Top Five Thrift Store Finds

By Lisa Haviland

Mrs. Lou Reed
Sunglasses from Buffalo Exchange, Brooklyn, NY; 2007

The Commack Flea Market was a teenage thrift-store-junkie’s dream: rows upon rows of inexpensive mini-stores—more like clothing bodegas than actual stores—in a multi-level arena five minutes from my parents’ house. It was in the confines of this Long Island mall-reprieve maze that I learned to dig through the chintz and hone in on second-hand gold.

Here are some of the thangs I’ve discovered over the years.

1) Beaded Purple Necklace

Somewhere in New Orleans, LA; 2004

2) Black Dress with Red Trim

Funky Monkey, New Orleans, LA; 2005

3) Sculpture

Jefferson Parish Flea Market, Jefferson, LA; 2004
Boho art blinds me. I almost bought a wicker
crocodile that day, but managed to restrain myself.

4) Burgundy Purse

Funky Monkey, New Orleans, LA; 2006
A thrift store find I can use on a daily basis? Whoa.

5) Rabbit Fur

Thrift City, New Orleans, LA; 2003
I never planned on buying a fur coat, particularly one
made out of innocent little bunnies, but there it was
amid the rags, gems, and garage-sale rejects—for 16 bucks.

Like Commack Flea Market, Thrift City is no longer with us, but for me, their dual legacy lives on.

Bonus Item: Best Street Find

Queens, NY; 2007