Fall For Housing Works

I cannot spend time in New York City without visiting my favorite thrift store, Housing Works. With over a dozen locations throughout New York, this is truly resale shopping at its finest. It is the best of fashion, the highest quality of furniture and, ok let’s just say it – the best time shopping! Housing Works is a premier non-profit organization whose mission is to fight the dual crises of AIDS and homelessness. It receives donations of the best fashion, furniture, and art. It also has a membership program, whose members enjoy discounts and early access to their “Best of” Events.

I recently attended one of Housing Works annual events, “Best of Fall” in Soho. After cleaning house, by selling out of their current inventory, the shops at the different locations close and completely restock. They then have a grand re-opening. The first hour is for members only, who enjoy early access before the general public is allowed in. We waited and watched like kids at a candy store as members left with their booty. The shop looked amazing, and there were still many great items for sale. It is the best of the best. If you live in New York (or are even just visiting), and are interested in supporting a great organization, definitely them out!

  

www.housingworks.org

Recycling, A New “Take”

       

Recycling has taken a slightly different twist in Washington Heights, located in Upper Manhattan. Add a book shelf, flowers, and a chair at the Starbuck’s on Fort Washington and 181st – and you get an instant pop-up Library. Placed there by Kevin, a local and regular at the cafe, is “Drop a Book – Pick a Book” a self-serve book share. If you’re in the neighborhood stop by – Have a coffee, Have a book!

Brown is Beautiful

Heading out for a day of resale shopping a “must” visit is The Brown Elephant Resale Shop. With three locations, the shop I enjoy the most is located in Andersonville on the North side of Chicago. Housed in an old movie theatre it still has the ghosts of the past gracing it walls. With it’s slightly sloping floor and curved ceiling I envision myself seeing a movie or two here back when Chicago was peppered with small neighborhood movie theatres.

  

The Brown Elephant takes recycling to a whole new level – from shoes to the sublime – plan to spend some time just looking. I love that I can buy One-Of A-Kind affordable items. Furniture, clothing, jewelry, books, rugs, kitchen necessities just to name a few fab finds.  Are you looking for retro? You’re going to find it. Antiques? Yes! All the items are donated and the money goes to support the Howard Brown Health Center and it’s services. This location is not overwhelmed by clothes and the selection is high quality. Another great feature is a dressing room. 

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This Brown Elephant Shop is located at 5404 N. Clark in Chicago, Illinois. There are three locations, two in Chicago and one in Oak Park, Illinois. The staff is great and for more information about this amazing organization check out their web site: http://www.howardbrown.org/hb_brownelephant.asp. There is street parking so plan on bringing plenty of change for parking –  you’re going to need to take your time!

  

Road Trip with the Lost Girls

While exploring Wicker Park in Chicago this weekend, a couple of New Yorkers and I stumbled across the Chicago Flea Mkt, an open air market located in the Pritzker School Playground. Among the vendors, music and food trucks we found the Lost Girls Vintage – a mobile Boutique.

With their retro fitted camper, Winnie, The Lost Girls Sarah and Kyla will set up shop in a place near you. Their mobile shop is filled with clothes, shoes, and accessories – the display is total eye candy. The Lost Girls help you explore past decades, from the 60’s through the 90’s. These ladies have an appreciation for all things vintage, and it shows in the amazing selection of items available. I’m a big fan of color and pattern, and the ladies have everything cleverly displayed inside and outside of their shop.

You are more than welcome to climb inside of Winnie to shop, and the real treat is their dressing room. Be sure to track them down and check them out!

Read more about Kyla + Sarah’s personal story on their web site:

http://www.lostgirlsvintage.com.

And follow their journey on their facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/LostGirlsVintage

Home, Body and Soul – Resale Shopping

For over Thirty years, tucked away in the Lincoln Park/DePaul area ,in Chicago, is a fun and quirky little resale shop – Mount Sinai Hospital Resale. It has an amazing mixture of furniture, artwork, collectibles, clothing, antiques and anything you can think of for your home. I picked up this small pewter box. It’s marked “Industria Argentina” and the detail is exquisite with a rose and leaves on the cover.  I’m very girly girl and love little boxes to put on my dresser.

I’m impressed with the body of the clothing. There are wearables for both men and women. The selection is impressive and much to my delight a FITTING ROOM! taking the guess work out of – does it fit. There is a seperate room just for Designer Clothing, although the prices are higher, they mark down the price the longer the item stays on the rack. I recently picked up a designer black dress for $20.00. This included the coat that went with it.

The soul of Mt. Sinai Resale is its staff, made up of mostly Volunteers – they are both helpful and delightful. My favorite volunteer is over 90 years old and is full of joy and energy. This is a fun place to shop and all proceeds go to Mount Sinai Hospital’s patient care programs.

Take a minute, go visit – your money is going to a great cause!

Location
Mount Sinai Resale Shop
814 W. Diversey, Chicago, IL, 60614
773-935-1434

Hours
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Friday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Eden “A Garden of Opulent Curiosities”

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Portland, Oregon to celebrate with friends. I had only one request – “Please drop me off downtown to experience Eden!”  What an amazing shop! Located the in the Pearl District within walking distance of Powell’s Bookstore – a true feast for all the senses. Eden features everything from vintage clothing, furniture and accessories to locally made artisan jewelry, perfumes, lotions and candles.

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I fell in love with the shop immediately. Eden has a beautiful, high quality collection of clothing and merchandise in an elegant art deco setting. I didn’t get a chance to meet the owner, but the staff was wonderful and well informed.

In addition to Eden is Eve – a bridal boutique located inside of Eden. It reminded me of walking into the special Bridle section of Marshall Field’s (back when Chicago still had a Marshall Field’s.) It’s a private salon with beautiful bridal gowns. Eve’s gowns are both Vintage and New and represents fashions designed by Portland’s best designers. In addition to gowns you’ll find handbags, jewelry and even hairpieces for that special day or a special night out. “Ready for your fitting Miss Hepburn!”

If you’re visiting Portland, Oregon – Eden is a must see!

EDEN
221 NW 11th ave
Portland, OR 97209
Mon-Sat 11-6   Sun 11-5 pst
503.222.2285

edenportland.com

Treasure Hunt – Shopping Resale

Its Monday Morning, 6:00 a.m. and the doors are open. My favorite resale shop on the North West Side of Chicago is ready for business EVERYTHING 50% off! Unique Thrift Store is a resale Meca. I go for the clothes and stay for the Antiques. My latest search has been for light weight jackets and summer dresses and recently I picked up a really cute dress by TeezeMe a line of clothing, well designed with great fabrics. I’m in love with the colors. Great pattern. Next step, before I do anything with the dress, is take it to the dry cleaners.

Not only can I find tons of unique, one of a kind clothing, I always check out their book sections.

Here’s a fun drawing I picked up a couple of visits ago. Yes, I go often!

More about Unique Thrift Stores. The one I like the best  is located in Chicago at 3748 N. Elston. Unique stores have several locations throughout Illinois and Ohio. Here’s information from their website.

“What’s unique about Unique Thrift Stores? EVERYTHING!” Our stores sell unique items not typically found at other stores.  Come join us for a “treasure hunt” shopping experience … you never know what you are going to find day-to-day or store-to-store! We hand select each item that goes onto our selling floor to make sure it is suitable for reuse and meets our quality and cleanliness standards.  When you shop our stores, you’ll love the quality, assortment and prices!!!

Check their website for hours and locations. Happy Hunting!