My Move to the Big City

Let me tell you a funny story – one that sums up a lot of what this blog will be about.  About four years ago, I had just received my undergraduate degree and was living and working in Boston, where I’d gone to school.  Although Boston is one of my absolute favorite cities, I suddenly felt very certain that after growing up in the area and living there for four years, it was time for a change.  Being the fast-paced ultra-urban person that I am, there was only one choice: New York City.  

In an effort to both downsize belongings and increase my bank account balance, I had a wonderful idea – consignment!  I already had a store in mind – Second Time Around – located right on Newbury Street (think Broadway in Soho).  So, I called to make a consignment appointment and went in a week or so later, hoping to trade clothes I no longer wanted for some much-needed cash.  The ironic part is that a few moments after walking in, while waiting for the sales associate to look through my bag of consignment, I noticed a gorgeous chocolate brown pair of strappy Manolo Blahniks on the “high end” shelf behind the register.  They were my size (7 ½), in like-new condition, and on sale for about $80.

As it turns out, I achieved neither of my original objectives.  However, this was one of the greatest and most influential shopping experiences of my life, and certainly one that would change my wardrobe/wallet relationship from then on.  STA, as they call themselves, did accept a number of my items that day and I ended up buying the shoes the following week with store credit from sold items.

I consigned with the store several more times and had a few more fantastic “finds” before making my move to New York City early the following year.  I took the first “cheap” apartment (i.e. $1,000 a month) I found in the Upper East East Side, if you know what I mean, and lasted there for about 10 months.  I’m a downtown girl, so downtown I went – landing in a teeny apartment in an old building in Soho where I have very happily lived ever since.  The neighborhood was great from the beginning – complete with amazing coffee and pastry cafes, old Italian cheese and pasta shops, famous restaurants, and a real local charm.  I thought it couldn’t get better until I woke up one day and was overjoyed to see that a Second Time Around had opened about a block away.  “They followed me here!” I exclaimed to my friends, joking of course.  But at the rate I now visit the store and refer friends as both consignors and shoppers, perhaps there is some truth to it…

The great thing is, before I let you go, that New York City is chock full of consignment stores.  Each one focuses on a different price range and style preference, so there is absolutely something for everyone!  I see a true link between the number of re-sale stores and the health of the economy.  So as the Dow plummets, try to find some solace in the fact that your dreams of finding affordable Diane von Furstenberg wrap dresses just became that much more attainable.  Another boutique, A Second Chance, for example, offers mainly Chanel, Hermes and similarly top-of-the-line brands at both their Upper East Side and Soho locations.  For a funkier selection, check out Tokio7 in the East Village or Beacon’s Closet in either Williamsburg or Park Slope.  This is really only the beginning so check back soon for more on consignment stores – buying and selling – soon!