Shop Thrifty: A Guide To Vintage Stores – Montclair

Have you ever been to a resale store and found out a great piece, only to try it on and discover it’s got way too much Polly and far too much Esther? Fortunately, thanks to a combination of savvy retailers, Montclair now has 14 (yes, you read correctly – 14) resale, consignment and vintage clothing stores, offering a great selection of better quality designer finds and one-of-a-kind items — all at thrifty prices. Even smart, fashion-savvy teens are turning their backs on expensive tee-shirts with a brand’s logo and instead opting for a individual vintage-inspired look. Here’s a guide to shopping vintage, thrift, resale and more in Montclair.

What did Bridgett Artise of Born Again Vintage do with the 1940s bathing suit given to her by swapXXchange owner Bethe Danon? She turned it in to an amazing dress (see below). Find something at One Savvy Design that is not quite your size? Take it down to Style Haven and have it tailored. Wondering what to do with your Great Aunt Suzy’s old bridesmaid dress collection? Swap-it, consign it, have it remade into something else.

Shop Thrifty GUIDE
W-Women’s items
M-Men’s items
K-Kid’s clothing
C-Takes items for consignment

Atelier:
4 South Fullerton Ave., Montclair
Unique items made by individual designers, sample sale pieces, hard to find couture with some consignment and vintage. Featuring one of my favorite up-and-coming designers — Sofistafunk. The store carries a wide range of interesting clothing and accessories starting at $20 to more expensive evening wear.
W/M/C

Blackbird Lane:
219 Glenridge Ave., Montclair
A vintage clothing staple, this Glenridge Ave. store offers everything from coats, funky dresses and accessories — very reasonably priced.
W/M

Born Again Vintage:
516 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair
Owner Bridgett Artise takes vintage pieces and transforms them into one-of-a-kind wearable super-chic garments. A vintage bathing suit becomes and evening dress or a 1950s dressing robe is born again as a jacket (see slide show). The store also carries sustainable designers. Born Again Vintage “The Store” is an extension of the brand. Artise just added a Montclair Vintage Tour to her FIT class in NYC starting in the spring.

Celebrity Recycle-Generation Green:
102 Walnut Street, Montclair
A consignment boutique that funds the mission of Generation Green. Providing children, teens and young adults with self-empowerment workshops. Fantastic shoes, dresses, coats, hats, jewelry and super creative displays make this shop a treat to browse. Click here for more information.
W/C

CatDog Thrift:
39 Glenridge Ave., Montclair
Mostly a thrift store that carries home furnishings and collectibles.  Expect handbags, accessories, as well as some winter coats, hats and scarfs.
W

Garnish:
Corner of Walnut and No.Fullerton Aves., Montclair
An eclectic boutique featuring vintage accessories and goodies for the home, including unique handbags, jewelry, some coats and dresses.  Score a vintage purse to wear for a fabulous look or use in the home as a conversation piece. See more photos and information.
W

Jerry’s Art and Antiques:
229 Glenridge Ave., Montclair
Famous for their $5 rack of vintage clothing on display in front of the store. Shop here for jewelry, accessories and fur coats, too.
W/C

Milk Money:
76 Church Street, Montclair
New or barely used kid clothing bargains. Smart parents love this store for its resale children’s clothing, gear and some furnishings.
K/C

One Savvy Design Consignment:
74 Church Street, Montclair
Stunning women’s designer resale clothing from sweaters to black tie affair dresses. Also, home furnishings and new accessories from local artists. Click  for photos and information.
W/C

Speakeasy Vintage:
465 Bloomfield Ave (2nd floor), Montclair
A must-see experience for any fashion lover, featuring higher-end unique vintage pieces including jewelry, sunglasses, coats, evening wear and children’s clothing.   More photos and information here.
W/M/K

St. Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care Center Thrift Shop:
52 North Fullerton Ave., Montclair
This not-for-profit women’s resale boutique has been a Montclair favorite for years. Fashions sold for a fraction of the original price.
W/C

Style Haven Boutique:
190A Bloomfield Ave., Montclair
A vintage, second hand and emerging designer boutique specializing in unique style and accessory options for the mind, body, and home and offering alterations, closet make overs, personal shopping and online shopping. If you have  a dress, coat, etc. that does not fit, Corin will alter it for you.
W/M (just bow-ties for men)

swapXXchange:
425 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair
A 2500+ square foot thrift-boutique which specializes in up-cycled designer clothing, shoes & accessories for both men & women. Fun, friendly and addictive.
W/M/C

Talie’s Attic:
571 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair
A thrift store for those who don’t mind the hunt. A bit dusty and cramped, but with patience you can find some great things.
W/K/C

Check out the slide show for more images. Stores shown in alphabetical order; each group of photos opening with front exterior of the store.

What do you need to pull out of your closets and have resold or remade?