Only got $20 in your pocket? There are many great places to spend that money on high-quality used clothing in Ithaca. Whether you are in need of cheap clothing or you just want something non-mainstream, Ithaca is the place to shop. Although all of the Ithaca thrift stores deserve a visit, the best place to buy women’s clothing, in my opinion, is the Mary Durham Boutique on West Court Street.
The other thrift stores are much more well-known. There’s Salvation Army, of course. “Salvo’s” is good for closet basics, especially t-shirts, due to the low price and high volume of clothes. A t-shirt there might cost $3-5. Thrifty Shopper also has cheap basics, but there is a smaller selection. Of course, you may also find more interesting, high-quality items at these stores, but it might take a while. Salvation Army is infamous for its “rainbow” organization system; clothes are sorted by color, not size.
In the mid-range we have Trader-K’s and Plato’s Closet. Trader-K’s is notable for its convenient downtown location and large selection of shoes. Plato’s Closet is the most “mainstream” of the stores, with matching hangers and an extensive advertising campaign geared toward teens and what’s “on trend.” It’s easy to dump off clothes at Salvo’s or Thrifty Shopper, but not so much at Plato’s or Trader K’s. They may pay for the clothes you give them, but they are picky, especially Plato’s. Many a clothes item has been rejected for not being a “current style.”
At the more expensive end of the spectrum, there is Petrune. In addition to a selection of new clothes, Petrune sells vintage items that usually cost more than $100. If you are looking for something to highlight your wardrobe and really stand out, Petrune is the place to go. Local antique stores are also a good place to look for vintage clothing, such as Found on Cherry Street, or The Vintage Industry, a small shop right next to the State Theatre on the Commons. All of my favorite dresses come from antique stores.
I thought I had seen all the thrifting Ithaca has to offer, but then I found the Mary Durham Boutique. The Boutique is located in a white house with green trim, which may confuse the average passerby. However, step inside and you will discover a high-quality selection that falls into the mid-price range. The Boutique is geared towards professional women, so I was unsure if I would find much worthy for the halls of IHS. However, I have found that the collections of pants and shirts there offer much more than any other thrift store in Ithaca.
I am always on the lookout for unique pants—something other than black leggings or skinny jeans. At the Boutique, I found a pair of jeans that had subtle but elegant pearls sewn along the seams. My new favorite jeans add a touch of sophistication to any outfit. I also found a pair of red pants that are the perfect shade to add color without drowning out the rest of the outfit. The shirts I have found there are above average, with a variety of colors, cuts, and textures. In general, the Boutique is clean and doesn’t smell like a thrift store. The best part about shopping at the Boutique is that it is run by the Women’s Opportunity Center and is a non-profit.
Next time you stop by Trader K’s and Petrune, walk the couple extra blocks and check out the Mary Durham Boutique too. You won’t regret it. Go forth and thrift, my friends!