’ll find inside. That’s where the Weird Secondhand Finds That Just Need To Be Shared Facebook group comes in—it’s a page dedicated to sharing the oddities that people spot in thrift shops. Scroll down to have a look and let us know in the comments which finds caught your attention the most. Oh, and don’t forget to upvote your fave photos!
You never know what you’ll find at the thrift shop
A secret local's guide to 29 of the best places to shop in NYC on a budget. It even features a free map to help you find the best thrift stores in NYC.
Macklemore isn’t the only one who loves shopping secondhand.
Which do you enjoy more: thrifting or making money? What if you can combine your love for both? Today I wanted to share some items you can purchase at a thrift store and sell for major profit.
Do you like to shop for second-hand clothing? Then Berlin is the perfect place to go! Berlin is a paradise for conscious travelers who like to buy sustainably. Yes, minimalism is the way to go, especially if you're traveling, but you need clothes, right? Aside from all the great flea markets you can find in
The best vintage clothing stores in Toronto to shop at if you're looking for cool fashion boutiques and unique vintage gems in the city!
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Traveling to New York City comes at a cost; the Big Apple is one of the world’s most expensive cities as you probably know already. You also might be aware that shopping when in NYC
I'm gonna pop some tags...
I was wandering around the thrift shop, hoping to find something crazy like every other week. After a few old lamps and some fades of clothes, I saw these three composers staring at me...
A secret local's guide to 29 of the best places to shop in NYC on a budget. It even features a free map to help you find the best thrift stores in NYC.
They’re cheap. They help the environment. And they might just make your eyebrows jump into your hairline. That’s right, folks, I’m talking about all the weird things that people uncover in thrift stores. And flea markets. Not to mention in strange shops (there one day, gone the next) with mysterious and eccentric owners who offer you items that will make all your dreams come true for free (all you need to do is sign a simple contract). [Cue goatee twirling and totally-not-suspicious laughter.]
Vetta Vintage owner Jasmine Chess reveals why London is the ultimate place to find rare vintage gems.
I lost track of time today, paging through lots and lots of vintage Cookie recipes. If only I had the time to make them all! I will post some of them here for you to see. Do you have any favorite Cookie recipes that you make year after year? First we will need to get out our vintage Cookie Cutters! Now for some vintage Recipes. (You can click on each image to see the larger version of it) First we have a recipe for 1-2-3 Peanut Butter Cookies: Next, a recipe for Molasses Crisps Cookies: Don't you just love Toll House Cookies? I thought so! :) A recipe for Brown Edge Cookies: Easy Roll Sugar Cookies: Lemon Drop Cookies: Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies: Christmas Tree Cookies: Cute vintage ad for Betty Crocker: Coconut Drop Cookies: Peanut Whirligigs: Molasses Sugar Cookies: I just LOVE this Cookie House! Here are recipes for Holiday Fancies, Peanut Butter Cookies, and Sandbakkels: And here are recipes for Swedish Almond Wafers, Almond Pretzels, and Butter Cutout Cookies: And here is a vintage page of Crisco Cookie recipes - the Gingerbread Men are sooo cute! Yummmmmmmy! The house smell so wonderful with all the wonderful cookies we have baked! Now all we have to do is place them in a pretty box to give as gifts. Or, find a super cute Cookie Jar to store them in, and have fun EATING THEM!! Have a wonderful Holiday Season, and Merry Christmas to all!
