Fast fashion is unsustainable, both environmentally and ethically. So, writer Mia Nilo developed two criteria for seeking out CapNY thrift shops:
1. Finding local shops that directly benefit the community
2. Choosing shops that catered to her budget
#1: Style Encore
My top pick, Style Encore, is a locally owned and operated franchise. They’re affiliated with other second hand shops in the area, including Plato’s Closet, which caters more to brand name clothes for teens and young adults, and Once Upon a Child, which carries kids clothing.
With the boutique-ification of thrifting, some stratifications of access have emerged to appeal to different markets. When you begin to think about your fashion philosophy, be honest with yourself. Consider your impact. If you’re buying second hand and used clothes not because you need to, but because you want new looks and would like to cut costs and move away from fast fashion, Style Encore fits the bill.
Style Encore, 22 Clifton Park Rd. #78, Located in Clifton Park Center)
M-S 10:00AM-8:00pm, Sun 11:00AM-5:00PM
518-630-5730
#2 For Pete’s Sake
For Pete’s Sake is operated by St. Peter’s Hospital, which is right across the street. It actually used to be in its basement like an underground Macy’s, with everything from prom dresses to home goods. Shortly after moving to Albany from California for grad school, I was looking for things to set up my new home. My roommate was from Georgia and didn’t even have a good coat for the impending wet and windy autumn. We washed up at For Pete’s Sake like lost souls in need of supplies and boy did it deliver.
For Pete’s Sake, 583 New Scotland Ave, Albany 12208
M 11:00AM-3:00PM, W-F 10:00AM-3:00PM, S 10:00AM-2:00PM
518-525-1107
#3 A Second Chance Thrift Shop
This thrift shop is a fundraising venue for The American Italian Heritage. Museum & Cultural Center in Albany. They have a deep collection of clothing of all kinds, including a boutique room with higher end items. In the back room, they have endless jeans, all for $4 each. As one person who wrote a review said, “You have to see it to believe it.”
A Second Chance Thrift Shop, 1229 Central Ave., Albany 12005
T 10am-2pm, S 10am-2pm
More on Thrifting & Fashion
- READ more about how the fashion industry is moving towards more sustainable options
- LISTEN to a report on how the industry is evolving post pandemic.
- SHOW OFF your most treasured thrift shop finds and freshest looks with #CapNY.
Written by: Mia Nilo
Mia Nilo is an overeducated, self-identified hustler hell bent on undermining the status quo through overly opinionated think pieces and reviews written from the perspective of a queer, woman of color Millennial. Attended Oxford about as long as Gatsby did and has settled for an Upstate New York life despite her Southern California heart. When not writing, hiking, or wine tasting, you can find her at book club or a local protest. Read more of her work on www.miagnilo.com/blog. You can also find her cooking or latest scrabble game on her Insta @mia_bitesoflife and see what’s currently making her laugh the hardest on her Twitter @bitesize_rant.