Recently a huge thrift store opened up in my town.  The local National Wholesale Liquidators closed down (you know how big those are) and this took its place.  The store is called Unique, and it’s definitely the best thrift store I’ve ever visited.

Everything in Unique is arranged by gender, type, and size.  So all ladies pants in size small (which is a very loose range of sizes 0-6) are in one section.  All mens shirts size medium are in another.  Scarves are all over here.  Pocketbooks all over there.  There’s a whole aisle for china.  In the back you can find furniture, electronics and luggage.  There’s a section for books, music, and movies.  All jewelry is nicely laid out under a glass counter.  It’s thrift store heaven.

Before Unique hit town, hardly anyone I knew went to thrift stores.  If they did, they didn’t mention it.  When the store first opened up, I bought tons and tons and tons of vintage clothing at $4 or so a pop.  I acquired these beautiful blazers in maize and olive colors from the 1950s for $6 each.  They fit me so well that I had them dry cleaned and they are now prize possessions of my closet.  I just can’t bring myself to sell them.  I bought a rabbit fur Lord & Taylor dress with a rhinestone belt for $10.  I found a white wool suit with a fur collar for $8 altogether.  It was the best.

That was just a few months ago.  Now, Unique is always packed.  The prices have risen.  Vintage is harder to find there.  I’ve heard stories from first hand witnesses about women fighting over cutlery.  It’s out of control.

Since when did second hand become so popular?  I’ve never done anything popular.  It was really getting my goat.  ”Do I have to start shopping at Bloomingdale’s to avoid the crowds now?” I thought.

In my attempts to keep a positive outlook, I’ve decided to view the new popularity of the thrift store and second hand in general as an additional challenge, and thus feel doubly lucky by the wonderful finds I make there.  Just today I purchased a beautiful 1960s negligee and matching robe set in dusty pink, a retro wool and silk brown and orange scarf with geometric shapes, and a mother of pearl inlay brooch, among other treasures.

And, what am I worried about?  There’s enough vintage to go around.  Lord knows I own more vintage than I even get the chance to put into my shop.  So, why shouldn’t everyone else enjoy shopping at Unique too?  Sounds like LB has just had a case of the Mondays.

If you live on Long Island and enjoy shopping second hand, then you should check the store out.  It’s on the corner of Old Country Road and School Street in Westbury.  Even if you don’t like vintage, you might find a brand new Lucky leather handbag, or unworn designer shoes with the tags still on them, or grungy snow boots that are just perfect for walking to dog (all purchased at Unique.)  Also, on most holidays, all merchandise is 50% off.  Happy shopping!

To check out my latest finds, visit my online shop at www.LonesomeBrown.etsy.com.

P.S. Don’t be surprised if you find me in sweats and crocs with no makeup grumpily navigating my way through the crowds.  :)