In the wise words of Mackelmore, “I’m gonna pop some tags, only got 20 dollars in my pocket.” Thrift stores are popular spots to snag unique pieces like vintage 2000s clothes while saving money and preventing perfectly good clothes from going to waste. For students looking to thrift an outfit for the summer or for a formal occasion, look no further: below is a review of some of the most popular thrift stores in Orange County.
- Crossroads Trading: 3877 Alton Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92606
This is the closest thrift store to Northwood (located in the Westpark Plaza), but also the smallest store. Their selection is smaller, with a sufficient variety of bags, shoes and all sorts of clothes.
This is a good store for those who do not want to be overwhelmed by a big store, like Goodwill, but it was not a stand-out.
- OC Goodwill Boutique: 502 E 1st St, Tustin, CA 92780
Since thrifting has become trendy and popular, the prices for clothes may range from as cheap as $5 to $25 (the same price as new clothes). However, this Goodwill location is the largest store I have visited. They have a wide selection of clothes, including a large selection of formal clothes with dresses and suit jackets (with a selection of ties in the back, too).
Since this is Goodwill, they also offer second-hand cooking supplies, games, stuffed animals, trinkets, decorations, vintage jewelry boxes and lots of shoes. Another benefit of this store is its relatively close proximity from Irvine. Students should head to this store if they are looking for a wide selection of second-hand clothing and household items.
- 2nd STREET: 2937 Bristol St d101, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
While a little far from Irvine, 2nd STREET is curated so that every item is on-trend and geared towards young customers. This is one of the only stores in Orange County where clothes are separated based on style, including Y2K, sport, street or grunge or based on brands, like Stüssy or Supreme.
They even have a separate “Designer” section that includes clothing from Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Vivienne Westwood and Issey Miyake, along with a large selection of stylish sneakers from Supreme and Nike. Although they are a second-hand store, the prices for designer shirts, pants or jackets can be as expensive as $200. They also have a cabinet of designer sunglasses and purses, including a $1,099 Balenciaga crossbody and a $1,599 Chanel handbag.
If you want to luck out every time you thrift, or want to purchase second-hand designer items, 2nd STREET is the location for you. Indeed, 2nd STREET is “where the heat is.”
