Searching for that perfectly tacky dress for a sorority theme party or a comfy jacket to keep you warm during those long, lonely nights at Earl Gregg Swem Library? Looking to liven up your gloomy dorm room or sparse off-campus apartment? For many of us poor college students, price is the determining factor which limits our purchasing options. Luckily for those on this campus who don’t want to sacrifice style while on a shoe-string budget, Williamsburg offers a variety of consignment, or thrift, stores with clothes, shoes, accessories and home furnishings on sale for a fraction of their original prices. Check out some of the local options that are just a walk, trolley ride or short drive away.
Twice as Nice — Located at 3705-A Strawberry Plains Road (next to Backfin Restaurant), Twice as Nice is an upscale fashion boutique that carries fashionable, slightly used clothing for women in sizes 0 to 18. It also carries a variety of accessories and shoes. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.twiceasniceconsignmentboutique.com. 757-565-1423.
Wardrobe, Inc. — Wardrobe, Inc. is an upscale resale consignment store located a little farther from campus in the Kingsmill Village Shops at 1915 Pocahontas Trail. This store also specializes in women’s designer clothing, accessories, purses and shoes from brands like Brighton, Chico’s, Ellen Tracy and St. John’s, as well as vintage clothing. The store also offers a selection of jewelry — from fine jewelry to costume jewelry. Open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 757-220-0778.
Children’s Hospital of King’s Daughters Thrift Shop — The Children’s Hospital of King’s Daughters thrift store — CHKD to the cool kids — is the perfect stop if you’re looking for “nearly antique” coffee urns, quasi-religious hotplates and blouses even your grandmother would pass up. With two locations, including one in the Monticello Shopping Center, the CHKD is a quick way to drop a few bucks for a good cause (all profits go to the Children’s Hospital of King’s Daughters). Shop here for ugly Christmas sweaters, strange jewelry and crazy kitchen doo-dads. Open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (757-476-KIDS) 456 Merrimac Trail and (757-220-KIDS) 222C Monticello Avenue.
DAV Thrift Stores — The trek out to the Disabled American Veterans Thrift Store at 440 Merrimac Trail (across the street from the Farm Fresh) is a bit of a hassle, but the huge inventory is sure to please. It offers a somewhat stingy men’s section, despite a women’s section spanning several long rows (and decades). Be prepared for a tricep work-out as you flip through Aeropostale belly shirts, maternity scrubs and itchy cardigans, but always stay alert — that perfect work-out tank could be just around the corner. Profits benefit local chapters of the Disabled American Veterans and other local charities. Shop here for sunglasses, shoes, 70s workout bikes, 18lb. fur coats and Backstreet Boys CDs. Open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. 757-220-0839. www.davthrift.org.
Goodwill — Although a tad more expensive (dresses go for $6.99) than the CHKD, the clothing selection at Goodwill, located at 1260 Richmond Road, in the Williamsburg Shopping Center is much better. With an ever-rotating inventory, and donations coming from your fellow students, you’re bound to find relatively high-quality and stylish items. Shop here for cheap clothes, room decorations, wicker baskets and outdated furniture from the Units. Open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 757-941-3140. www.goodwillrichmond.org.
Velvet Shoestring — Looking for something different for your abode? The Velvet Shoestring has a variety of used home furnishings for those who want to decorate their homes elegantly but lack the funds to do so from a retail store. The Velvet Shoestring is located at 311 Second Street. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Closed on Monday. 757-220-9494. www.thevelvetshoestring.biz.
Classic Consignments — Classic Consignments is located at the Village Shops at Kingsmill and features upscale furniture and accessories. Available items also include art work and lamps. One thing that distinguishes Classic Consignments from some of the other consignment stores is that it attempts to be eco-friendly by using recycled and other green products in its business. Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 757-220-1790. www.classicconsignments.com.
Alladin Rug Bazaar and Consignment — As the name suggests, Alladin sells a variety of rugs, but it also has an eclectic mix of consignment furniture and decorative items. The store has something for everyone — whether you want fun, formal or casual. Due to the quick turnover of merchandise, the store is constantly replenishing its offerings. Alladin is located at 7131 Merrimac Trail. Open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 757-206-1665. www.alladinconsignment.com.
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