New York It girl reveals the ULTIMATE thrifting spots across the US (and one in Canada) – detailing exactly where YOU can unearth designer gems that could be worth a fortune
Want to start saving like a New York City It girl, wherever you live?
Brooklyn-based musician Anna Shoemaker, 29, has spent the past few months touring the United States and visiting thrift stores across the country, documenting some of her best finds on Instagram And TikTok.
The indie pop musician from Brooklyn serves up ’90s vibes on stage, whether she’s wearing a graphic midi skirt featuring an image of what appears to be Pamela Anderson or the classic Chanel covered in bows.
Anna has crossed the national opening for TikTok sensation Aidan Bissett.
Anna Shoemaker is touring the country opening for singer Aidan Bissett and has picked up a bunch of enviable thrift store finds along the way
The Brooklyn-based musician documents some of her best thrift store finds on social media for her fans
The musician barely had room for anything in her car after packing it full of clothes she found while traveling around the country
While on tour, the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-born singer/songwriter began buying up so many vintage items that her band jokingly complained there would be no more room in the van.
“They think I’m crazy,” Anna said of her band, describing packing the car as “life-sized Tetris.”
Now even they have gotten into the frugal spirit, picking up items along the way, with Anna calling it a “fun group activity” that leaves her “suitcase full to the brim.”
Anna’s mother got her into thrift and vintage shopping, as her mother owned an antique store on Long Island when she was growing up.
“It’s fun finding things that no one else has and mixing and matching pieces,” the musician said.
After collecting clothes from all over the US, Anna has clearly picked up a few tips and tricks for finding the best and unique gemstones available.
She’s also seen what each city has to offer and has a pretty good benchmark for what makes a solid thrift store.
Speaking to DailyMail.com, Anna shared her best thrifting advice and rounded up the best vintage shops in the US (and even a bonus shop in Canada).
Barkin’ Basement in Hailey, Idaho
Anna went to pick up her dad’s car in Idaho before the tour started, so that’s where her thrifting started.
There she pulled out a camouflage bag with pink details, including heart charms.
“When I’m on tour I’m constantly living out of a bag, this one is huge and perfect and somehow fits everything,” she said.
2nd Street USA in Dallas, Texas
“My band wanted to have a barbecue in Dallas and I found a thrift store called 8th Street around the corner where I found the most perfect white knit bow top from Chanel,” Anna raved about the mini chain.
The musician said she was “absolutely surprised at the price” after coming from New York, where items were much more expensive.
“I have found many luxury items in the past, it is always very nice to find such a gem,” said Anna, adding that she does not look at the tag first, but only after she likes an item, although she is always looking for cool vintage tags and logos.
Anna rocked the white Chanel shirt covered in bows at a performance in Tampa, paired with her favorite Levi’s, and plans to wear it again in Los Angeles.
“I don’t know how repeating outfits got such a bad rap, it’s important,” the singer joked.
“For me, it’s so important to have staples so that if you come across something great, you can easily style it.”
The indie musician showed off her white Chanel top with bows on Instagram
Anna saved much of her tour uniform, including the kitschy bag with yacht print and pink accents that accompanied her to every stop
Goodwill in Austin, Texas
Anna found vintage shops through Google or Apple Maps and didn’t go out of her way for any of them, instead focusing on places close to their hotels or shows because they were on such a tight schedule.
One place that suited her well was Goodwill in Austin, Texas, where she was surprised to find it so well stocked because she didn’t know what to expect.
The New York Fashion Week attendee found a pair of shorts and a rhinestone top from Tory Burch, which she raved about as a longtime fan of the brand, calling the logo “iconic.”
Anna and her best friend were obsessed with their Tory Burch flats growing up, so she was excited when she saw the designer’s offering was available at a lower price point.
“I’m obsessed with pairing Y2K workout shorts and big boots,” Anna said, adding that she often specifically looks for items from the ’90s or early aughts because they’re very trendy right now.
Goodwill in Atlanta, Georgia
“I can’t even fathom the fact that my angel band made me stop at an Atlanta Goodwill after driving almost 21 hours in three days,” Anna said.
The pit stop led to an incredible discovery, which Anna described as the “Y2K cheetah lingerie slip dress of my dreams,” which she picked up for just $4.99 and wore the exact same night.
Anna said the cheetah print dress had no label, but she found it in the lingerie department, where she often looks for nightgowns to wear as slip dresses.
If you’re looking for trendy silky dresses, this is the perfect place to browse.
Heaven is in Phoenix, Arizona
Anna described Phoenix as the most surprising and best vintage store she came across.
She and her band weren’t planning on going shopping, but on the way back from a radio interview she “randomly saw a sign that said vintage and it ended up being the cutest store” with prices that were “really good for how good it was’. .’
The funky fashionista found a graphic T-shirt for The Babys and joked, “I don’t know who The Babys are, but I feel like me and my band change so much when we have a long drive after a show.”
Anna shared photos of some of her favorite thrift stores as she traveled across the country, like this Goodwill in Buffalo, New York
Anna visited Toronto and found a long-sleeved black velvet mini dress (left) for just $35, which she wore to her Denver show (right)
The funky fashionista found a graphic T-shirt for The Babys. She is in the photo wearing that shirt
Goodwill in Buffalo, New York
Anna came with a memorably kitschy pink tote bag with two kitties posing, but ultimately didn’t buy it, which was one of the fashion regrets she had on tour.
“It haunts me that I didn’t understand this!” Anna admitted.
“I posted it on my Instagram Story as a joke, but then couldn’t stop thinking about it.”
Instead, Anna picked up a ’90s flannel for her boyfriend.
Although he is picky about his clothes, he had a funky zipper that set him apart from other items at the thrift store.
Anna likes to go to Goodwill to look through everything and thinks ‘it takes more creativity to put outfits together.”
One of Anna’s biggest regrets is leaving this crystal-encrusted kitten bag (right) in Buffalo – although she did take a sparkling Tory Burch top with her (left)
Mom Loves You Vintage in Toronto, Ontario
“There’s a really cool neighborhood in Toronto, right by The Velvet Underground (where we played a show), called Kensington Market,” said Anna, enthusing about the vintage and thrift stores there, including Mama Loves You, which she described as “ really put together with lots of real vintage pieces.’
Anna found a long-sleeved black velvet mini dress for just $35 and ended up wearing the winter version of a little black dress to a performance in Denver.
Whether you’re visiting a single city on vacation or taking a road trip across the United States (although you probably won’t be on tour), add a few thrifty destinations to your itinerary.
Be sure to look for ’90s inspired outfits, vintage tags and the nearest Goodwill.