Mail Bag: Cincinnati Thrift Stores

Dear Kasmira

I’ve noticed more and more of your wardrobe is thrifted. What thrift stores do you shop?

Dozens of Readers

St. Vincent de Paul
I frequent three St. Vincent de Paul locations – one of which is only a short bike-ride from my house! I love the low prices, great hours, and vast selection of dead old people clothes.

Clothing is priced by type. Check the tag for a colored spear and reference the daily special placard to determine if a garment is an additional 50% or 25% off. Jewelry is kept under glass, which makes browsing a pain, but also increases the chances of finding something others have overlooked.

Colerain - 6900 Colerain Avenue, 45239
I’ve found more than my share of gems in this small location. It sometimes smells bad and the dressing room doubles as the restroom, so maybe less intrepid shoppers skip this store.



G.J. Forbes striped skirt, charm necklace, Nine & Co sheer blouse, floral dress, Giorgio Fiorlani gingham dress, Express houndstooth skirt, Peyton Place wool plaid skirt, 80’s ruffle skirted dress, Colini purse with tassels, Merona olive shirt, JMC beaded silk dress, woven oxfords.
Western Hills – 5555 Glenway Avenue, 45238
I still mourn the Cost Plus World Market that used to occupy this space, but I’m consoled by this enormous thrift store. Here, you’ll find restrooms and dressing rooms! (I’m, perhaps, too easy to please.)


Focus 2000 denim blazer, red and black beaded necklace, animal-print belt, Eddie Bauer shirtdress, INC floral skirt, Express lace vest
Evendale – 9864 Reading Road, 45241
This location is small, but just around the corner from the large Valley Thrift. Even if I’m pooped from fighting the Valley Thrift crowds, I try to stop here before I drive away. This store has dressing rooms, but no restroom.


Two metal belts
Goodwill
I find Goodwill to be a little overpriced (unless you visit on a 1/2 off clothing day), but I still browse and purchase a few things.

Cheviot – 3980 North Bend Road, 45211
Honestly, Reva is probably the expert on this store! I usually include it on my longer thrifting trips and rarely leave empty-handed. This store has dressing rooms, but no restroom.


Herman Geist floral velvet skirt and American Eagle gingham shirt, McGregor knit vest, Jones New York striped shirt
Oakley – 3080 Markbreit Ave, 45209
This location has Target new stock. It isn’t within my usual thrifting radius, but I sometimes visit with my eastside friends. I don’t recall whether this store has dressing rooms or a restroom.


Forever 21 shirt dress (that I later dyed dark blue).
Goodwill.com
This on-line auction site features merchandise from Goodwill stores all over the country. I could lose hours browsing here. If you are looking for something specific, check goodwill.com before frustrating yourself with multiple store visits. I picked up a lot of faux pearl necklaces for $19.59.


Valley Thrift
I’ve only visited one Valley Thrift location, but I believe they are all very large. I hear that parking is a common problem. Be aware that this place is jammed on holidays, when merchandise is half off. It is a “must visit” on my thrifting trips. The merchandise is well organized by type and (often) color.

Evendale – 10050 Reading Road
Unless you are visiting during a non-peak time, don’t count on parking in the parking lot. It fills up quickly and I’ve heard the occasional collision announced on the loud-speaker. Personally, I park on Winnebago Trail (housing development) off of Cooper Road, and walk down the hill to the store. The store's vast selection makes up for any parking woes, though. The dressing room limit is 3 items, and it’s enforced. (Goose tells me this store does have a restroom.)



Jones New York plaid skirt, Side x Side polka-dot skirt, cream vintage dress, Chaus Sport denim pencil skirt with ruffled rear, Jams World dress, Talbot’s khaki pencil skirt, Express embroidered sheer tee, Caprice exotic skin bag, seahorse belt, red snakeskin belt
4th Street Boutique, 135 West Fourth Street, 45202
This second-hand boutique is priced a bit higher than a traditional thrift store, but it has the advantage of a downtown location. It is easily reached during a lunch time walk for those that work in the city. Prices in the bargain basement are closer to those of a typical thrift store. The store has dressing rooms, but no restrooms. Much of the jewelry is on top of the counter – the better to fondle!


Banana Republic dress, red scarf, Talbot’s red skirt, turquoise snakeskin belt
Now that I’ve shared my secret locations* and favorite treasures, let’s hear yours! Where do you thrift in your hometown?

*Leave some stuff for me, okay?