Beacon's Closet
Neighborhood: Park Slope
Type of Place: Vintage/Eclectic
Description:
If there were a "Like" button here, I'd click it - and then comment: "Where's the 'Love' button?" Because I am hands down, head-over-heels for Beacon's Closet! A thrift-shop junkie, I assure you my standards are high and well-developed. I prefer a minimal degree of disarray (I am flexible here since every consignment shop exudes a charming air of chaos - but finding an outfit for that spur-of-the-moment romantic getaway should not be as difficult as finding a good man on an online dating site - and at Beacon's, I promise, it is so much more satisfying!
I also prefer a shop that is not so awash in the "vintage" theme that you need to have walked straight out of the jazz age in order to find something wearable. At Beacon's, you'll find a fabulous blend of pieces that are as equally unique as they are sensible. And of course, if you are looking for totally outrageous - you'll find that, too. The most recent purchases I made included a couple of too-cute sundresses (Kimchi Blue $10.99 and Chinese Laundry $15.00), a pair of black jumper shorts with a whimsical carousel-horse print (Bly, $12.99), and a pair of red, Courtney Love-esque laser cut leggings for $5.99 (unknown label).
In the Closet, you'll also find accessories galore - purses, belts, hats, et al. - as well as an impressive collection of used and not-used jewelry, sunglasses, and more. I fell in love with a vintage brass belt buckle intricately sculpted as a gypsy woman. When I pointed out the detail to a friend of mine, the girl behind the counter graciously chimed in that it dated from the 70's, and she was pleased to remove it from the showcase for me to have a closer look.
Since Beacon's Closet is a consignment shop, you can sell your articles there, too. Though I have never done this before, I have inquired into the process both at the store and with friends who have. Here comes my one qualm: the buyer-girls who “man” the consignment station were a wee bit too snooty for my liking and did not seem overly excited to answer my questions. Granted, the store does fall smack-dab in the middle of Brooklyn's hipster domain – and with that I suppose comes a certain blasé, but it did make me feel a little uncomfortable. A girlfriend reported that they are also quite choosy when it comes to buying, but I'm certain that accounts for their vast, fantastic selection of great quality items.
I am not kidding when I say that I will often choose an alternate route when walking in the direction of Beacon's Closet – because it is 100% certain that I will walk in. And as soon as I hear that trip-hop beat overhead, and cast a glance at the multi-colored sea of beautiful bargains, there is no turning back for me... no matter how late I already am with rent! - Janice Bevilacqua
Beacon's Closet
92 5th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11217
(718) 230-1630
Website
Map
Comments:
Sign up for our newsletter !