Thrift stores are the new flea markets. Maybe that's why I love West 17th Street so much. Perfect day: poke through Housing Works and the Angel Street Thrift Shop, pop into Pippin's used furniture store, peer into their vintage jewelry store next door, stop by the Chelsea Antique & Collectible Flea Market (if it's the weekend) and then wander on up to City Bakery. I'm thristy for their famous hot chocolate,* and I haven't even stopped by Fisch for the Hip or 17@17 yet.
Down this corridor, in a weird little structure built between the surrounding apartment houses, find Pippin Home.
Housing Works (143 W. 17th St.) is really the heart of the district. There are seven stores city-wide, and I always feel a sense of suppressed hysteria when I walk inside, because the great find that beckons me across the room usually has a "sold" tag already hanging on it. Hate that! Don't even think about asking about the window displays, because they are auctioned online.
The goods can be really, well, good. A friend once told me that she ordered custom arm chairs for a lot of money, didn't like them, and the same day that they were delivered she asked Housing Works to pick them up. I'm sure they made someone else very happy.
Across the street find Angel Street Thrift Shop (118 W. 17th St.), Pippin, and Pippin Home. The later two are owned by a couple; she minds a vintage costume and fine jewelry store (112 W. 17th Street), while he sells furniture. Pippin is winner of the Village Voice's Best of NYC 2006 for "best inexpensive jewelry that doesn't look cheap." Pippin Home's shabby-chic, fairly-priced furniture is from upstate and New England estates. When you're done there, walk east, cross 6th Avenue and head on down to 17@17 (17 W. 17th St.), yet another good thrift.
A block west from Housing Works, but worth the walk, is Fisch from the Hip (153 W. 18th St.). They sell used high-end designer clothes for both men and women: Prada, Jimmy Choo, Blahnik, Gucci ... that ilk. Everything is current styles, no more than five seasons old (or three or two, depending on which salesperson you talk to). The shoes are either unworn or have been worn only once. Things are expensive, but not as expensive as they would have been if they'd appeared first on your credit card. Love that!
*Now available in a guilt-free shot size.
Housing Works:
Angel Street Thrift Shop:
Pippin:
Pippin Home:
Fisch for the Hip:
Can't wait for my next trip to NYC! You had better be in walking shape!
Posted by: joan roberts | Tuesday, December 04, 2007 at 11:17 AM