I'm really excited to share with you my
first NYC thrift shopping/photo shoot. With the help of my two friends Hannah Pakray and Rachel Schaub, I've put together a series of our shopping trip and final outfits. After plenty of walking, trying on, assembling, and laughing, I bring you "pas cher chic does NYC!"
Step 1: Embark on trip to cheapest second hand store possible.
Hannah and Rachel recommended a nearby
Goodwill located on 2nd avenue on the upper east side, a thrift store known to sell Louboutin's and other luxury brands (expect a line and possible disappointment).
Not too crowded for a Saturday morning, we spent a good hour or two perusing the aisles for hidden gems. Luckily, my small Asian feet were smaller than Hannah and Rachel's, and I spotted a pair of leather upper/wooden Michael Kors heels that were destined to be mine.
However, practicality ensued and I decided against open-toed heels for this recent bout of nasty weather. Because this was NYC, prices were a bit higher than what you'd pay here in DC or upstate NY, but $20 is still pretty reasonable.
Step 2: Comb, comb, comb. Be thorough,
be patient, and be on the lookout for stains/holes etc.
Within minutes Hannah has found a silk ruched top in eggplant. Notice the color coordination that Goodwill has provided, a sometimes helpful or overwhelming method of organization.
The starting price for most items was $7.99, ranging from expensive or vintage items to cheap stuff from Forever 21. Above, Rachel sifts through colorful blazers that are a perfect layer for Fall.
I actually have no words for how incredible this coat is.
And the price? $34. Again, no words. Make sure you check back to see how Rachel ends up wearing her best deal of the day!
Indecisive as always, I grabbed random things from sheer tops (great for layering) and sweater skirts. One of the best parts of thrift shopping is you never know what to expect. Sometimes going without a plan of action, in terms of what you "need," is way more productive and exciting.
Along with being indecisive, I like things to be visually organized before trying on. Third in from the right, check out the sick flower print velvet jacket. Where do these things come from? Also included on the rack is a Kimchi dress, vintage tan suede pants, grey sweater skirt, red silk top with houndstooth clasps, cashmere sweater, reverse yellow tie-neck blouse, and a black woven sweater.
This coat was massive, but I loved the color and fabric. Camel is SO Fall! The green leather purse was also tempting, but not for $45 (Value Village would have it for half the price).
Sad thing was I only ended up buying the Edelman flats on the right. My first pair of yellow shoes! The brown Sperry's are my boyfriend's "go to" shoe, and unfortunately were a size to big. For all the men that are reading, or at least girlfriends of those men, I would strongly recommend checking out second hand stores for boat shoes. Because they have been in style for so long, there always seem to be an overabundance.
A few purchases later, we were ready to go. Everyone found something to wear for the shoot, and we were already envisioning what our outfits would be. I think the girls would agree, but there is simply no better way to spend a rainy Saturday than second hand shopping, $3 breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and taking pictures.
Stay tuned for Hannah's photo shoot Wednesday: what to expect? Animal print, classic gone sexy, unpredictable layers, and the most beautiful red dress I have probably ever seen.
And that just about wraps up my trip to the St. Alban's Opportunity Shop. Wednesday's post shows the last item of my purchases, which means... time for round two. You all better save some good stuff for me!
