"I don’t go thrifting much in NYC (this may be controversial, but I do not consider Beacon’s Closet, Buffalo Exchange, L Train, etc. thrifting!)" same girl same. No shade. Love a thrift in small town USA - sadly we didn't have time to do much thrifting while out west - Utah has some amazing shops...
In my experience, stores like Buffalo Exchange (especially in NYC) are indeed second-hand and technically qualify as thrift stores. However, I have found that they tend to offer more contemporary pieces, which may be less unique or interesting. I might be conflating thrifting with vintage shopping; although the terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to different experiences..
Also, I think that the fact that stores like Buffalo Exchange operate as a business model where people come to sell rather than donate items creates a different atmosphere. These stores are often chains rather than mom-and-pop shops tucked away off the beaten path, resulting in a less unique or commercial vibe. Shopping at these stores can feel like more of the same within your city bubble (especially in NYC). Personally, I prefer venturing outside of that bubble to shop second-hand or explore curated vintage collections.
Ok that makes sense! I'd call Buffalo and friends thrift shopping, but definitely not vintage shopping for the reasons you said. And I think you're right that the idea of selling to those stores vs donating creates a different atmosphere and vibe.
I am not a super thrifter, but I will say even getting out of more common "thrifting neighborhoods" can sometimes feel like getting out of the NYC bubble lol. The L-Train vintage in Gowanus is way chiller and feels more "I hope I can find something fun" compared to ones in like WBurg or the EV. I walked into the Buffalo in the EV a few weeks ago and it was so packed with people and was basically only the same variation of T-Shirt that I had to leave lol.
Not a dumb question at all! I think what Veronica said about the selling vs donating feels like the main part - in a way, those stores are already “curated” by the buyers who work there as opposed to a thrift store, where it truly feels like you can find a diamond in the rough :)
Very much in agreement with the feeling of adding something navy and loose in pant form. It adds just enough to a look while still being a solid neutral. PS Team Lists always!
This breakdown is my kind of content!! I always appreciate hearing the why behind purchases and, frankly, I’m so impressed with how your purchases were off-set by sales.
PS- I also love that JCrew bag. I have a similar one in red.
💙 the navy full length pants😉. Also your pink/lavender bag! It’s summer- the colors add so much. And everything you bought makes absolute sense. And next formal occasion coming up- the black dress will be perfect👍🏽
I'm much older than you but I've been keeping a book reading log since 1988. I don't think about it much, just add books as I finish them. Your post has made me think about the other things I track, and (maybe more importantly?) don't track. Thanks for that!
That’s amazing!!! Is it digital or all in a notebook? I worked in a bookstore for years and it was so useful to have my lists accessible when people asked for recommendations
That Weeki wachee t shirt just made my eyes pop out hearts — I grew up spending summers with my grandparents in FL and a visit to see the mermaids was always a muchhhhh anticipated part of the trip😭🥹 thank you for sharing this 🩵
Love the mermaids!!! I’ve been searching for a weeki wachee shirt for ages too, and I didn’t even look in the t-shirt section this time—it was hanging on the put-back rack outside the dressing rooms :)
"I don’t go thrifting much in NYC (this may be controversial, but I do not consider Beacon’s Closet, Buffalo Exchange, L Train, etc. thrifting!)" same girl same. No shade. Love a thrift in small town USA - sadly we didn't have time to do much thrifting while out west - Utah has some amazing shops...
ok maybe dumb question for both of you - why do we not consider those shops thrifting?
Not a dumb question!
In my experience, stores like Buffalo Exchange (especially in NYC) are indeed second-hand and technically qualify as thrift stores. However, I have found that they tend to offer more contemporary pieces, which may be less unique or interesting. I might be conflating thrifting with vintage shopping; although the terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to different experiences..
Also, I think that the fact that stores like Buffalo Exchange operate as a business model where people come to sell rather than donate items creates a different atmosphere. These stores are often chains rather than mom-and-pop shops tucked away off the beaten path, resulting in a less unique or commercial vibe. Shopping at these stores can feel like more of the same within your city bubble (especially in NYC). Personally, I prefer venturing outside of that bubble to shop second-hand or explore curated vintage collections.
Ok that makes sense! I'd call Buffalo and friends thrift shopping, but definitely not vintage shopping for the reasons you said. And I think you're right that the idea of selling to those stores vs donating creates a different atmosphere and vibe.
I am not a super thrifter, but I will say even getting out of more common "thrifting neighborhoods" can sometimes feel like getting out of the NYC bubble lol. The L-Train vintage in Gowanus is way chiller and feels more "I hope I can find something fun" compared to ones in like WBurg or the EV. I walked into the Buffalo in the EV a few weeks ago and it was so packed with people and was basically only the same variation of T-Shirt that I had to leave lol.
Not a dumb question at all! I think what Veronica said about the selling vs donating feels like the main part - in a way, those stores are already “curated” by the buyers who work there as opposed to a thrift store, where it truly feels like you can find a diamond in the rough :)
ok yes true true
100 percent!
Very much in agreement with the feeling of adding something navy and loose in pant form. It adds just enough to a look while still being a solid neutral. PS Team Lists always!
Team Lists (for archival nostalgia as much as utility!)
This breakdown is my kind of content!! I always appreciate hearing the why behind purchases and, frankly, I’m so impressed with how your purchases were off-set by sales.
PS- I also love that JCrew bag. I have a similar one in red.
It’s not always like that! Had an unexpectedly profitable month after stuff sat for a while
💙 the navy full length pants😉. Also your pink/lavender bag! It’s summer- the colors add so much. And everything you bought makes absolute sense. And next formal occasion coming up- the black dress will be perfect👍🏽
I'm much older than you but I've been keeping a book reading log since 1988. I don't think about it much, just add books as I finish them. Your post has made me think about the other things I track, and (maybe more importantly?) don't track. Thanks for that!
That’s amazing!!! Is it digital or all in a notebook? I worked in a bookstore for years and it was so useful to have my lists accessible when people asked for recommendations
It's digital. Looks like yours is too?
That Weeki wachee t shirt just made my eyes pop out hearts — I grew up spending summers with my grandparents in FL and a visit to see the mermaids was always a muchhhhh anticipated part of the trip😭🥹 thank you for sharing this 🩵
Love the mermaids!!! I’ve been searching for a weeki wachee shirt for ages too, and I didn’t even look in the t-shirt section this time—it was hanging on the put-back rack outside the dressing rooms :)