
When I moved into my senior dorm at NYU, I was pleasantly surprised to see a clothing boutique on my block. Now I have walked past a lot of boutiques in New York, but I got super excited about this one because it was affordable. Beacon’s Closet is a consignment store with a focus on designer labels and unique vintage items. Yes their mascot is a hipster baby (or a hipster old man), yes there are a lot of quirky things in there, but they truly have something for everyone. The small, high-ceilinged room was absolutely packed with inventory, with sections for long dresses, clothing by color, shoes, jewelry, hats, glasses, scarves, belts, and handbags. Because there are so many things to choose from, if you put in the time you can find plenty of pieces that complement your personal style. For me, that means feminine and sophisticated. I spent five hours there on my last trip, and this is what I found:
1. Maje top 2. Tibi skirt



Forever 21 earrings

Vintage velvet purse; bracelet from Croatia, from my father
3. Ella Moss dress 4. Lazarus hat


Vera Bradley purse; poster from my mother; Forever 21 stackable rings

Style & Co. shoes
5. Elizabeth and James dress 6. L.K. Bennett penny loafers


Vintage lariat necklace

H&M earrings; Forever 21 bracelet; Forever 21 ring

Chanel handbag
7. Cynthia Rowley blouse 8. Kors Michael Kors shoes


Forever 21 skirt; custom poster by Sir Shadow, from the 2015 Harlem Fine Arts Show

Vintage clip-on earrings

Xhilaration bracelets; Harajuku Lovers ring; vintage purse
9. Yumi Kim top


Bebe reversible skirt; Jennifer Moore purse

Anna Belen headband; Xhilaration espadrilles; poster from the NYU Bookstore

Bracelet I have had since I was little, of unknown origin; Lady Gaga concert ring; Hello Kitty ring, found on the floor at Forever 21
10. Halston Heritage dress

Van Eli shoes; Charter Club handbag 
Narmi watch
11. Sportmax dress

Vintage purse with abalone shells and wooden handle

This dress is comfortable and convenient — it zips in the front and has spacious pockets!

Earrings from Iran, from a friend

Bracelets from my mother; Forever 21 ring; Sbicca espadrilles
12. Nonoo dress 13. Marc Jacobs flats


Purse from my great-aunt; clock from Indonesia, from a friend
My wardrobe has always been a mix of fast fashion, vintage, and gifts from family and friends, so I am very happy to have found Beacon’s Closet. They have four stores in NYC, and a website for everyone else! Happy shopping.