Allow us to introduce ourselves: Our names are Lucy McBride
and Lesley Burr. We’re two bloggers with a love for fashion, among other things. Our site, Rusted Revolution, began as a side project – a hobby through which we could channel our observations on fashion, music, travel, food, and the arts, sharing them with whomever cared to look. Since RR’s birth in early September 2010, a growing Internet following has encouraged us to provide our readers with consistent news, trends, and reflections in the vast realm that is pop culture.
When it comes to shopping, I’m sure you Boston Her Campus ladies are well-educated in navigating the city’s popular spending spots. I mean, the Newbury/Boylston area has literally everything a girl could want: Sephora, Urban Outfitters, Madewell, American Apparel, H&M, and that brand spankin’ new F21… I could continue forever.
While the Back Bay area is sure to please, those of you looking to switch up your shopping routine, personal style, or save some cash might want to think twice before taking the T to Hynes to brave the hordes of tourists, tweens, and collegiettes™ like yourselves. In fact, I recommend choosing the road less-traveled by frequenting some second-hand shops. Not only is vintage shopping adventurous and thrilling (okay, that might be an exaggeration for some, but Lesley and I are thrifting FIENDS), but it also allows you to snag unique items you won’t ever see on anyone else. If you’re new to Boston’s second-hand scene, I’ve outlined a few of my favorite spots in Beantown, and awarded them grades based on my experiences.
Buffalo Exchange:
180 Harvard Ave, Allston, MA 02134 — (617) 779-7901 — Harvard Ave T stop on the B Line
Buffalo Exchange isn’t your average thrift store. In fact, it’s a place to buy, sell, and trade both old and new items; you can shop their insane collection of shoes, clothing, and accessories, or sell your clothes for store credit or cash. The beauty about this system is that Buffalo’s inventory is growing and changing every second; I’m always super anxious to see what items they have in stock. Being a New Yorker, I was quite the regular at the Buffalo location in Williamsburg, Brooklyn (literally half of my shoe collection comes from BE), and was stoked to hear of the new Allston location this year! A Buffalo Exchange trip is a really fun weekend outing to make either solo or with a crew. Whenever I feel like I need to streamline my closet, I always pack some bags and jump on the B line. Although they never buy every item I bring in, they donate anything you wish to local charities, so it’s a win-win situation!
Grade: A-
Urban Renewal:
132 Brighton Ave, Allston, MA 02134 — (617) 783-8387 — Harvard Ave T stop on the B Line
I remember passing by this Allston gem in the early days of my college career, exploring the outskirts of Brighton with curiosity and confusion as the scenery changed the farther I moved away from BC. Urban Renewal is a tell-tale spot for the Allston hipsters and fashionistas who comb its stuffed racks for unique finds at the lowest prices. The great thing about Urban Renewal is its prices. It’s much like Goodwill in the sense that everything is organized by color, and they literally have everything from cowboy boots to picture books to blenders. If you’ve got the energy, definitely add in an Urban Renewal trip in conjunction with Buffalo Exchange. It’s worth a look.
Grade: B+
Poor Little Rich Girl:
374 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA 02143 — (617) 684-0157
121 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA 02139 — (617) 873-0809
While Poor Little Rich Girl lies on the pricier side of the thrifting spectrum, I still consider it a hidden gem because very few people (even serious fashionistas) seem to know about it. Named Best Consignment Store from 2007-2009, PLRG features a beautiful selection of unique pieces from no-name brands to YSL and DVF. While I usually don’t walk away with armfuls of clothing when shopping here, every now and then I come across a stunning piece that is well worth the price.
Grade: B
Second Time Around:
300 Boylston St, Atrium Mall, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 — (617) 928-0100
8 Elliot St, Cambridge, MA 02138 — (617) 491-7185
I’m sure you guys know about Second Time Around – after all, there are only THREE of them on Newbury St. Nonetheless, I thought it appropriate to feature this popular spot on my list because I actually prefer its other locations, which in my opinion are far less picked-over and more diverse in selection. STA’s Atrium Mall location sprang up in my early years at BC, before I had even discovered the stores on Newbury. Although an extremely odd location for a second-hand shop, the store has a great selection and some killer sales. I’ve also visited the Cambridge location several times, where you can meander through a fabulous array of jackets, tees, bags, and other castoffs from finely-dressed prepsters and Harvard kids.
Grade: B
Goodwill:
965 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215 — (617) 254-0112 — Pleasant St stop on the B Line
Good ‘ole Goodwill makes the final cut on our list. If you’ve never been inside the BU location, then you’ve definitely taken a T ride past it. I’m actually guilty of never having visited it until last year (so uncharacteristic of a girl who literally veers off the highway when she sees a Goodwill). I was pleasantly surprised with the inventory in this one. In my thrifting experiences, big cities bring lots of shoppers with good fashion sense and money to blow. The result? You snooze, you lose – they’ll be there first to grab the good stuff. That being said, I usually have extraordinary luck at Goodwill on Long Island, in the Midwest, and basically any rural or suburban geographic locale where shoppers aren’t as keen on digging through piles of used clothing as some of us. Let’s face it, we live and study in a big city where shoppers seek to clothe themselves in the trendiest garments like it’s their job. The last time I visited the BU Goodwill, I saw some very cool chiffon maxi dresses, patent heels, and worn leather bags. I always love Goodwill because the prices are always unbeatable, I’m donating to a good cause, and it’s just so funny to say, “Yeah, I got it at Goodwill.” It’s a classic.
Grade: A-
I encourage all you Her Campus collegiettes™ to try thrifting, especially if it’s something you haven’t tried or even considered. I promise, even if you don’t spend a dollar, the experience itself is so incredibly fun and satisfying – just don’t clear out the good stuff or I’ll have to fight you for it like it’s Black Friday at Walmart.
Photo Source:
http://closetcasevintage.wordpress.com/tag/thrifting/