City Opera Thrift Shop
Neighborhood: Flatiron District Type of Place: Thrift Shops Description:
A benefit "shopping event" brought me to the City Opera Thrift Shop for
- Pamela Grossman; March 5, 2006
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.
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