It’s time to abandon your preconceived notions about thrift stores. Forget visions of acid-wash denim, “indian-inspired” howling wolf T-shirts and three-inch shoulder pads; the words thrift store no longer need be associated with these horrors. As our country’s love of all things used has grown (recyclables, food, clothes), so has the demand for high-quality used goods, hence the “resale fashion industry.” Let’s face it: enough Jimmy Choos are phased-out by Rittenhouse cougars each day to help every Ugg-clad fashionista roaming Temple’s campus. However, the trick is finding where Square Waldorf’s shoes went after they escaped the penthouse’s walk-in closet. We think we’ve found them, and they’re just a few blocks away from where they started.
 

Second Time Around
Philly’s newest boutique-style thrift store hails from Boston. After spreading throughout Massachusetts and New York, Second Time Around has made its Philly debut in the heart of Chestnut Street’s shopping. The shop’s designer duds start as low as $5, with a plethora of high-end finds from names like Burberry, Diane Von Furstenberg, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana and Sonia Rykiel. (We spotted a Burberry dog tote behind the counter, so act fast.) A “boutique buyouts” section offers brand-new merchandise, acquired for wholesale prices and sold for even less. Although all consigners are welcome, those with menswear are in even higher demand. If you’ve done your job well, your boyfriend’s closet may be your new best friend.

Buffalo Exchange
Second Time Around is to Lord & Taylor as Buffalo Exchange is to Urban Outfitters. $30 Nike Dunks are on shelves with chukka boots, sitting inches above French Connection T-shirts and J.Crew sweaters. Hipsters and anti-hipsters unite over Buffalo Exchange, a chain that humbly started in Tucson, Arizona. Its highly affordable, often in-season apparel comes straight from its customers. Social responsibility is in the store’s mission: in one month, the chain raised over $25,000 for Save the Whales during their Earth Day Dollar Sale, in addition to helping eliminate post-consumer textile waste. (Did you know that in 2007, 4.7% of the States’ municipal solid waste came from textiles?) Trust us, shopping resale is a greener practice than buying reusable shopping bags from six grocery stores.

Retrospect
Although Rittenhouse has two heavy-hitting resale boutiques, don’t disregard South Street’s thrifty finds. Retrospect’s selection of vintage goods is affordable and high-end. Think jeans, coats, furs, fabric jewelry, housewares and retro furniture, with occasional DJ sets on the weekends. The menswear side of the store has all the makings for a gentleman’s wardrobe, from vintage Dior sweatervests (at just $30) to shoes and sportcoats.