Let's Talk Thrifting (and my favorite places)

Thrifting: what appears to be one of the largest trends of the last few years. I, too, have joined this current, and let me say, I am hooked. There is nothing better than the feeling of knowing that you have something original- something that is extremely hard, maybe even impossible, to find anywhere else. Second hand shopping almost ensures that your wardrobe is yours, the perfect culmination of items that are specific to you. And, of course, there is the major price difference. Suddenly, you went from spending fifty dollars on two items, to spending twenty-five on four. It appears that thrifting has become the perfect option, and a trend that I hope is here to stay.

But let's talk about the other side of thrifting: the side where you spend hours digging through old clothing, searching for that one perfect piece. Personally, I find it to be part of the experience to be tired and sweating, because there is nothing more rewarding than the feeling of finding something truly one-of-a-kind, the piece that makes you question how you ever lived without it. But then again, nothing is worse than the frustration of not finding anything at all.

Allow me to share with you my perfectly refined list of New York City second-hand stores, so I can save you the hassle of your thrifting endeavors. Below I have detailed the locations of my top two, and most successful, excursions.

1. Ludlow Flea Market: 159 Ludlow Street, Lower East Side, Manhattan (I am very reluctant to give this one away, but here you are)

2. L Train: 204 1st Ave., New York, NY 10009 (A classic, but had to include)

I will definitely be gatekeeping my other favorites for a while, so enjoy these for now :)

Even if you are hesitant, I encourage you to try second-hand shopping, reach outside of your comfort zone, and have fun!