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Overview | Discount stores | Consignment/resale | Thrift shops | Retail chains | Exchange

Thrift shops

Blue Bass Vintage Clothing
When you’re in the Clinton Hill nabe, check out this small vintage shop near Pratt. The entire children’s section consists of one rack, but what a rack it is! Owners Sara Hodges and Meredith Gray (no, not that one) travel the Northeast and Midwest in search of town-wide rummage sales to stock their store. Unlike at consignment shops, you won’t see popular name brands here. Instead, you’ll find funkier, throw-back pieces. “It’s basically what Meredith and I would have wanted to wear in the ’70s when we were kids,” says Hodges. 431 DeKalb Ave at Classon Ave, Clinton Hill, Brooklyn (347-750-8935, bluebassvintage.com)
FIND Saks Fifth Avenue red plaid corduroys, $9; Sears red-checked Western shirt with fringe, $9

Domsey’s Express
The original Domsey’s Warehouse in Williamsburg was a mecca for thrift-store stylistas. After the building was sold in 2002, Domsey’s split into two smaller outposts, one of which is this Express in Ridgewood, Queens. The children’s selection isn’t huge, but it’s well organized and the prices are low. I found a mix of contemporary castoffs and vintage gems, each for under $10. 16-09 Palmetto St at Wyckoff Ave, Ridgewood, Queens (718-386-7661)
FIND Comme Ça Ism brown plaid shorts with leather trim for boys, $4; red crocheted poncho, $4

Salvation Army Family Store, Astoria
The SA operates 20 thrift stores in NYC; proceeds fund its adult rehabilitation programs. I’m a fan of the Astoria branch: The space is bright and spacious, and there are two long racks of kids’ clothes. Like most thrift-store adventures, depending on the day’s stock you’ll either strike out or strike it rich. 34-02 Steinway St at 34th Ave, Astoria, Queens (718-472-2414, salvationarmy.org)
FIND Tea pink cotton cardigan, $1; babyGap rose-colored cords with ruffled cuffs, 50 cents

Spence-Chapin Thrift
The two Upper East Side institutions join forces at these shops to raise money for Spence-Chapin adoption services. Given the drop-off clientele, you’re likely to find posh private-school and preppy attire in good shape. •1473 Third Ave at 83rd St (212-737-8448, spence-chapin.org); •1850 Second Ave at 95th St (212-426-7643, spence-chapin.org)
FIND Juicy Couture velvet dress, $12.50 (retails for $120)

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