Dear Charles (may I call you Charles?),I've been in need of a lovely antidote to the eternal dreariness of >>
Boutique: A Downtown LA Thrift Store Mecca
BY Marisa Lynch FOR LA2DAY.COM Aug 14, 2008
With Labor Day right around the corner, this summer is quickly coming to an end. After spending beaucoup bucks at happy hour every summer Friday, there isn't much room left for a new pair of Ann Demeulemeester's, let alone Aldos .
Don't put down that 2-for-1 margarita yet! If you can handle the sifting, then the haven known as the St. Vincent de Paul thrift store downtown will become your budget Barneys.
St. Vincent's has been in operation since 1917 and all proceeds from the thrift store go to local charities and programs helping at-risk youth, the relocation of disaster victims and those experiencing financial emergencies.
After spending the afternoon at St. Vincent's, I've created a Blair Waldorf-worthy ensemble for merely $16.50. That's right folks, a top, skirt, shoes, belt and clutch for the price of a couple of gallons of gas.
My first find set the tone of the scouring frenzy - amidst a rack of heels, sandals and flats a glorious pair of vintage Salvatore Ferragamo's in pristine condition caught my brown eye. Like an eagle I swooped in and scooped them up with my fuchsia painted talons and when I saw their $8.99 price tag I nearly fainted.
Next came the vintage sailor-esque navy scoop top and tan pleated skirt, both without tags but with some great button detail. These two co-ed chic pieces set me back a whopping $4 total. To complete the look, a patent clutch and navy leather belt were pulled from the 99¢ table. Within about 45 minutes I had my staple look from head to toe complete. Cha-ching!
St. Vincent's is not for the weary. If you can handle tightly packed racks and don't mind sorting through somewhat grimy piles and rows of misses before finding your needle in a haystack, then this is the place for you.
My Ferragamos were worth the sifting and the extra Purell I coated my hands in when I left.
THE MUST-BUY: Whatever deals you can get your hands on.
THE DETAILS: St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store
210 North Avenue 21
Los Angeles, CA 90031
+1.323.224.6280
www.svdpla.org
Story by Marisa Lynch.
ONCE YOU'VE FINISHED BUYING UP ST. VINCENT DE PAUL THRIFT STORE, WHY NOT TRY MADLEY...
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