If you’re like me and you love shopping, but you want to make sure you’re doing it sustainably, thrifting is the perfect option! I spoke with Ava Chadwick, a student (with an edgy and completely original fashion sense) at Berklee College of Music in Boston, and she told me about all of her favorite places to shop for second-hand apparel. You’re sure to have the best thrift haul if you listen to Ava’s advice and spend a day in Boston hitting all of these spots.
- Buffalo Exchange, Brookline
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Located on Harvard Street in Brookline, Buffalo Exchange offers to buy, sell, and trade for clothes.
Buffalo Exchange describes itself as “a pioneer in the resale fashion industry, Buffalo Exchange has been buying, selling and trading clothing & accessories since 1974. We offer customers 25% in cash or 50% in trade on-the-spot for current trends, designer, everyday styles, vintage and one-of-a-kind fashion finds.”
Ava, who grew up in New York City, has been going to the East Village Buffalo Exchange location for a while. It’s her tried and true, and she loves the Brookline location just as much!
- covet, South Boston, Beacon Hill, Back Bay
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Covet is located at three locations in Boston. Covet can be found on Newbury Street, Charles Street, and West Broadway
Covet founder Hanadi Hamzeh writes on the stores website: “I take pride in what Covet has become – neighborhood shops where locals and visitors alike can come and enjoy the ‘thrill of the hunt.'”
Ava says Covet is extremely convenient as there are locations all over Boston.
- The Garment District, Cambridge
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Located on Broadway Terrace, just outside of Boston, The Garment District sells new and used clothes with new items put in stock every day!
The Garment Districts website says: “Whether you’re looking for a new suit for work, a trendy Little Black Dress, or the perfect outfit for a 1980s theme party, The Garment District is your one-stop shop for budget-conscious fashion!”
Ava recommends The Garment District because of their large selection and great prices.
- Vivant Vintage, Allston
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Located on Lincoln Street, Vivant Vintage started as a cart of clothing on wheels and is now a store that was awarded Boston Magazine’s “Best Vintage Store” in 2019.
Their website says: “Here at Vivant Vintage, our mission is to give the best objects and apparel of the past the opportunity to live and be loved again. We provide affordable second-hand apparel, accessories, and housewares as well as local artist-made products.”
Ava claims Vivant Vintage has the best jewelry around, and there are always some good finds in there.
- Aigo, Back Bay
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Located on Newbury Street, Aigo carries items from brands such as Burberry, Chrome Hearts, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and more!
According to the website: “Aigo strives to curate a fresh collection of secondhand clothing, combining both vintage and designer brands to create an environment where customers can explore and broaden their fashion horizons.”
Aigo is a new and refreshing take on thrifting, although it’s a little on the pricier side, it’s totally worth it.
- Diversity Men’s and women’s consignment, jamaica plain
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Located on Centre Street, DIVERSITY Consignment has everything from clothes to instruments and original art pieces.
Diversity Consignment describes its mission on its website as “to create a safe space for all walks of life to feel comfortable trying on clothing that matches their personal and individual identity while actively promoting the arts. We value human creativity and personal goals which is why we welcome and promote local artists, musicians, and designers.”
DIVERSITY Consignment is a huge store with a very wide range of clothing options, as well as other items!
Thrifting can seem tedious and hopeless if you don’t know the right places to look, so follow this list and your thrifting experience is guaranteed to be better!
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