Consignment Stores in the Upper East Side NYC

Today, Kat and I explored vintage and consignment stores on the Upper East Side of New York City. Our first stop was Encore (1132 Madison Ave., New York, NY, www.encoreresale.com). This store was on a few levels and had an abundance of designer and couture shoes and clothes. The staff had an attitude and weren’t very friendly, but did allow me to film their store. While some items were expensive (over $500) others were very reasonable and under $100. I bought a beautiful blue and black beaded party dress that was new and originally sold for $259 for a mere $30.

Our next stop was Council Thrift Shop (246 East 84^th Street, New York, NY). This store was quite a contrast from Encore, as it included furniture, books, glasses, dishes and vintage jewelry in addition to used clothes. The cost of most shoes were ½ off from their original price. Clothes were fairly high ($35+) and were in not prisitine condition. I have seen similar things at the Goodwill for a fraction of the cost, but this is the Upper East Side, so it is somewhat understandable. I did find a beautiful vintage bracelet with a million clear and black rhinestones and an elaborate silver design for only $25. And I haven't taken it off since I left the store this morning.

A few blocks away was the Arthritis Foundation Thrift Shop (430 Third Ave., near 81^stSt., New York, NY). This store was advertised as the choice destination for designer hand-me-downs. Once again, prices were high for the quality of the shoes and clothes. The highlights included a white Calvin Klein dress for $45 and a two-piece Lilly Pulitzer floral print short set for $65. The rest was rather mediocre and we decided to move on after only a little while.

The last store we visited today was actually the best. Michael’s The Consignment Shop for Women (1041 Madison Ave. @ 79^th St., New York, NY, www.michaelsconsignment.com) is a designer clothes lover’s dream, as it has everything under the sun. There were several rows of Manolo Blahniks. I don’t think I have ever seen so many in one place. The store is on two levels and on the top floor are clothes and shoes on sale. In the sale area, most shoes were as low as $45 and nothing was more that $200. Considering that none of their clothes are more than 2 years old, that is a good deal. The best news about this store is the staff are very friendly. They were very open to having me photograph their beautiful clothes and made their store completely available to me. It might have helped that their son lives in San Francisco and I am from the Bay area. If any of you visit New York, I would suggest that Michael’s should be on your itinerary. You won’t be disappointed.