Within a four-block radius, from seventh to eleventh street, there is a plethora of second-hand shops in the East Village– vintage, consignment, thrift, reborn, reused, recycled,  you name it, you’ll find it! Last Sunday after a fun-filled day in Central Park, I decided to visit some of my favorites. This list doesn’t include all of the shops in the village or the best, just the ones I’ve discovered and enjoy visiting from time to time.

1. Buffalo Exchange- (11th st bet 1st and 2nd aves) Probably the most popular one of the group, this store caters to the young, fashionable crowd. It is a consignment store that hand-selects clothing carefully, based on season and trends. Buying is definitely more fun than selling there. You can find everything from a fun H&M skirt priced at $8 or a nice Marc Jacobs blazer price at $90. This place is great for finding trendy, inexpensive gems, or classic pieces. I’ve bought a few dresses there under the $25 mark that I get constant compliments on. Some of the employees are nice, while others can seem a bit snooty. I don’t care for the attitude as long as I find good stuff!
   
2. Eleven Consignment Boutique- (11th st at 1st ave) Need a Herve Leger dress or barely used Christian Louboutin heels? Go there! I do most of my mouth-watering window shopping here. Sometimes when I feel daring, I go in. Everything is almost new, if not fully. A coral Herve Leger dress graced the window going at $500. The salespeople are always welcoming and helpful. The only things within my price range in the store are the wonderful, costume jewelry, statement pieces. I will return one of these days, Eleven, dontcha worry.
   
   
3. No Relation Vintage- (1st ave bet 12th and 13th streets)An easy place to find cut-off Levi’s shorts, flannel shirts, and fun purses. This store also has a great collection of ugly vintage dresses. If you’re having a costume party, go there! I love ugly vintage dresses just like I love beautiful ones! Maybe the idea of them just being “vintage” is what’s appealing to me. There’s not much customer service there, but they’re not snooty either. You just don’t realize someone is working there until you’re ready to pay.
   
4. Rena Reborn- (7th st bet 1st ave and ave a) One of the warmest places to shop in the East Village. I’ve been there twice, and each time I was greeted nicely, and found great stuff within my budget to purchase. The owners are both television workers, and the store is their side project. They travel all around to find vintage and cool stuff to sell. There is also a rack they update monthly filled with local designer goodies. It also doesn’t hurt that the store is on the same street as Luke’s Lobster and Porchetta– two of my favorite sandwich places in New York City! Go there if you’re in the area.
   
5. Village Style- Very similar to No Relation Vintage. Just better selections of dresses. It’s also right next to Rena Reborn!
   
   Stay tuned for more thrift store posts! I know so many more. Do you have any favorites you care to share?