Jaunted

For lightly-used duds, first hit up Buffalo Exchange in the 'Burg. Though the store's prices can be somewhat higher than other thrift shops, customers looking for better quality in their clothes shouldn't mind ponying up an extra $5 for a brand-name shirt. If designers are your thing, keep an eye on the labels when digging through the racks, as Marc Jacobs tops are intermixed with Forever 21 shirts. While lacking in the shoe department, Buffalo Exchange's well-stocked and obsessively organized men's and women's clothing sections more than make up for any of the store's defects. 504 Driggs Ave.

Next head down to Junk. Though the store's stock consists mostly of vintage furniture and home furnishings, Junk maintains a small clothing section in the back that's worth checking out. 197 N. 9th St.

Two blocks away is Beacon's Closet, which came to Williamsburg before its mass gentrification, so they've got street cred in Brooklyn. While the men's section leaves much to be desired, Beacon's is an ideal spot for picking up women's sweaters and blouses, but get ready for a somewhat frightening dresses section: caftans--scary!. For the truly thrifty, head out of the Bedford area to Vintage Warehouse, a $20-and-under stockpile of men's and women's clothing. 88 N. 11th St. (Beacon's) and 120 Knickerbocker Ave.

Park Slope's more well-to-do population means more big-dollar items stock the neighborhood's vintage boutique's shelves. Hooti Couture, for example, selects their merchandise with a fine-tooth comb, and most of the clothing and accessories represent the best styles of their respective eras. While much smaller than the Williamsburg stores, Hooti Couture stocks an overwhelming number of brooches and accessories, in addition to small but worthwhile racks of clothing. PETA fanatics, be forewarned: The shop's owners have nothing against selling vintage furs. 321 Flatbush Ave.

If you struck out at the Bedford Beacon's Closet, you can give it another go at the store's second Brooklyn location in Park Slope. 220 5th Ave.

Insider's Tip: Even though Williamsburg plays host to solid vintage boutiques, don't overlook the bizarre assortment of goods being hawked on the sidewalk. From broken violins to secondhand bikes, the local stoop sales can be just as good as the stores. And, if you're low on dough, don't forget to haul a few trashbags worth of your old gear to Buffalo Exchange or Beacon's Closet: Customers can get either cash refunds or store credit for their items.

Related Stories:
· Buffalo Exchange [Official Site]
· Beacon's Closet [Official Site]
· Hooti Couture [Official Site]
· Shopping coverage [Jaunted]
· Shopping in Brooklyn Map [Jaunted]

[Photo: bondidwhat]

Where: Brooklyn, NY, United States

Tags: Shopping / Shopping-in-Brooklyn-Map / Clothes / Fashion

by laurenuta