A Guide to Hidden Vintage in the City
Cover Photo by allison christine on Unsplash
New York City has marketed itself as one of the world's fashion capitals, competing against the likes of cities such as Milan, Paris, and London. From designer stores lining the streets of SoHo to staples stretched out across Fifth Avenue, NYC is truly a destination for anything couture. However, not all of the hot destinations for fashion have to be on designer streets filled with magnificent glass storefronts. Designer and trendy items can be found in the least expected destinations, hidden among hundreds of other unique items throughout the store. With social media’s emphasis on anything vintage, the art of resale, and the excitement of thrifting, it’s essential to highlight the popular stops for all things trendy— with the benefit of lower price tags.
The East Village is one of the premier destinations for thrifting and resale stores. L Train Vintage is an iconic site for cheaper yet exciting fashion. The brand’s social media presence looks promising, with posts of graphic tees, plenty of sports memorabilia, and TikTok videos of styled looks from the store. L Train Vintage is a must-see spot for anything fashion related. With locations around Manhattan and one of the largest thrift stores— Urban Jungle— in the area, plenty of vintage clothing and accessories can be found.
Located on 2nd Avenue, East Village Thrift looks quaint on the outside, but upon entering the store, customers are transported into a world of fashion must-haves. The store is packed with items, from funky coats to traditional denim, and accessorized by home decor items. Open seven days a week, the store offers items for everyone.
AuH20, a vintage boutique in the East Village, offers stylish choices for reasonable prices. The store, open from Tuesdays-Sundays, hosts items such as shoes, dresses, bags, hats, and jewelry, while maintaining a simplistic spot in the East Village. Customers can also directly purchase items from the store’s Instagram, with stand-out items posted on the social media.
Tokyo Joe opened in 1994 and is known for its designer brands and vintage collections. Its Instagram highlights include items from brands like Prada, Canada Goose, and Vivienne Westwood. Located on 11th street, the tiny storefront offers big brands and focuses on improving the planet's health through consignment clothing and resale. Its website provides various pieces that can be purchased online, and appointments to sell used clothing are required.
With various thrifting hotspots throughout Manhattan, and while only a few were highlighted, hidden vintage stores are located throughout the city. From basics such as graphic T-shirts, jerseys, and denim, to designer classics, the resale scene in NYC attracts millions of customers each year. However, thrifting is not limited to storefronts and has gained a large following on social media platforms and apps. With the convenience of sharing content on the internet, people have also resorted to selling online. Many users have begun to sell their wardrobes through their personal accounts, or accounts created for resale and thrifting purchases. Apps such as Depop have started various conversations surrounding the resale market, and they also offer must-haves or limited edition pieces to be purchased and delivered directly to the user's home. Social media has also played a role in thrifting, as many users on apps like TikTok post hauls showcasing things they found at their local thrift stores, encouraging other users to do the same. Stores have taken advantage of this trend by creating videos highlighting various items and accessories offered at the stores and how these items can be paired together. Call your friends for your next weekend plans, and spend a day visiting the city's various vintage stores. Or, head online and let the search begin.
