new york gems

A few of my favorite places to shop. You'll have to do a bit of digging, but it'll pay off once you come across that pair of pony hair Dolce & Gabbana pumps for $50. And isn't the chase the best part? (Wow I did not just say that.)

1. Hell's Kitchen Flea Market. 39th street between 9th and 10th avenue. Open Saturday-Sunday from 9AM-5PM. This place is great for cheap (but not cheap-looking) jewelry, especially rings. You can also find some nice fur coats at a reasonable price, as well as a plethora of leather lace-up boots. Keep your eye out for vintage designer pieces.

2. Beacon's Closet. Multiple locations. Sell your clothes for store credit or cash, or just shop. If you plan to sell, remember to bring a government-issued ID, and keep in mind that they are selective in buying.  If you plan to shop, expect to spend at least an hour — there are a ton of pieces, and you don't want to miss out on all the labels. Theory for $30, Helmut Lang for $40, Marc Jacobs for $25, sometimes even a Prada thrown in here and there.

3. Buffalo Exchange. Multiple locations. Like Beacon's closet, you can sell your clothes for credit or cash, and they are selective. However, expect to do more digging here than at Beacon's. There are some great labels (Halston, Yves Saint Laurent), but it takes time to find them. Go here if you need a new jacket — their selection of outwear is not too shabby (Nicholas K. jacket new with tags for $70?). Also, last time I was here, Lenz Von Johnston came in to sell his free model clothes. My friend went up to him while I stood on line for her being bashful in a hopefully qt way (fangirling out ruins any pretend chances one has with models) and she took this photo:

Check them out if you're looking to update your wardrobe. I promise you'll find something good. And you might get your own Von Johnston sighting!
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