When I think of the Upper East’s crop of charity-related thrift stores, one term comes to mind: Identity Crisis.
In a vacuum, the average price point for worn-out wares of the J. Crew, GAP and Banana Republic ilk is about $7 per piece, max. Go north on the 4/5 line, exit at 86th street, and you’ll start seeing numbers like $15 and $20 attached to dusty, donated merch of similar brand origins. This isn’t just illogical – it’s borderline absurd.
If I work my ass off sifting through fugly 80s skirt suits and 90s era denim to find something decent, I expect to be rewarded for my efforts. I’m not the kind of sucker who pays marked-up prices for previously-worn goods.
Whether or not shop owners are to blame for the piss-poor pricing scheme is beyond me. All I know is that thrift in this hood isn’t worth shopping… unless it’s 50% off.
Store-wide sales up north happen about twice a year (pre-Fall and pre-Spring), and last for as many weeks as it takes to make room for the latest donations.
I first experienced the phenomenon at Arthritis Thrift. Last week, I saw it again mere blocks away. Let’s talk about Cancer Care Thrift.
Spotted (just like Gossip Girl, except they probs shop at Searle. Whatevs.):
Habitual Denim Blazer w/ Velvet Detail (new)
Original Price: $85.00 (beotch please)
Sale Price: $47.50 (much better)
Proenza Schouler Trousers (new)
Original Price: $45.00 (meh)
Sale Price: $22.50 (now we’re talkin’)
Elie Tahari Sweater
Original Price: $25.00 (pfft)
Sale Price: $12.50 (me likey)
Let it be known that the above represents the best of the best; Cancer Care Thrift is a bitch and a half to browse, and they have more donations than they know what to do with.
That being said, I still snagged two pairs of killer vintage Vertigo jeans for $17.50 a pop.
Upper East thrift: Go half-off, or go home.
Muhaha.
tags: 
What about bed bugs? I’m afraid to shop
don’t be! simply plastic bag your second hand items immediately upon leaving the store, then put them through a hot dryer cycle for 30 minutes. if there’s anything the latest epidemic proves, it’s that bed bugs are everywhere, i.e. you’re just as likely to get them shopping retail as you are shopping resale. a hot dryer cycle kills the little shitheads, so you’ll be able to wear your sustainably shopped goodies sans paranoia!