I decided to make a quick stop in Cambridge on my way into the city. My friend had previously taken me to Garment District, which I loved, and I had also read about Boomerangs. Both were within walking distance of each other, so it made for the perfect shopping trip!
I parked by Boomerangs and stopped there first. I was really excited to check it out - Boomerangs is a small chain of thrift stores throughout the Boston area run by the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts, and proceeds from sales go directly to their efforts. In addition to purchases going to a great cause, reviews and write-ups I read online raved about Boomerangs, so I felt like it was a must-see.
The size of the store in Cambridge was pretty small, but very organized. There were sections for furniture, home knick-knacks, men's clothing/accessories and women's clothing/accessories. I was really impressed by the selection and quality of furniture. Everything was in great condition, and very reasonably priced. Some of the items were very unique. If I lived locally to Boston, I'd definitely look here for some good home thrift finds! Also, added bonus: Boomerangs has a monthly promotion calendar on their website. The weekend I was visiting was "Moving Weekend" so all furniture was 10% off, 30% off if you took it with you on the spot. Not bad at all!
However, aside from the furniture, Boomerangs was a bit of a bust for me. I'm not sure if my expectations weren't correct, or if it had just been cleared out that day. I wasn't searching for anything in particular, but nothing really jumped out at me. I came across many sweaters and shirts with holes in them, and a lot of the shoes looked dirty and dusty.
I purchased a huge $3 spool of yarn for a project I'm working on, and a small cross-body for $6, but overall I would say Boomerangs was a bit of a disappointment for me. If I lived locally I'd stop in now and then, especially for housewares, and would check out their other locations. I'd always like the opportunity to support a good cause! However as an out-of-towner I'm not sure I'd go out of my way to make a stop back.
My other Cambridge stop was at Garment District. My bestie had taken me there last time I was in town, and I had loved it! I was excited to stop in a second time to give you guys a proper scoop.
Garment District labels itself an "Alternative Department Store". It's decked out in fun colors and random props. The first floor is actually a costume store with anything you can imagine (not thrift, new items), and the second floor is the second-hand area. There is a women's section and a men's section, and then different racks broken down by category (even down to an entire section of acid wash, flannels, jerseys, etc.) They have A LOT of merchandise, and I think a pretty good, fun selection.
In addition to regular second hand, they also have a vintage section in the back of the 2nd floor. The section has a fun selection of 80's and 90's clothes - think ugly sweaters galore! They also had a small section of vintage dresses, shorts, and blouses. Most items seemed to be from the 60's and 70's, not too much prior to those eras. They also have a 'special vintage' section at the front of the store behind the cash wrap that you have to ask to see. I didn't notice those items until it was too late!
My find of the day, which I LOVE, was this cream sweater dress:
I felt like I had never seen anything like it, and for $24, it was a no-brainer! I can't wait to wear it with some festive pumps and a bright red lip this winter!
I definitely had more fun and more success at Garment District during my Cambridge 'thrift stop'. I was disappointed I didn't have time for the ultimate adventure there: By-The-Pound! Garment District has a room on the first floor where they just dump a bale of clothes, and you can fill a bag and pay by the pound! Would definitely like to take some time trying that another day. Even though I didn't have much luck there, you can never turn down an opportunity to shop for a cause, so I'd recommend giving Boomerangs a go as well if you're ever in the area.
Are you a Boston bargain hunter? If so, where else is on your must-shop list? I'll definitely be back, and would love any and all of your tips! :)
Until the next adventure,
xoxo, Bettie
However, aside from the furniture, Boomerangs was a bit of a bust for me. I'm not sure if my expectations weren't correct, or if it had just been cleared out that day. I wasn't searching for anything in particular, but nothing really jumped out at me. I came across many sweaters and shirts with holes in them, and a lot of the shoes looked dirty and dusty.
I purchased a huge $3 spool of yarn for a project I'm working on, and a small cross-body for $6, but overall I would say Boomerangs was a bit of a disappointment for me. If I lived locally I'd stop in now and then, especially for housewares, and would check out their other locations. I'd always like the opportunity to support a good cause! However as an out-of-towner I'm not sure I'd go out of my way to make a stop back.
My other Cambridge stop was at Garment District. My bestie had taken me there last time I was in town, and I had loved it! I was excited to stop in a second time to give you guys a proper scoop.
Garment District labels itself an "Alternative Department Store". It's decked out in fun colors and random props. The first floor is actually a costume store with anything you can imagine (not thrift, new items), and the second floor is the second-hand area. There is a women's section and a men's section, and then different racks broken down by category (even down to an entire section of acid wash, flannels, jerseys, etc.) They have A LOT of merchandise, and I think a pretty good, fun selection.
Pricing is fair, but not crazy cheap, thrift pricing. As an example I thought these heels were to die for; they were in great shape and $18.00. It's a good price, but not the lowest I've ever seen.
My find of the day, which I LOVE, was this cream sweater dress:
I felt like I had never seen anything like it, and for $24, it was a no-brainer! I can't wait to wear it with some festive pumps and a bright red lip this winter!
I definitely had more fun and more success at Garment District during my Cambridge 'thrift stop'. I was disappointed I didn't have time for the ultimate adventure there: By-The-Pound! Garment District has a room on the first floor where they just dump a bale of clothes, and you can fill a bag and pay by the pound! Would definitely like to take some time trying that another day. Even though I didn't have much luck there, you can never turn down an opportunity to shop for a cause, so I'd recommend giving Boomerangs a go as well if you're ever in the area.
Are you a Boston bargain hunter? If so, where else is on your must-shop list? I'll definitely be back, and would love any and all of your tips! :)
Until the next adventure,
xoxo, Bettie
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