With September comes new school supplies, Pinterest boards with Halloween costume ideas, figuring out how to balance your new schedule and of course, some new pieces in the wardrobe to help you accomplish all of these things and live your best life while doing so!
Recently, thrifting has been on our radar as a trendy way to get more creative with your style, obtain unique things, help the environment and reduce your consumption of fast fashion. It’s also an excellent way to support the small businesses in your community. The question with this is then, finding the best places to thrift. Sometimes you don’t want to commit to a 20 minute bus ride to find out that a vintage store is a legitimate vintage store, with only dresses from the 1800s (or maybe that’s what you’re looking for, which is also cool!). Look no further, here is your comprehensive guide to the best thrift stores in Pittsburgh
Southside
Highway Robbery – $$$
2012 E Carson St Pittsburgh PA
This small business vintage store gets major respect for their cool name and also the fact that they always have an amazing collection of vintage Levi jeans. All of their pieces are noted with what decade they were made in, which adds a little bit more to the fun of thrifting and knowing the stories behind your clothes! While they’re a little more pricey than some of the other places on this list, they’re definitely still worth going to check out if you’re spending the day in South Side!
Buffalo Exchange – $$
1214 E. Carson St.
This is a chain “Buy, Sell, Trade” type store that has locations in many cities including New York City and Boston. They have some trendier pieces since they buy clothes from anyone, (another idea to consider if you are thinking about clearing out your wardrobe a little bit!) and try to maintain a certain, vintage-yet-still trendy aesthetic. I think of them as a more selective Plato’s Closet (described below) and also as my favorite thrift store to go to.
Goodwill – $
2700 E Carson St, Pittsburgh
Never to be understated as a treasure trove of cute clothes is Goodwill; which is also located on East Carson Street and perfect to add to your day of thrifting in South Side. While you may have to comb through the racks a little more, I’ve found so many amazing things at the Goodwill in South Side, including one of my favorite sundresses! It’s also perfect for a college girl budget, so you won’t have to worry about breaking the bank too much.
Squirrel Hill/ Bloomfield
Avalon Exchange – $$
5858 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh
Similar to Buffalo Exchange, this is a Buy, Sell, Trade, type thrift store, so it’s a good place to look for more trendy place. It’s a little smaller than Buffalo Exchange, but always worth popping by if you’re going to be in Squirrel Hill.
Clothes Minded – $$
4740 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh
If Buffalo Exchange is my favorite thrift store around Pittsburgh, this one is definitely second if not tied for first. It’s a super cute, cozy feeling store that also has a lot of accessories in addition to clothes. We don’t stop wearing sunglasses just because summer is over!
Clothes Line -$$$$
4804 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh
This vintage shop is definitely more upscale, and has much older pieces and even some designer pieces if that’s something you’re interested in. It does tend to be a little more expensive, but it’s always fun to look. And should you find something you admire, all proceeds benefit the Magee Women’s Research Institute which is a great way to support other women in Pittsburgh!
Near Ross Park Mall
Plato’s Closet Pittsburgh – $$
This is a chain recycled clothing store that appears everywhere and is a little annoying to get to by bus, but could be good to look at if you happen to be near the mall. The prices are relatively inexpensive, and they have a little bit of everything.
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