Sometimes, a girl just needs to shop. And sometimes a girl only has a few shekels to spare (at least that has been this girl’s experience.) For me, nothing is more satisfying than finding a treasure at a bargain price. And to-be-found treasures abound in Greater Palm Springs. Take it from the groaning rod in my closet. (That is lowercase “rod” and not a euphemism, people; eyes up here.)
There are some very tony enclaves in our little valley, and those fashionistas will donate items that have often only been worn once, and sometimes not at all. They write it off and you get to score. The old win/win.
Add to that, repurposing is the new green. Instead of purchasing so-so made items from foreign countries, buy well-made, time-told, one-of-a-kind items that no one else will have (you’re an original!). This is good for the planet, and we’ve only got one of those.
First up are the thrift stores, the real bargaineers out there. With the exception of Revivals, most of them are not label checkers, so if you do some digging, you can often find some fashion items on the cheap.
Second, and aptly, we have the second-hand stores that know what they’ve got. And they’ve got some pretty cool stuff. Almost all of them are an eclectic mix of everything, but some (like Iconic Atomic) are mostly retro fashions.
And finally, vinyl. Because you just bought an old-timey turntable and you need some 33s. At least that’s what I did. Just a cheap suitcase turntable, but it sure does take me back to the angst of my youth. Ah…memories. Better to listen to them on vinyl, and evoke good memories than wait for bedtime when all those bad decisions you made in your 20s flood your dreams. Just me?
Revivals. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs
Thrift stores:
Revivals
For the past 13 years, Wil Stiles has donated its unsold seasonal stock to Revivals Thrift Store. They’re savvy and know what they’ve got, but it’s still a bargain — I once got a Kate Spade coat here for $75. Sales benefit DAP Health, which was originally for those living with AIDS. It’s a terrific institution that also sees IEHP patients. Great cause, great doctors, great services, great items including some new furniture.
The $75 Kate Spade jacket. Photo by Kay Kudukis
Palm Springs
611 S Palm Canyon Dr
Cathedral City
68-401 CA-111
Palm Desert
72-885 CA-111
Goodwill
I have found some great clothes here. I generally don’t purchase used shoes because feet, but just recently I found some Bass loafers with chunky heels for $8.99 in pristine condition. People don’t expect much from Goodwill, but they’re missing out.
Cathedral City
67-555 E Palm Canyon Dr
Rancho Mirage
72014 CA-111
Angel View
I have found fashion labels here for under $10 with tags. Angel View’s mission is helping children and adults with disabilities reach their maximum potential. And the stores are HUGE.
Palm Springs
462 N Indian Canyon Dr
Cathedral City
67625 CA-111
Desert Hot Springs
64669 Dillon Rd
66389 Pierson Blvd
12840 Cactus Dr
Rancho Mirage
72747 Dinah Shore Drive
Palm Desert UCR
37023 Cook St
Palm Desert
72705 CA-111 (in Palms to Pines West Shopping Center)
Bermuda Dunes
77898 Country Club Dr, Ste. 91
Sun City
78395 Varner Rd
La Quinta
79400 CA-111
77975 Calle Tampico
Vintage resale:
You’re going to pay a lot more here, but they’ve done the digging for you, and the items are pristine.
Gypsyland
2675 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs
Iconic Atomic
1103 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs
Little Shop of Treasures — I want to live here. Seriously cool store.
616 E Sunny Dunes Rd, Palm Springs
Sunny Dunes Antique Mall — has everything from everywhere. Many stores combined into one.
507 E Sunny Dunes Rd. Palm Springs
Pre-Loved — a collection of currently pre-loved labels for the fashionably conscious
668 N Palm Canyon, Palm Springs
Vinyl:
Don’t forget to check at all of the above stores as well — I bought two albums at Gypsyland.
