City Opera Thrift Shop
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Neighborhood: Flatiron District Type of Place: Thrift Shops Description: A benefit "shopping event" brought me to the City Opera Thrift Shop for the first time. The store hosted this evening for, and gives its general proceeds to, New York's City Opera--and though you won't generally find opera costumes here, you may well discover an outfit that would serve you fine as a properly attired audience member for "Aida" or "La Boheme." The shop is known for its especially well-preserved second-hand and vintage clothes--and for its emphasis on designer stuff. The event I attended was held from 5-8; and a member of the staff told me that by 5, an eager line had formed outside. Very regrettably, I didn't get there until almost the end. (I would have been earlier, but I carelessly and went to West 23rd rather than East. If you want to know what occupies this same address on West 23rd: It's the Chelsea Hotel!) I can only imagine what I missed...but I was still plenty impressed with what I found. Such as: Several cute Pendleton cardigans for spring, including a pink short-sleeved number, size medium ($20); an elegant long-sleeved gold tunic from Rue Blanche, size 2 ($25); a demure silk blouse from Pink that actually was pink, with rose-colored polka dots, size 8 ($25); a fresh green-striped Oxford blouse from Foxcroft, size 8 ($10); and a flawless beige-knit Armani dress, European size 40/US size 8-ish ($50). All were in perfect condition. At the very end of my rack-hunting, I found what was, for me. a major treasure: a dress by a designer I love, Maggie London, also in perfect condition and in my size (7), for $35 (her pieces usually start at about $150). I was about to try it on--but the staff, which had kindly let me stay past 8, really wanted to go home, and I couldn't blame them. So, last I knew it was still there. And you can go back and look, certainly, but I really hope I beat you to it! Even if I do, I'm confident you'll find lots more to make you happy. In my brief visit, I concentrated on the clothes, since they'd been specially culled, sorted, and presented for this event. But the shop also has great books and, I hear, more-than-ocassional terrific furniture finds. AND ANOTHER THING: The space is small-ish, so go in the middle of a weekday, if possible, to avoid crowds. See something you love but don't absolutely need? Sure, go for it; the price is likely to be right, and hey, it's for charity! The shop accepts donations and will pick them up if they're big enough; call for details. - Pamela Grossman; March 5, 2006
City Opera Thrift Shop 222 East 23rd St. New York, NY 10010 (212) 684-5345 Map Subway
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