Ask Shen Dove: What are some thrift shopping options in DC ?

One of my readers recently asked if I had suggestions for thrift  shopping in the DC area (I lived in DC for several years). I thought I’d address her question on the blog in case others may find it helpful. I personally love thrift and vintage shopping. When I travel, I usually research vintage and thrift stores to visit if time allows. Thrift shopping in particular is an affordable (and environmentally friendly) way to add great items to your wardrobe and home. Below is a list of thrift and vintage shops I like in DC or have heard good things about from DMV area bloggers.

Goodwill of Greater Washington – There are couple Goodwill stores in the DC area and I find that in general, Goodwill is a great place to find affordable clothing.

Salvation Army Thrift Stores  – There are also a couple of Salvation Army branches in the DC area. Keep them in mind if you want to make a donation to make room for new items in your closet or search for thrifted items.

Buffalo Exchange – The Buffalo Exchange is a franchise of stores where you can buy and sell used clothing. You can usually find seasonally appropriate, on-trend items in the Buffalo Exchange. I have found some great vintage and gently used items at the Buffalo Exchange in the Logan Circle area.  You can find items in the thrift store price range and slightly higher. I think this store is worth visiting on an occasional basis to round out your wardrobe.

Other notables to consider: Martha's Table, Georgia Avenue Thrift

Shopping for statement and designer pieces: If you have your wardrobe basics and are searching for statement or designer pieces for a higher price point, try:

Secondi // Current Boutique // Meeps // Second Time Around // Junction

Other shopping options: Though it may surprise folks unfamiliar with the city, DC is a very fashionable  place with numerous independent vintage and secondhand sellers (many of them can be found online). You can also purchase original designs for relatively affordable prices at local boutiques which are also in abundance in DC (that would take a whole other blog post to address!).

Eastern Market – I lived walking distance from the Eastern Market on Capitol Hill for five years and one of my favorite weekend past times was perusing the vendors and flea market located near the market. I’ve seen and purchased items from vintage sellers there for affordable prices. You can also pick up some great food, art work, handmade jewelry and wares while you are there.

Dew Drop DC  holds really great clothing swaps on a regular basis. Be sure to check out the plethora of DC area bloggers who cover the local fashion there for more tips on fashion, beauty and style in the city. If you have favorite thrift or secondhand shopping spots you frequent in the DC area, feel free to leave them in the comments!

 If you have a fashion or style question you’d like addressed here on Shen Dove Style, feel free to contact me by leaving a comment, visiting my contact page, Facebook page or Twitter!

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How to Rescue a Dress from the Donate Pile

 Blazer: Tulle; Dress: swapped and Dyed; Heels: Zappos (similar); 

Earrings: Buffalo Exchange; Belt: Target (similar)

Happy Friday! I wore this dress which I found at a clothing swap last summer.   As a simple dress, I got a little bored with the color and was thinking about tossing it in the to-donate pile for my next thrifting trip.  But I decided to get a box of RIT Dye and see if I could give it a fresh look with color.  I'm happy with the results.  For a person who doesn't have sewing skills (yet), a box of dye is my favorite way to give clothing a new look.  If you have one, what's your favorite way to rescue items from the donate pile?

I've decided to move my links of the week post to Saturday, so expect to see it tomorrow!  

Have a lovely weekend.

Simple

Dress: swapped; Belt: H&M; Shoes: The Loft; Necklace: Eastern Market vendor

Hot summer days call for simple outfits...I almost left this dress on the rack at a recent swap because it looked kind of plain on the hanger but now I'm happy that I didn't. All the dress needed was a belt and a (brightly colored) necklace. I love simple outfits especially during the summer months. I will definitely remix this dress soon with different accessories.  

Happy Wednesday!

World Swap Day Haul

Here are a few items I picked up at a swap on World Swap Day.  

Some of these items will definitely be making an appearance on the blog soon.