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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Recent Thrifted Finds: Yellow Dress

On a recent trip to New York, I purchased this dress from Beacon's Closet in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Please excuse the slight wrinkles in this dress. In my excitement to try it on, I forgot to iron it. I love Beacon's Closet and the Buffalo Exchange. The Philly location of the Buffalo Exchange which I visit on trips home is so-so to me, but the Brooklyn location is great! For me, both stores rival each other for my favorite clothing exchange/thrift/vintage stores. I usually find at least one hidden treasure when I visit either of these stores.

I really want to make an effort to shop more consciously and shop at more thrift stores and reasonably priced vintage stores. It's a 'greener' way to shop and can sometimes be economically. Wearing used clothing does not bother me at all. I like that some of my clothing has a history and that I've giving it another lease on life by wearing it after someone else has decided to part with it. I'm going to start scouting out more thrift stores in my city, if I come across any good ones, I'll definitely give them a shout-out on this blog for any people who live in or visit Washington, DC.

I think I'll get a lot of wear out of this yellow dress this summer. I love dresses because they require it's only one step to get dressed! I decided to limit my purchases to only essential items this month, but next month, I'll definitely be on the lookout for more warm weather appropriate dresses.