Fast fashion has come under the microscope in recent years for its environmental practices — the water consumption, carbon emissions from transportation and production and landfill waste when much of it goes unbought. And yet, clothes are required in these parts, and your style can be a way to tap into your adult playfulness.
Thrift and consignment shops across the East End offer a way to lower your closet’s carbon footprint by giving a quality, second-hand item a new life. And you’ll find a multitude of wearable gems — including luxury wear — at a significantly lower price than you would if you bought it brand-new (with better quality to boot — and in boots!). Consider it the rare good kind of sticker shock. Plus, some North Fork second-hand shops donate portions of their proceeds to local causes.These thrift and consignment truly have gifts that keep on giving.
The Times Vintage, 429 Main St., Greenport, 631-477-6455
Found in the one-time Suffolk Times newspaper office, The Times Vintage knows that there’s something special about yesterday’s news. Its inventory of gently used, made-to-be-loved-again finds includes men’s and women’s vintage clothing eras from the ‘90s and earlier. In these parts, the ‘60s and ‘70s are ready to come back stronger than ‘90s trends, though new inventory arrives each day and it’s always a pleasant surprise. Designer luxury pieces found in recent years include Dior, Ralph Lauren, Halston, Courregès and more of fashion’s most coveted names.
Eastern Long Island Hospital (ELIH) Opportunity Shop, 321 Main St., Greenport, 631-477-1120
Affectionately known as the “Op Shop,” customers have come for bargain prices on gently used clothes and housewares since it opened in 1963. It moved to Greenport’s Main Street in the 1970s, and it certainly doesn’t suffer from a lack of foot traffic these days. Sparkling sweaters for winter holidays and poppy sundresses for summer socials are often found. Browse the racks and shelves, and you’re sure to spot capsule wardrobe basics like plain long-sleeved tees and white blouses that are a cinch to dress up or down.
Good News Thrift Shop, 12605 Main Road, Mattituck, 631-298-4145
Found in the basement of Mattituck Presbyterian Church, Good News Thrift Shop is an underground trove of gently used clothing. If you’re not in the market for new duds but recently spring cleaned, you can donate clothes without rips, stains or wrinkles during store hours, which are Thursdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Clothing must be seasonal, and proceeds go toward the church.
North Fork Parish Outreach Thrift Shop, 56025 Main Rd, Southold, 631-477-6607
Staffed entirely by volunteers, this shop stocks and accepts donations for seasonal clothing that is in good condition. Proceeds support North Fork Parish Outreach’s mission. Peruse shelves Mondays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
