In an effort to ease the impact of my shopping problem, I have found consignment and vintage stores as the perfect alternative to the trap that is Newbury. Shopping is fun and one of my favorite past times, why should I give it up? My belief is that as long as I do not spend too much money and I am getting a good value, then it is okay. Now, I understand there are flaws in my logic, but it has led me to find some very cool spots around Boston.
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Garment District/Boston Costume
Most Emersonians find out about this mythical store within weeks of starting school. It’s the land where clothing can be bought by the pound and costumes are never-ending. The pit is definitely an experience, one I have not felt the need to repeat, but the second floor offers a huge collection of costumes, especially around Halloween, but there are often some gems to find among the other racks. There are comfy sweaters, Coach bags and always some special finds.
AVERAGE PRICE: $1.50/pound in the pit, $10-30
ADDRESS: 200 Broadway Cambridge, MA 02139
T-STOP: Kendall/MIT [Red Line]
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My newest find, the warehouse-type store offers a sea of clothes on racks organized by color and garment type along with shoe, book, movie, and housewares sections. It is a lot to go through, but the prices are hard to beat. The quality varies a lot, but it is worth going through everything because there are always great pieces and a ton of DIY candidates.
AVERAGE PRICE: $2-15
ADDRESS: 120 Brighton Ave Allston, MA 02134
T-STOP: Harvard Ave. [B Line]
The chain consignment store offers quality and contemporary clothing at heavily discounted prices. Familiar labels like Top Shop. J. Brand and Urban Outfitters can all be found here. This is the perfect place for anybody that wants current clothing. It sells a little bit of everything – formalwear, jeans, shoes and basic t-shirts and tees.
AVERAGE PRICE: $8-40
ADDRESS: 180 Harvard Ave Boston, MA 02134
T-STOP: Harvard Ave [B Line]Â
The small space is packed with vintage finds and crazy clothes. There are a lot of sequins, leather and suede, and flannels. Every piece that you find here is a star, nothing basic. For anybody that is a vintage junkie, this is a place you want to visit often. Also, as Halloween approaches, this place has a lot of great finds for self-constructed costumes.
AVERAGE PRICE: $15-35
ADDRESS: 49 River Street Cambridge, MA 02139
T-STOP: Central [Red Line]
With two locations, Oona’s offers a wide range in clothing. The first location, by Harvard Square is a more formal outpost where you can find well-kept vintage clothing and jewelry. The men’s section is full of sweaters and flannels while the woman’s section has coats, dresses, skirts and blouses. The second location, on Cambridge Street, is full of casual wear including a great collection of denim jackets and basic tees. Regardless of location, Oona’s always has high quality and well-curated clothing.  Â
AVERAGE PRICE: $15-45 [Harvard Square], $8-35 [Cambridge Street]
ADDRESS: 1210 Massachusetts Ave Cambridge, MA 02139, 1297 Cambridge Street Cambridge, MA 02139
T-STOP: Harvard Square [Red Line], Central Square [Red Line]
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