Thrifty Thursday: The Sharing Place

This week, I'll  be reviewing a hidden thrift haven in Harlem, The Sharing Place.
Located in East Harlem, The Sharing Place is a weird smorgasbord of high-end brands such as Salvatore Ferragamo, Kate Spade mixed in with more affordable brands like H&M, Ann Taylor etc. all mushed together in a store the size of a Manhattan studio.
I rated The Sharing Place on five categories; Staff/Atmosphere, Variety, Prices, Quality and Uniqueness. Overall, The Sharing Place squeezed through with 5 stars. 

Staff/Atmosphere: Zilch
The Sharing Place doesn't score any stars on their staff and atmosphere. This store is so cramped and filled to the brim with so much clothing and antique knick-knacks, that's its almost mentally and physically exhausting to sort through it for that magical piece that makes every thrifting journey worth it. This front view of the store doesn't fully showcase the amount of product in this store.

I cannot count the amount of times I had to say " Excuse me" while squeezing past someone in the tiny aisles of the store.

The staff was rather in-different to most people that came into the store. They didn't offer a greeting or any kind of assistance, and had the tendency of paying more attention to the Spanish-speaking customers (who also seemed like known/seasoned customers). Also, there are no fitting rooms or any enclosed area to sort through any of the pieces you've picked up while making your rounds.

Variety: 
There's a decent amount of variety at The Sharing Place.They definitely have a fine selection of clothing, and accessories. I think a big hit with them is with their collection of antiques, scarves and some of their clothing.
I ran into a lot of Ann Taylor, Loft, H&M, Talbots etc. pieces of decent quality which for a thrift store of it's caliber, is quite nice. There was a lot of variety in size, and many of the sizes ranged easily from sizes 4-12, and there were a smattering of sizes 0-2 and XL-XXXL.
The shoe section was an absolute disaster. If you're lucky, you can score a decent pair of shoes here, but for the most part, I wouldn't recommend for shoes.
For hand-bags, I also wouldn't recommend because I spotted a fake Kate Spade, which for me is a big red flag, for any high end thrift store, but for this store, it gets a pass. But, for anyone looking to head over there  in the hopes of scoring a killer handbag for the low,  buyer beware.
However, despite all my criticism, they do have a great scarf and coat section for the fall. That's definitely worth checking out if you're looking for some unique fall pieces.

Prices: 
The prices here are dirt cheap. Nothing is above $40 and the higher ticket items only apply to the high end designer items. 

Quality:  
The quality of most of the pieces were good/above average. I did notice that most of the pieces were not dry cleaned and therefore you need to wash/dry clean before wearing or even trying on ( alas the lack of a fitting room). 

Uniqueness:  
A lot of the pieces were your regular, run of the mill thrift clothing but they were some definite gems hidden in those racks, if you've got the energy to dig through them. The knick knacks section was the most unique in my opinion. They had all sorts of antique goodies; vintage mason jars, vintage tea sets, candle holders, glass pieces etc. I'll definitely be back there to find some cute home things for my apartment very soon.

Closing Thoughts

All in all, The Sharing Place was an interesting little spot, but it failed to deliver, in regards to its atmosphere, variety, quality and overall shopping experience. It's a spot I'd only go to for vintage knick-knacks and when I'm the mood for some digging and happen to be in East Harlem.  Shopping at The Sharing Place can be rather laborious without the guarantee of finding anything worth the energy spent. For a lot of thrifters, it simply may not be worth it.

I'd recommend this store to hardcore thrifters that aren't scared of a little digging. Novices beware, this place might wear you out!

Visit The Sharing Place

 333 E 115th StNew York, NY 10029b/t 1st Ave & 2nd Ave East Harlem

Love & Light, Rachel

Thrifty Thursdays: Housing Works -Upper East Side

Once again, it is Thursday and I'm here to take you on an eclectic ride through the world of thrifting.
All aboard?

This week's Thrifty Thursday features another Manhattan staple; Housing Works UES (upper East side). I will be rating Housing Works UES based on five categories with two stars for each: Staff/Atmosphere, Variety, Uniqueness, Prices and Quality.

Housing Works is a not-for-profit agency that focuses on combating the double crises of AIDS and homelessness through donations, volunteers, and its many thrift and book stores in New York City. In the past, I reviewed the SoHo Housing Works, and it's with great pleasure that I give this Housing Works UES location, 8 stars!

Staff/Atmosphere:

This location has only one floor, and it can feel a bit cramped due to the homey arrangement of the store. It truly feels like you're in some nana's closet. While that aesthetic can give a very comforting feel for this thrift store, it also makes it seem a bit disorganized and without a central theme or center of focus.

In the front, the women's clothing and shoes are in full display, while the back of the store focuses on men's clothing, shoes, books, kitchenware and other accessories.
Regarding the atmosphere of the store, it can feel a bit busy and tight in there due to the sheer number of people that visit the store coupled with the odd placement of goods in the store.
Regarding the staff, there isn't much to say, honestly. Most of the staff seem rather indifferent to customers, and didn't feel the need to offer assistance once you stepped in like some other stores do. I don't particularly take offense to that because I'm an independent shopper, but for the sake of politeness, especially for people that are newer to thrifting, a greeting or an offer of help would be nice.

Variety:  & half.

This location had a wonderful amount of variety. I found everything from teacups to Prada shoes and everything in between. I'm relatively sure that there is something for anyone here, especially if they're into kitschy, vintage pieces.  I found the cutest china sets, odd paintings and vinyl records from way back when. It also seems like a great place to get gifts due to it's wide variety and unique merchandise.



Almost bought these dvd box sets because LOTR is my favorite!

 The one downside to this store is that they don't have the most variety in size. The biggest size I saw was a 12/14. Considering that the average women is a size 14, there is a distinct lack of representation for the plus sized community and this is an issue that is far too common with thrift stores.
Uniqueness:  

While Housing Works UES has a lot of variety; it was an absolute powerhouse when it came to uniqueness. They have the basics, the classics and also the unique pieces you wouldn't find anywhere but there. I wish I could photographed everything, but I want to give you a chance to go for yourself and experience this kitschy nana's wonderland firsthand.

                                                               
If you're looking for a quick work or late-night outfit, this is your spot, if you're looking for unique pieces that will catch your eyes and the attention of other fashionistas at a low price, this is your spot.

Prices: 
This store is relatively affordable for the average person. It isn't dirt cheap, but it's also isn't expensive. Tops are on sale for about $15-25, shoes range from about $20-70, bags range from about $50-100 and the books, dvd's and housewares range about $10. Keep in mind when shopping here that a lot of this money goes to charity, and with these low prices, doing a good deed has never been this easy.  Stay updated on the Housing Works website for information regarding their upcoming sales, auctions and events at their various locations!

Quality:  & half.
Most of the merchandise is in great condition, with only very few seeming worn. I found the quality rather impressive, especially for an affordable thrift store in midtown Manhattan.

Closing Thoughts

Housing Works has consistently received high marks from me and there is a reason why. This company not only embodies the spirit of community support and love, but they also equip people with unique ways to fund that and give back to their communities. As a former HW volunteer, I'm so fond of the experience I had there and I hope that someone, somewhere looks further into this company as a result of this post.

Regarding this housing works thrift store, I give it 8 stars and they deserve every single one. This upper east side location has all the cozy feels of your nana's house, with a wide variety of unique pieces that'll you'll be happy to embellish your closets with.

Visit this location at

202 East 77th St., New York, NY 10021

Mon-Fri: 11 AM- 7 PM, Sat: 10 AM-7 PM, Sun: 11 AM-6 PM

Phone: 212-772-8461

Offerings: Shop, Donate, and Volunteer.

Love, Light & Happy Thrifting,

Rachel

Thrifty Thursdays: Review of 2ND Time Around.

Hello and good day to all my thrifters,

Today, I will be reviewing 2ND Time Around, an upscale consignment and thrift shop located in the Lenox Hill area of upper Manhattan.

First, a word of caution; we are embarking into pricey territory. abandon your budgets and savings accounts, all ye who enter.

With a multitude of locations in the Northeast USA, 2ND Time Around does high-end thrifting quite well.
2ND Time Around is fashionistas playground, offering some of the latest designs and styles from the most coveted designers, at a fraction of the retail price.
I will be rating 2ND Time Around based on five categories with two stars for each: Staff/Atmosphere, Variety, Uniqueness, Prices and Quality.
Overall, 2ND Time Around garners an impressive 8 stars because of it's "boutique" feel, ample selection of designer wear and impeccable quality of their merchandise.
Continue reading to find out why...

Staff/Atmosphere:  & half.
Upon entering the Lexington avenue location, I was greeted by a young sales associate, and a well lit and relatively spacious store.  Don't get me wrong, it's a small, single floor store, however, the amount of merchandise is balanced with the size of the space.The merchandise is arranged in an aesthetically pleasing manner, with most of it being color-coded and/or size-coded.
A major turn-off for a lot of people when thrifting can be the feeling of "going through someone's else's clothes" which turns them off from it. Speaking from the perspective of someone very familiar with hand-me-downs, I've never really experienced that but even from that perspective, I can truly say that this store doesn't have a "thrift store" feel that tends to make some people feel less than pleasant.
For all the bougie (aka bourgeoisie) girls out there, this is right up your alley.
If you're bougie and you know it, clap your hands!


Variety:  
2ND Time Around boasts an impressive collection of high end designers but the sizes generally range from an size 0 to 10. I don't recall seeing anything above a 10. I'm 6-8 and a number of the pieces that I really loved where not in my size. If you're a 2-6, you'll have the pick of the litter at this store. Considering the surrounding neighborhood and the clothing selection of this location, the small sizes do not really surprise me but it would be nice if sizes about a 10 were catered to.

Uniqueness: 
Boasting awarded designers such as Philip Lim, Alexander Wang, YSL, Gucci, Prada etc., 2ND Time Around has very unique pieces that I guarantee you won't see anywhere else but in flagship stores or runways. You'll snag some of the hottest styles of the season.

Prices:  & a half. 
The prices reflect the neighborhood, and the caliber of merchandise available at the store. Most of the pieces start around $30, going upwards to $200-300 for clothing and shoes. However, there are constant sales at the store, with many of the pieces being 10%, 20% and 50% off. At the end of the day,  the prices are a bit heavy for a thrift store but for the kind of pieces you're getting, it's well worth the price. Fashion snobs and lovers would rejoice at the low, low prices for their favorite designers.

Quality: 
The quality is impeccable with many of the pieces still having the tags on it. All the clothes clean, fully steamed and pressed; showcasing every hand-sewn seam and carefully placed dart on these pieces.

Closing Thoughts

Overall,  I found 2ND Time Around to be quite commendable. 

This store caters mostly to more middle class thrifters; people that don't mind spending a few hundred on some very nice pieces that'll last them a lifetime. This isn't for everyone, and I definitely wouldn't recommend it for the more frugal thrifters because everything may simply seem too expensive. 

2nd Time Around is a playground for fashionistas looking to buy coveted deisgns for less, and people willing to expand their style horizons with well-made pieces.

Visit 2ND Time Around at 1040 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10021

Happy Thrifting!
Til next time.
Love & Light,
Rachel. 

Thrifty Thursdays: Review of Crossroads Trading Co.

Hello and a TGIT (thank god it's thursday) to everyone all around the world because we are about to get thrifty at the House of Ndubuisi.

Lately, I've been adulting and this has required a shift in my daily outfit choices, especially my footwear. When I thrifted in the past, I looked for eclectic and unique pieces, but now, I'm making the transition towards more classic pieces that form a well-constructed outfit. For the past month, I've been mainly experimenting with more modern and classic looks and different places to shop for these looks.
The quest for these classic modern pieces brought me to Crossroads Trading Co.
The branch I visited is located at 

24 W 26th St

New York, NY 10010

b/t Broadway & 5th Ave 

Image courtesy of ny.racked.com

This review is solely on the buying at Crossroads. I didn't trade any pieces or sell any pieces to them and therefore, I cannot comment on that process. In the near future, I will do that and I will write a separate post on that.
I had heard about these stores in the past and for me, they fall into the category of thrift stores that can be considered "classy thrift".
Theoretically, yes you're still thrifting but the items found here would be of a better quality and a higher price than a Goodwill or Salvation Army, the merchandise is curated, and tailored to the particular demographic they are trying to reach.Crossroads Trading Co. is pretty much on par with Housing Works, which I have reviewed in the past.
I came to Crossroads Trading Co. mainly for their shoe section; which for a thrift store of its price range, is quite nice.
Thrifting shoes is a debated topic and most thrifters ( myself included) don't recommend getting shoes at a local. dirt-cheap thrift store.
But, I digress,
Let's get into the nitty-gritty of this store.
I will be rating Crossroads Trading Co. based on five categories: staff/atmosphere, variety, uniqueness, prices and quality. 
Crossroads Trading Co. was very impressive with 8.5 stars; ranking high on the variety, uniqueness, staff/atmosphere and the quality of their merchandise. For the full low-down, continue reading...

Staff/Atmosphere: 

Image courtesy of laceandcombatboots.com
Overall, the store is kept clean and all the clothes are well organized and color-coded or arranged by size. The staff was also quite nice and do a good job of being pleasant and keeping the store tidy and neatly arranged. They are a bit watchful of customers because of suspected theft.
I witnessed a man attempt to steal an armful of clothes by making a wild dash for the door and an employee chased him down and retrieved them. I also came upon a handful of clothing magnets and tags while trying on some shoes, and therefore, I understand why they're diligent and watchful of their customers. It seems necessary.
Anyone that has worked retail knows how annoying and time consuming it can be to deal with and prevent theft.
Despite this, the staff is very helpful and the store has a pleasant atmosphere with an open layout that beautifully showcases the carefully curated pieces within.
There is a small seating area in the shoe section for trying on shoes, another seating area near the windows and a number of small dressing rooms with floor length mirrors. The only thing I could complain about is the lacking of a proper area for trying on shoes, especially since they don't allow for customers to try them on the fitting room.

Variety: 
This store has everything.
Do you want Kate Spade? Got it.
Do you want Salvatore Ferragamo? Got it.
Do you want Zara? Got it.
Do you want H&M? Got it.
Crossroads Trading Co. truly runs the gamut of all fashion brands that are widely known and sought after. I found everything from American Apparel to Furla and Theory. There is something for everyone; even the pickiest of all thrifters. They also have a wide range of sizes; from 0-14 and XS to XL and in shoes from size 5.5 to 11. Thrift stores are known for their wicked small sizes, but Crossroads Trading Co. thankfully goes against the grain with this one.

Uniqueness: 
Another great thing I noticed about this store is how unique a lot of their pieces were.  I was impressed by the particular cuts and designs that were on display. While they carry mostly modern styles, this store is masterfully curated and many of their pieces will stop you in your tracks and beg you to take them home (or at the very least, try them on).

Prices: 
This is where Crossroads Trading Co. takes a slight dip. While you're getting a huge deal on more expensive designers and pieces, I did find that the prices on some of the lower-ticket items were a bit high and could be gotten elsewhere cheaper, like at Unique or Out of the Closet.
If you're look for high-end designers are low prices. this is your playground. But, if you're looking for low, low prices on every and everything, you might have some slight difficulties here.
I did find some 20% off and 50% off tags and for the super frugal, this can really slash prices and make some of these pieces worth the sticker price.

Quality:  & half.
The quality for most of the piece are exceptional, but I did notice some pieces that were in less than acceptable condition(in my opinion) and I wouldn't purchase. Just slight rips here and there, a few stains here and there...nothing major because for the most part, the clothes, shoes and bags were in exceptional condition (many items seemed like new; and some had original clothing tags).

Closing Thoughts

Crossroads Trading Co. scores big with 8.5 stars!

I'd recommend this store for people that don't mind spend a little extra on something exceptional, people that enjoy high-end pieces and people that enjoy more modern and trending styles.

I purchased an American Apparel dress and a pair of loafers from & other stories, both for $50. At a retail price of $68 and $125-160 for the shoes, it was a huge deal and they're both in mint condition. 

Visit the store at:

24 W 26th St

New York, NY 10010

b/t Broadway & 5th Ave 

Love, light and cheers to a successful Thrifty Thursday.

May the thrift gods be with you.

Thrifty Thursdays: Review of The Housing Works Thrift Store, SOHO.

It is Thursday and you know what that means...thrift shopping at the House of Ndubuisi!

This week, I'll be reviewing The Housing Works Thrift Store in Soho, Manhattan.

This store is near and dear to my heart because they have one of the few "not for profit" thrift stores. They're donation-based and their slew of volunteers and dedicated staff really helps the Housing Works work towards their mission of ending the dual crisis of homelessness and AIDS in New York City. Also, I was a past volunteer there when I was about 16 years old and it was a very fun experience for me, meeting and working with all kinds of people. So, overall this store is wonderful but of course, I am a bit biased. I will rating the Housing Works Thrift Store, SOHO based upon 5 categories with two stars for each; Staff/Atmosphere, Variety, Uniqueness, Prices and Quality.

Staff/Atmosphere: 

This store is small,  but with plenty to show and it can often look a bit packed because of that. For those that love a massive store, like Unique and Urban Jungle. this is not the place for you. But for those that like the look of Monk Vintage, this thrift shop is right up your alley. The staff is wonderful and they're always quick cheery, friendly and always, always willing to help. Once again, I am a bit biased because of my past experiences BUT, they have a lovely staff and team in this store.



Variety: .5

Housing Works has a lot of variety but there are a few things that they don't carry at all or they don't carry it often. They do not carry children's clothing, socks and underwear. The last two for  me are thrifting no no's anyway, but I do think children's clothing is necessary based on who you ask. They also don't carry a lot of furniture mainly, I believe, to the size of the store. So, if you're having a baby and need furniture, skip this store! Other than that, they carry a full range of women's and men's clothing, shoes and accessories. They also carry plenty of quirky housewares and home accessories.

Uniqueness:  .5

One of my favorite things about this store is the uniqueness, especially with their vintage clothing. Housing works is based on donations and I've across so, so many cool pieces over here. The staff also curates what is put on the store-floor according to seasons, events etc. They also carry a lot of high end designers and very often, you can get your favorite brands for a helluva steal!

The only issue with this store, is that some of their sections can be quite lacking at certain times of the season, especially the jewelry section which can be very hit or miss.



Prices: .5

If you're coming here, prepare to spend approximately $10 to $20 for a single item. Since they do carry a lot of designers, the prices can be a bit higher than some other thrift stores, but you're buying quality stuff. With that being said, some of the prices can be lower for a lot of the non-designer pieces and the jewelry.

If you're going there, I'd suggest going with more than enough money just in-case you run into something you must have and can't live without.

Quality: .5

The quality in this store, tend to vary a bit. That's just the consequence of being a donation only store. Most of their pieces are of very high quality, but the shoe and jewelry section can seem lacking in comparison to the clothing.

Overall, Housing Works Thrift Store in SOHO comes out strong with 7 stars! I'd definitely recommend this spot for new and old thrifters alike because there is always something fun and unique to buy.

Pay them a visit and make a donation to help with AIDS research today! They're open for 11am to 7pm.

Tell them Rachel sent you!

130 Crosby St
Ground Fl
New York, NY 10012

b/t Houston St & Jersey St
SoHo