Great Secondhand Retail in Seattle
Go over on your budget this month? Or in the mood for something unique that you won’t find in department stores? Or do you just love secondhand treasures like I do? Seattle has plenty of luxury stores, but it also has some of the greatest secondhand retailers and consignment stores you’ll find outside of Manhattan. These are some of the best, in terms of selection and price, as well as a few helpful hints when you’re shopping at them. Speaking as someone who has bought everything from her dining room set to her prom dress secondhand, I have scouted out the best.
Found it! (6820 Roosevelt Way, Seattle, WA, 98115; (206) 517-5047.) Prepare yourself to spend an hour here. This place is so cool, and the massive selection of antique items make it a vintage collector’s heaven. There are great furniture pieces, unique lamps, old maps, plenty of glassware, and even some interesting clothing pieces. Also check out the costume jewelry selection up front. For antiques, most of the items are pretty reasonable.
The Last White Elephant (982 NE 65th St #A, Seattle, WA, 98115; (206)525-0170.) This could quite possibly be the most economical place to shop. You would have a pretty hard time finding much that is priced over $5. They have a decent selection of vintage clothes, lots of quality jeans, and plenty of skirts and pants from major retail names like Banana Republic. This is also a great place for used books, records, and household appliances. Bring in your pocket money; leave with a bagful. And help a very worthy cause, as proceeds go towards the support of animals.
Crystal Vintage- Located in lower Capitol Hill, and not the Red Light! Thank god! Come here for about the widest selection of vintage clothes in the city, especially if you are in the market for a funky new dress. I also bought a pink satin bedspread here with embroidered red roses that fills my heart with joy every time I look at it�
Value Village (Crown Hill: 8700 15th Ave. NW, Seattle, WA 98117; (206)783-4648.) Because this is the penultimate Second hand Store. Every Value Village I’ve been to is huge, and has just about everything. The key is to not get overwhelmed: if you don’t like to dig through a load of crap for some of the best deals you’ll ever find, this might not be your place. However, it is a devoted treasure hunter’s dream. The second hand shoe collection cannot be beat, and every now and then, you’ll find a designer piece priced for about five bucks (I found a $2,000 Gucci jacket for $7.) It is a great place for house wares, and a great place for a knowledgeable antiquarian to stumble upon a lucky find. Try this one in Crown Hill, as I believe it to be the best, both in terms of selection and organization (avoid the Capitol Hill location, as it is always pretty picked through.)
