The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in New York

by Viasarango20 | Nov 5, 2024 | Fashion

Why Thrift in New York City

This guide to thrifting in New York City includes tips such as where to shop, useful tips, and what to look for. Besides being one of the world’s fashion capital, NYC is also a haven for thrifters and vintage lovers.

Whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or new to second-hand shopping, NYC has something for every taste and budget. It offers an eclectic mix of styles, ranging from high-fashion to retro classics. Another benefit of thrifting is that it reduces your carbon footprint and helps reduce waste.

Best Neighborhoods to Thrift in NYC

From experience, these are the best neighborhoods where I’ve found the best deals and brand-name pieces for a really good price. I’m sure there are plenty more, and if you have one, please don’t hesitate to comment below!

East Village: Known for quirky boutiques and vintage treasures, East Village is a must-visit for any thrifter.
Williamsburg, Brooklyn: Trendy and packed with curated thrift stores and vintage shops, Williamsburg is great for finding rare pieces.
SoHo: With a mix of high-end consignment stores and local thrift shops, SoHo offers fashion-forward options.
Lower East Side: This area features affordable thrift stores with a great mix of styles.

Top Thrift Stores in New York City

Thrifting in NYC is more than just shopping; it’s a treasure hunt through decades of style and culture. Whether you’re searching for vintage treasures, affordable fashion, or sustainable gems, the thrift scene here in New York has it all.

L Train Vintage (Multiple Locations): Known for budget-friendly finds and unique styles, this store is a favorite among NYC thrifters, myself included.
Beacon’s Closet (Williamsburg, Manhattan): Popular for its large selection and high-quality pieces, Beacon’s Closet is ideal for curated vintage.
Housing Works Thrift Shops (Multiple Locations): This is a non-profit whose proceeds benefit charity. You will find everything from designer finds to home goods.
Crossroads Trading: A resell store where you can buy high-quality and designer pieces at a fraction of the price.
Dresses for Less: Not particularly a thrift store, but you can find a wide selection of brand name cocktail, evening, prom, and casual dresses ranging from $15-$20. They also sell coats, jackets, shoes, and purses. Be sure to arrive early as they re-stock everyday. (9226 Merrick Blvd, Jamaica)

I'm wearing an outfit I found on Crossroads Trading. The pictures on the right show the outfit details. The top right is a black mock-neck top from Forever 21. The bottom right is a leopard midi skirt I found for $12 from Zara.

Nuggets of Wisdom: Tips For Successful Thrifting

There’s an array of wonderful things in the world of thrifting, but like with most things, early bird gets the worm. If possible, try to go early in the day to get first access to new arrivals since they tend to restock regularly.

Keep an open mind. Thrift stores don’t always carry the latest trends. Don’t be afraid to try DIY to add your unique personal touch, as I show above.

If you’re lucky, you may be able to find some pieces that have never been worn, but this is mostly never the case. Remember to inspect for quality. Some thrifts may require minor repairs, but remember you can score great designer pieces in overall good condition.

Becoming A Fashion Designer: A Day In The Life

by Viasarango20 | Oct 8, 2024 | Fashion

Becoming A Fashion Designer: A day in the life

A photograph of myself surrounded by female models during one of my fashion shows in 2014

From Dreams

To Reality

Becoming a fashion designer was the one thing I was always certain of. As a child, I’d sketch outfits and spend hours imagining different ways to put together looks.

It wasn’t until later in life, after trying other paths, that I allowed myself to embrace fashion. The turning point came when I decided to follow my passion and pursue formal training in fashion design. I enrolled in FIT while working as a legal assistant and attending John Jay College. I was rejected the first time, but I refined my portfolio and was successful the second time.

The journey was fun but challenging. The most valuable lesson was learning to stay true to my design aesthetic while adapting to the fast-paced industry.

Eventually, I launched my collection Sarango NY in 2014 during NYFW as a 21st birthday present to myself, and that’s when things came full circle.

Steps to Becoming a Fashion Designer

1. Enrich Your Passion for Fashion – Get Inspired

Explore fashion history, trends, and your personal style. Watch runway shows on Vogue, swipe through Pinterest, follow fashion magazines, and observe street style to understand the vast world of fashion.

2. Develop & Polish Your Skills

Designers need both creativity and technical skills. Take courses in fashion design, whether through formal education or online platforms. Learn to sketch designs, understand fabrics, and work with sewing techniques. Software skills, like Adobe Illustrator and CAD (computer-aided design), are also essential for creating digital designs.

3. Build a Portfolio

This is how you showcase your talent. Start creating your designs and experimenting with different styles. Include sketches, finished garments, and mood boards to show your creative process and vision.

4. Gain Practical Experience

Hands-on experience is invaluable. Look for internships or assistant roles with established designers or fashion houses. This will give you insight into the fashion industry’s inner workings, from fabric sourcing to runway shows, and help you build industry connections.

5. Start Your Brand or Work for a Fashion House

Once you’ve honed your skills and gained experience, decide whether to launch your fashion brand or work for an established fashion house. Both paths offer unique rewards and challenges. If you’re starting your label, build a business plan, market your designs, and focus on developing a brand that resonates with your target audience.

A picture of my mom, myself and my sister during my Fashion show in 2014

A Day In The Life

Morning:

My mornings start with an Iced latte as I settle down and scroll through various e-mails. I reply to the vendors we work with and review fabric samples. I review yesterday’s work to see what we need to catch up with today.

Mid-Morning:

I sit down with my sketchbook and start my creative process. As I scroll through trends, fashion magazines, and Pinterest, I begin to sketch the next collection. I create a color-card and mood board in Illustrator.

Early Afternoon:

I enjoy lunch with my son. Once I’m done, I edit a few photos using Adobe Photoshop / Lightroom, and then I’ll go to our website and add new products.

Late Afternoon:

Today, we received a few sample pieces and performed a quality inspection. Next, we do fittings while jotting down notes and taking pictures to send back to the factory. This is actually my favorite part of the day, as I love to see the designs come to life!

Evenings:

I review the sketches/designs we’re set on and make tech packs on Illustrator to send to the manufacturer. I also gather all the notes from our fitting and make a uniform file to send back to them asap.

While I unwind from today’s work, I make tomorrow’s to-do list. I check our social media and work on creating marketing campaigns for that week.

Actress Dascha Polanco wearing a handmade lace dress from my spring collection. She's on the cover of Latina Magazine.

Actress Dascha Polanco Wearing Sarango NY top

Sarango NY Editorial

Keep Learning & Evolving

Following these steps can help you navigate the journey toward becoming a fashion designer, whether you aim to work for a top brand or launch your label.

Above all, surround yourself with people who share your values, career goals, and a supportive network. Be sure to stay true to yourself, put in the work, and let the creativity flow.

If you have any other questions or comments, let’s connect below or send me a quick e-mail!