BEST VINTAGE SHOPS IN NEW YORK CITY

 

Nothing is more on trend (or sustainably, earth-friendly) than shopping vintage when your wardrobe needs some replenishing. So, for the love of (renewed, up-cycled, pre-owned) vintage fashion, here are the best vintage shops NYC has to offer.

Whether it’s on Instagram or TikTok, it seems like every influencer and style enthusiast alive is shopping vintage. The surge of social media posts on unique finds and style tips has brought an awareness to the world of vintage fashion like never before. Celebrities like Gigi Hadid, Ariana Grande, Madelyn Cline, Normani, and more — have also joined in on the trend rocking Y2K fashion and 90s staples like bucket hats, tube tops, and cargo pants (just to name a few).

While it may take longer than logging into your favorite online retailer, shopping vintage is as much about the thrill of the hunt as it is about finally locating that *one* coveted throw-back item (if not discovering many other vintage treasures along the way). Shopping at vintage boutiques you are sure to find your own one-of-a-kind fashion item (if not a whole ensemble) that is not only good for the environment but will also feel good for your soul.

From vintage Polo Ralph Lauren to Supreme to archival pieces, there’s no place like New York City (the epicenter of vintage treasures) to go vintage shopping. Whether you are a first timer or veteran, listed below are the ‘IT’ spots of vintage shopping in NYC:

NEW YORK VINTAGE

Part archive and part store, New York Vintage’s astounding collection of clothes and accessories date from the 1920s to the 1990s. From flapper dresses to Christian Dior tops this New York treasure trove has it all.

New York Vintage: 117 West 25th Street, New York, NY

LE GRAND STRIP

Le Grand Strip is the creation of CC McGurr’s love of world traveling into a one-of-a-kind vintage boutique. The pieces and style aesthetic of this boutique is just… *chefs kiss* good! Check it out for yourself:

Le Grand Strip: 197 Grand Street, Brooklyn, NY

WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND

If handbags are your vice of choice then, What Goes Around Comes Around is the one for you! Classic Chanel bag? You got it. Hermes investment arm-piece? All yours, baby! This boutique also has watches, jewelry, and designer clothes.

What Goes Around Comes Around: 351 West Broadway, New York, NY

AWOKE VINTAGE

Awoke Vintage originates from Perth, Australia in the early 2000s and it’s success allowed for this vintage hot-spot to expand first to Brooklyn in 2012 then into two other locations in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Come see for yourself what all the fuss is about because this is a must-visit for all vintage fashion lovers!

Williamsburg: 132 North 5th Street, Brooklyn, New York

Greenpoint: 16 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, 688 Manhattan Avenue, Brooklyn, New York

CURE THRIFT SHOP

Cure Thrift Shop was founded with a noble goal in mind: to help cure type 1 (juvenile) diabetes.

Its founder, Liz Wolff, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 11.

In 2008, she decided to channel her love of thrifting and antiques into real action, and Cure Thrift Shop was born. Today, Cure Thrift Shop is a nonprofit vintage/antique store that benefits juvenile diabetes research and advocacy.

Cure Thrift Shop: 111 East 12th Street, New York, NY

L TRAIN VINTAGE

A true thrifter’s paradise, L Train Vintage is the perfect place for anyone who’s looking to shop for vintage or secondhand clothing without the hefty price tag.

L Train is known for it’s cool vintage garments at reasonable prices. Although you won’t find designer pieces, you are sure to put together an entire throwback outfit for less than $100. The secret to shopping at L Train is in the thrill of the hunt and to keep searching to find your next favorite piece.


1 St. Nicholas Ave., 1377 Dekalb Ave.

106 Thames St., and 629 Grand St.

MR. THROWBACK

Champion NBA jerseys, racks of assorted Tees, Starter and Chalk Line jackets (the perfect find to support your favorite team) are just some of the things you will find at Mr. Throwback. Founded in 2012, Mr. Throwback has been a go-to destination for vintage sportswear from the ‘80s and ‘90s for nearly a decade.

Mr. Throwback also releases its own T-shirts and hoodies too, which reference nostalgic sports and pop culture moments like Mike Tyson beside New York Mets legends Doc Gooden and Darryl Strawberry or a Yankees logo flipped to read “Costanza”—a nod to the iconic sitcom character’s position as Assistant to the Traveling Secretary for the Yanks on Seinfeld.


437 E. Ninth St., East Village

METROPOLIS VINTAGE

Why don’t you try vintage shopping like the celebs do at Metropolis Vintage? This classic vintage spot in the Lower East Side has been around since 1990.

Richard Colligan first opened Metropolis Vintage on Avenue B in 1990 and the stores success in staying in business for over 30 years as well as earning recognition from celebrities like Rihanna and Kanye West? Colligan stays on top of vintage trends and carries coveted vintage pieces like Polo Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger.

This isn’t even the best part because what this store really specializes in is it’s vintage band tees. Like a record shop, it has entire sections dedicated to specific genres, artists, and more. Although you won’t find super cheap vintage here, it’s definitely worth taking a gander if you’re serious about picking up vintage heat in New York.

803 Broadway, East Village

TOKIO 7

Makoto Watanabe founded Tokio 7 in 1996 and for over 2 decades this boutique has been the it spot to shop designer vintage clothing.

Anyone who shops at Tokio 7 can expect to come across deals on luxury goods from the archives of names like Comme des Garçons, Saint Laurent, Prada, Celine, and more. There is a wide selection of men’s and women’s pieces, along with accessories like sunglasses, belts, bags, and more.

Don’t worry about purchasing a counterfeit designer item either. Everything has been carefully curated by its experienced staff or ran through Entrupy, an artificial intelligence and advanced computer vision techniques system, to guarantee authenticity.

83 E. Seventh St., East Village

 

POWERSUIT PREDICTION 2023 TREND

 

When Miley Cyrus released ‘Flowers” on January 13th, she not only gave us quite possibly THE HIT of the year – but she also simultaneously put the POWER SUIT front row and center.

In her ‘flowers’ music video, Miley Cyrus is seen dancing in an empty and spacious LA mansion wearing an oversized blazer (no undershirt, bare underneath), black matching pants, and stilettos. Miley single-handedly reminded everyone of something no one should ever lose sight of –  the power behind self-love and of a really great suit (and why it’s most commonly referred to as the ‘Power-Suit’). 

A traditionally male-dominated piece of clothing can be what every powerful, modern woman needs to showcase her true power and character.

When women were expected to wear corsets in the 1920’s, Coco Chanel liberated women by presenting them another option – a set with jacket and skirt, allowing women to finally breathe.

Then it was Yves Saint Laurent in 1966 who expanded on this option by introducing the ‘le smoking’ jacket (a nod to the 19th century smoking jacket when men wore silk lapels which allowed the ash from their cigars to easily slide off keeping them clean) designed specifically for women.

Just 4 years later, as more and more women began entering the workforce (aka: the ‘Boys Club’), the jacket evolved to represent the women of the times – a declaration to society that women are just as serious and capable as the men they work alongside of.

In a time when women weren’t allowed in restaurants if they wore trousers, women of the 1970s fought against society’s gender ideals by integrating the suit in their everyday outings. This casual and carefree way of wearing a suit would become known as the ‘Annie Hall’ aesthetic.

Then in 1980, Giorgio Armani revolutionized women’s fashion with a new tailored skirt suit. He removed gender from fashion and gave the serious career woman the respect she deserved.

Now, just 40 years later, although the suit has never really left it has taken center stage once again and is stronger than ever. No wardrobe is complete without a power piece, a suit.

From causal work blazers to full-on suits for those fancier occasions, here are suit-inspirations to help spruce up your wardrobe for 2023.

GIRL POWER: MILEY INSPIRED

PINSTRIPE FITTED BLAZER AT ZARA FOR $99.90

PINSTRIPE STRAIGHT LEG PANT AT ZARA FOR $59.99

GET FUNKY, FUN NIGHT OUT

ZEBRA PRINT FLARED TROUSERS AT MATCHESFASHION FOR $686

ZEBRA PRINT JACKET AT MATCHESFASHION FOR $656

CHIC & SUBTLE: MUST-HAVE

LOULOU OVERSIZED TWILL BLAZER AT NET-A-PORTER FOR $480

LOULOU TWILL WIDE LEG PANTS AT NET-A-PORTER FOR $300

OFFICE/ DAYTIME ESSENTIAL

ANKLE-LENGTH PANTS

AT H+M FOR $30

OVERSIZED SINGLE BREASTED JACKET AT H+M FOR $50

THE ANNIE HALL: BE ICONIC

ANINE BING MARINA WOOL TWILL VEST AT NET-A-PORTER FOR $246

CAMEL AMIKA DOUBLE-BREASTED LINEN VEST AT NET-A-PORTER FOR $558

 

BRIDAL GUIDE: WEDDING VEILS

 

From bold to delicate, glam to demure, there is a veil for every bride just waiting to be discovered. Find yours here.

Once upon a time… veils symbolized modesty and obedience. They ranged from long and flowing to short and sweet to creams and pastels. While your wedding dress is undeniably the most important piece of your wedding day look, it’s the veil that brings your whole ensemble together.

Typically thought of as a pinnacle of tradition, the wedding veil has undergone such an evolution that to wear one today feels more rebellious than ever. Even the most unconventional brides can make this headpiece stand out and feel special.

Because, in the end, the best wedding accessory is always the one that best fits the bride. From short to medium to long, discover the perfect veil for your big day from this carefully curated collection.

SHORT WEDDING VEILS

BLUSHER

The blusher veil is just the top layer of a two-tier wedding veil. Blushers, which can be attached to wedding veils of any length including medium and long veil styles, tend to fall between the shoulders and elbows but can sometimes be longer.  

FRENCH LACE BLUSHER VEIL AT TWIGS & HONEY FOR $625

PEARL VEIL BLUSHER AT TESSA KIM FOR $190

BIRDCAGE

Reminiscent of styles worn in the 1940s and 1950s, the birdcage veil is a short raw-edged netting or tulle that drapes the face slightly off-center on the side of the head. Its super short length gives it a  distinctively retro effect and leaves the lower half of your face uncovered. Birdcage veils are sometimes attached to a headband or pillbox hat, adding even more demure charm.

DORIS HEADBAND WITH NET VEIL AT JENNIFER BEHR FOR $350

DIAMOND BRIDAL VEIL AT SHERIDAN TJHUNG FOR $2,800

FLYAWAY

A simple veil that barely brushes the shoulders, the flyaway veil is considered less formal than other styles. It's often made with tulle, giving it a stiff shape, and can be single- or multi-layered. If you're wearing a wedding dress with a heavily embellished back or neckline, this shoulder-length style is the perfect hair accessory that won't distract from your gown.

DAPHNE NEWMAN POLKA DOT FLYAWAY VEIL AT AFTER-WHITE FOR $295

TWIG & HONEY BAMBI VEIL AT ANTHROPOLOGY FOR $268

MEDIUM WEDDING VEILS

 ELBOW

This type of veil extends from the crown of your head down to your elbows. Its shorter length makes it a great option for showcasing the skirt or train of your wedding dress while covering your shoulders and back. Elbow-length veils are also a good compromise if you like the look of a veil but don't want to risk snagging it or feeling restricted with your movements.

MATISSE ELBOW LENGTH VEIL AT TANIA MARAS FOR $495

REVELLE ELBOW VEIL AT UNTAMED PETAL FOR $254

FINGERTIP

A perennial favorite, it touches (you guessed it!) your fingertips and is smashing with just about every kind of dress. This wedding veil style extends to the fingertips when your arms are resting by your sides. It's a particularly popular pick for ball gowns and A-line dress silhouettes that get wider at the bottom.

E.B. ELLIE ROSEIA PEARL FINGERTIP VEIL AT ANTHROPOLOGY FOR $298

AMELIANA FINGERTIP VEIL WITH SCATTERED LACE EDGE AT BRIDE & HAIRPINS FOR $225

 BALLERINA

Landing anywhere from knee to ankle, the mantle is long enough to add drama, but not so much that you'll trip on it while dancing. Also called a waltz veil, this medium-length veil is the longest option before you enter floor-length veil territory. It falls somewhere between the knees and ankles.

DIANA BALLET VEIL AT DAVIDS BRIDAL FOR $88

NESTINA HAND PAINTED BABY’S BREATH VEIL AT ANTHROPOLOGY FOR $395

LONG WEDDING VEILS

 CHAPEL

The chapel veil is a semi-formal veil style that reaches to the floor and extends just an inch or two behind your gown. It's often worn in combination with a chapel wedding dress train that is roughly the same length. If you want to add oomph without resorting to a longer veil, look for a chapel length veil that has a blusher or embellishments, such as beading, sequins or lace.

SKY MIST CHAPEL VEIL AT ANTHROPOLOGY FOR $245

AMORA BRIDAL VEIL WITH BLUSHER AT TANIA MARAS FOR $345

CATHEDRAL

The mother of all wedding veil styles; the cathedral veil is also one of the most formal lengths. This bridal veil extends roughly two feet onto the floor behind your wedding dress, which creates a stunning effect as you walk and pose for portraits.

An angled 10-foot-long waterfall veil, which cascades in tiers, continues the liquid theme of a hand-beaded dress without competing for the limelight. The gown's glass droplets are placed in delicate rivulets that swirl as you walk, visible through the transparent tulle wave spilling over it. With a length of nine to 25 feet, this is the stuff of fairy tales, especially when paired with an equally grand gown.

LONG FLORAL VEIL AT ANTHROPOLOGY FOR $598

DVO2 CATHEDRAL LENGTH VEIL AT ALLURE BRIDES

 ROYAL

Typically reserved for monarchs and the grandest of weddings, the royal veil pools onto the floor for several (or dozens of) feet behind your dress.

LACE TRIMMED ROYAL VEIL AT MALINA FOR $$320

EMBROIDERED FLORAL VEIL AT ETSY FOR $228

OTHER VEILS

JULIET

Tulle veil is fitted to the curve of your head and fastened on both sides above the ears. Juliet veils were extremely popular in the 1910s and 1920s, so you might recognize them for their Art Nouveau and Art Deco-inspired look. The cap part of the veil is typically embellished with ornate beading or appliqués.

EMMA PEARL DROP  BALLET LENGTH VEIL AT EDEN LUXE BRIDAL FOR $348

CALLIE BALLERINA  VEIL AT MADMOSIELLE FOR $119

MANTILLA

The mantilla veil is a large, circular piece of tulle that is fastened just a few inches from the hairline on the top of the head, versus at the crown where most other veils are typically worn. This Spanish-style wedding veil is finished with scalloped lace trim and reaches the floor.

MANON LACE SILK JULIET CAP AT ERICA ELIZABETH DESIGNS FOR $825

SOLSTICE VEIL AT GRACE LOVES LACE FOR $445

LACE MANTILLA

With its classic scalloped edging and chaste shoulder coverage, a mantilla veil, which originated in Spain, gives any wedding look a decidedly Old World feel.

They're often pinned at the hairline with a comb to frame the face, but we placed ours below the crown to strike an airier note while still providing a modest screen for a revealing bodice cut entirely from Chantilly lace. A circle of tulle and lace, it is a regal, old-world option that's usually worn draped over the head, framing the face.

LACE MANTILLA VEIL AT TWIGS & HONEY FOR $175

CARMEN LACE VEIL AT THE MANTILLA COMPANY FOR $300

DROP

Like the mantilla veil in its circular design, but instead of being fastened near the hairline, it fully covers the face and upper body. Unlike two-tier veils, there's no rouching or volume to this style, which creates a sleek and timeless look.

MIRAGESHEER DROP VEIL AT NOON ON THE MOON FOR $315 

PINK OMBRÉ DROP VEIL AT VEILED BEAUTY FOR $165 

VEIL ALTERNATIVES

CONTESSA TULLE WINGS WITH FLORAL DETAIL AT HUSHED COMMOTION FOR $550

MONROE BRIDAL COWBOY HAT WITH BIRDCAGE VEIL AT  ANTHROPOLOGY FOR $388

 

CAT EYE vs. RED LIP

 

Are you the sleek, mysterious, alluring vixen of your friend group? The one whose eyes can draw in any guy from across the bar or restaurant. The one whose makeup aesthetic highlights her smartest asset – the eyes?

Kate Moss, Adele, Alexa Chung, and Angelina Jolie are just some of our favorite icons who are known for their cat eyes. The beauty exuded by a simple, yet bold winged liner continues to inspire movie stars, models, artists, and you, too.

When considering liquid eyeliners  – bold, precise, perfectly manicured cat-eye – are just some elements that come to mind. With so many options from luxury to drugstore brands, it can be very daunting experience to say the least.

Here is a carefully curated collection of eyeliners to add to your collection.

BEST OVERALL

NARS CLIMAX LIQUID EYELINER AT SEPHORA FOR $24

BEST DRUGSTORE

MAYBELLINE EYE STUDIO MASTER PRECISE LIQUID EYELINER AT ULTA BEAUTY FOR $9

BEST CAT-EYE

PAT McGARTH LABS PERMA PRECISION LIQUID EYELINER AT SEPHORA FOR $35

RUNER-UP, BEST CAT-EYE

TARTE MANEATER LIQUID EYELINER AT AMAZON FOR $16

BEST LUXURY

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN LUMINOS INK LINER AT SAKS FOR $75

BEST FOR BEGINNERS

STILA STAY ALL DAY WATERPROOF LIQUID EYELINER AT AMAZON FOR $24

BEST SPLURGE

HOURGLASS VOYEUR WATERPROOF LIQUID LINER AT SEPHORA FOR $36

BEST OVERALL

MARC JACOBS HIGHLINER GEL EYE CRAYON AT AMAZON FOR $69

Or, Are you the delightfully irresistible, flirty yet witty, magnetic feline of the group? The one with Alizarin crimson stained lips? The one whose voluminous pouty lips can charm any living being with a pulse.  The one who can stop time with just a flash of a smile radiating across the romantically dim light Tribeca restaurant?

Dynamic, bold, and confident – the red lipstick is the ultimate beauty staple. Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Rita Ora, and Megan Fox are just some celebrity icons we have come to love for their red-lip signature cosmetic style. The ruby red lip is the beauty classic that transcends time, genres, style, and age. Who doesn’t love the statement a red lip makes, whatever that statement may be.

Not all who bleed red are the same! Here are some exciting new options for you to expand your collection:

 
 

BEST OVERALL

CHARLOTTE TILBURY K.I.S.S.I.N.G LIPSTICK AT SEPHORA FOR $35

BEST DRUGSTORE

L’Oreal PARIS COLOR RICHE LIP COLOR AT AMAZON FOR $7

RUNNER-UP, BEST DRUGSTORE

REVLON BALM STAIN AT AMAZON FOR $9

BEST LONG-LASTING

MAYBELLINE NEW YORK SUPER-STAY MATTE INK LIQUID LIPSTICK AT AMAZON FOR $8

RUNNER-UP, BEST LONG-LASTING

BEAUTY BAKERIE MATTE LIP WHIP AT ULTA FOR $20

BEST MATTE

CHARLOTTE TILBURY MATTE REVOLUTION LIPSTICK AT SEPHORA FOR $35

RUNNER-UP, BEST MATTE

PAT McGARTH LABS MATTE TRANCE LIPSTICK AT SEPHORA FOR $39

BEST SHINY

FENTY BEAUTY SHEER SHINY LIPSTICK AT SEPHORA FOR $26

BEST METALLIC

UOMA BEAUTY METALLIC SHINE LIPSTICK AT ULTA FOR $16

BEST HYDRATING:

ILIA COLOR BLOCK HIGH IMPACT LIPSTICK AT REVOLVE FOR $28

 

MEDITERRANEAN JEWELS

 
 

Zia Louisa, Zia Sandra, Zia Silvia, and Zia Francesca- The chicest women I will ever know.

My aunts are some of the strongest women I have known. When they speak, they do so with thoughtful intention, earnest passion, and fearless self-expression. They exude style, grace, and strength. 

My childhood bounced between cold winters in Albania and scorching hot summers in Italy. 

It was the time I spent in Genova (at Recco’s Beach, small beach just outside of Portofino) at my aunts that I learned so much from as well as their incredible sense of style. 

Living by the sea, my aunts have 3 key attributes: 

1.    sun kissed golden skin

2.    linen as their clothing fabric of choice

3.    accessorized with vibrant stones and bold jewels

They wore large jade stones from China, teal and coral from the islands, and gold from the farthest reaches of the globe. 

These pieces had vibrancy; colors so saturated that it took your breath away. 

Whenever I look at these jewels, they always take me back to ITALY.

Here are some pieces of jewelry that they would wear:

 

108 Jadeite Bead, Rubellite, and Diamond Necklace

Tiffany & Co. Spinel and Diamond Necklace

 

Gold, Turquoise, and Ruby Bracelet

Coral Necklace and Turquoise Necklaces

 

Cartier Diamond Ring

Van Cleef & Arpels: Pair of Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, and Diamond ‘Domino’ Earring clips, Originates from France

 

Bvlgari gem set gold convertible necklace

Chanel Multicolor Gripoix Glass and Gold Metal Necklace, 1989

 

Sapphire, Emerald, and Diamond Necklace & Pair of Pendant Ear clips

Van Cleef & Arpels: Gem Set & Diamond Demi-Parure

 

Cartier Coral and Diamond Bracelet

Piaget Watch, Yellow and diamond-set bracelet watch with jade dial, Circa 1975