Buying a thrifted 2016 Prada bag is like being a 6 with the personality of a 10.
Maybe not as shiny on the outside, but tells a much better story.
Luxury consignment shops are the new wave right now—it’s called ballin’ on a budget.
Be in on Manhattan’s best-kept secrets, and treat yourself to one-of-a-kind designer goods at these hidden gems.
There are literally real gems there—just saying.
What Goes Around Comes Around
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103 Wooster St/Website
The name of this globally recognized luxury consignment shop speaks for itself. With trends constantly resurfacing, cyclical fashion is the thing right now. Scout out vintage finds such as the highly sought-after classic Birkin 35, the insanely instagrammable Chanel lambskin boy bag, and the Louis Vuitton Takashi Murakami purse that will be sure to turn heads. The brand currently has a pop-up in Soho, but if you can’t make it downtown, they have a fully-stocked online store as well.
No Standing NYC
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Location TBD/Website
If you spend more than six minutes on social media, you’ve definitely seen this Danielle Bernstein-approved vintage shop. With hundreds of limited edition items, including Dior Logo crewnecks, Fendi logo cardigans, and Versace striped jeans, No Standing NYC is the place to get unique, never-before-seen pieces. Be aware: if you shop here, people will probably mistake you as an influencer. I guess we could all use that ego boost from time to time. The shop is currently online, but a pop-up store is coming to Soho in October! The insiders say it will be on 100 Wooster street.
Procell
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5 Delancy St
If we could choose one word to describe Procell, it would be effortlessly cool. Ok, we cheated—that’s two words—but you get the point. Specializing in ’80s and ‘90s apparel and accessories, this trendy (but not try-hard) vintage shop will be sure to take you down memory lane. Famous for their faded concert tees, Procell revolutionized the luxury consignment game but making it more accessible—both with price tags and merchandise. If it's good enough for Rihanna, it's good enough for us.
Tokio 7
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83 E 7th/Website
Tokio 7 was the first place we ran when we first understood the value of a Dior saddlebag. Years later, it continues to be a leading player in the highly competitive game of designer are consignment. Although the inventory is slightly less up-to-date than other vintage shops we have visited, the unbeatable prices are what keeps us coming back. A Louis Vuitton shoulder bag for $350? A Gucci printed tie scarf for $100? I don’t care if this stuff is outdated, I’m sprinting to the Lower East Side! Plus, they have a great selection of designer leather jackets that are guaranteed to get you a compliment.
INA NYC
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Multiple Locations/Website
Known for being New York’s most established and respected designer consignment store, INA is the place to go when you need a last-minute outfit for that gala you somehow got an invitation to. INA is your best friend you can count on in a crisis. A fashion crisis, that is—which from personal experience, is very real. No matter how long you spend rummaging through the racks of Bottega jackets and staple pieces from The Row, you will not leave the store empty-handed.
Designer Revival
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324 E 81st/Website
Once again, the name of this luxury consignment shop is pretty self-explanatory. Unlike other stores that primarily focus on vintage pieces, this exclusive resale boutique carries designer items that are both old-school and contemporary. It really is the best of both worlds at Designer Revival. Invest in that Gucci leather belt bag you have been trying to justify for two years, or a pair of tinted Chanel sunnies that will never go out of style.
Michael’s, The Consignment Shop For Women
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1125 Madison Ave/Website
An integral part of New York City’s fashion landscape, Michael’s is a landmark destination for all your designer bargain-hunters. They must be doing something right if they’ve been surviving and thriving since 1954. Offering an ultra-luxury section and a more approachable, contemporary section, Michael’s is a great place to get a whole new wardrobe. From Louboutin and Balenciaga, to Isabel Marant and Veronica Beard, this Manhattan institution is a one-stop shop for all your designer needs.
The Real Real
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Multiple Locations/Website
Although most people know The Real Real as an online designer hub, the brick-and-mortar stores are where all the magic happens. I don’t care what people say, the Real Real is hands down the mecca of luxury resale. Not only can you find the Cartier nail bracelet and Rolex watches at jaw-dropping prices, but you can also sell your items and make an absurd amount of money. Simply put, the Real Real is the place to go when you want to be a thousand dollars richer. But watch out for the wall of beautiful Birkin bags, because you just might get swooped in.
Photography by: Laura Chouette
