Thrifting 101: Your Guide to the Best Thrift Stores in NYC

Every collegiette^TMknows that living in New York City is not easy on the wallet.  Especially when competing with the amazing fashion sense that all New Yorkers seem to naturally have.  But a trick to stay chic for cheap costs is to go thrifting.  Her Campus NYU has scouted out the best shops to check out: they’re close to campus and feature some of the best merchandise!
 

Cure Thrift Shop: A homey décor on the exterior, set up with leather chairs and a jukebox, invites customers inside to score vintage items for the home andfor the closet.  Open doors welcome you to their abode, with two levels stocked to the brim with unique thrift-store finds.  A glittering array of antique and modern jewelry fills the glass display at the entrance, setting the stage for the eye-catching pieces deep inside. Cure your shopping anxieties and help cure a disease by purchasing items from this philanthropic thrift store, with all proceeds donated to the Diabetes Research Institute.  House ware items line the first floor, with shelves full of worn but vintage records, music, books and movies.  Below the first floor, sort through racks of clothing featuring high-fashion designer labels as well as the more affordable and contemporary lines of Urban Outfitters and h&m. Don’t forget your NYU id when shopping Monday through Wednesday to score a 15% student discount on your entire purchase.             
– Location: 111 East 12th Street, between 3^rdand 4^thAvenues (across from Founders Residence Hall)           
– Hours: Monday through Friday 11:30am – 8:30pm, Saturday through Sunday 11am – 8pm         
– Website: http://www.curethriftshop.com/
 

 
Salvation Army: Prove those people wrong who claim Salvation Army stores only offer grandma clothes.  Hit these spots for never-ending racks of sweaters, dresses, blazers, pants, jeans, and any other article of clothing imaginable.  Stock up on basic wardrobe staples like acid-wash jeans and oversized sweaters.  Stick to basics and avoid any wild prints and patterns, and don’t be afraid to venture over to the men’s section.  A men’s blazer or a sweater or a simple button-down shirt can build your collection of timeless pieces.    
– Location: 112 4th Avenue, between 11^thand 12^thStreets        

Army/Navy Surplus Store: Venture outside the box and journey to Uncle Sam’s Army & Navy Surplus store on 8^thstreet that offers used military clothing and accessories with inexpensive price tags.  Looking for a sturdy bag to replace your ubiquitous Jansport? Invest in one of their canvas bags, either a messenger tote or a cross-body bag, guaranteed to ease the strain on your back while holding all of your school necessities.  To complete the look, snag a field jacket or a pea coat, a commando sweater, and your favorite pair of jeans. To top it off, check out their collection of worn combat boots, theplace to find the perfect and authentic pair.  All of these militant-inspired pieces are available in olive greens, camels, browns, and black, all the ideal hues for fall.    
– Location: 37 W 8^thStreet, between 5^thand 6^thAvenues           
– Hours: Monday through Wednesday 10am – 8pm, Thursday through Saturday 10am – 9pm, Sunday 11am – 8pm  
– Website: http://www.armynavydeals.com/asp/default.asp    
 

Screaming Mimi’s: We’re all jealous of the flappers’sparking style from the Roaring 20’s, and of Marilyn Monroe’s effortless chic style of the 50s.  Look no further than Screaming Mimi’s thrift shop to travel back to virtually any era of your choice to emulate your favorite fashion icons.  Housing items as far back as the 20s and as recent as the contemporary era of the 90s, Screaming Mimi’s offers a variety of the most unique and quirky vintage items like 70s prom dresses, jumpsuits, fedoras, and even vintage Diana Ross concert t-shirts from the 80s. Feeling inspired by the classic John Hughes movies? Score a traditional varsity jacket and join the Breakfast Club. Even check out what the store has to offer beforeyou go by checking their online shop on ebay.  All of their pieces have a vintage flair, but tend to air more on the expensive side, so start saving! Be on the lookout for the funky California girl Katy Perry, who dubbed Screaming Mimi’s one of her favorite NYC fashion hot spots.      
– Location: 382 Lafayette Street, between 3^rdand 4^thStreet      
– Hours: Monday through Saturday 12pm – 8pm, Sunday 1pm – 7pm 
– Website: http://www.screamingmimis.com