Finding ‘New to You’ Outfits

Rows and rows of secondhand finds are at ACTS Thrift Store in Pomona. Daily deals are located based on colored tags. Customers can find items such as clothing, home goods, books and much more. / photo by Hailey Martinez

by Yulissa Chavez
photography by Hailey Martinez

The hunt is on, and I’ll know it when I see it. It is my favorite form of retail therapy. I’m shopping at thrift stores. I know my search will be dependent on luck and patience, and that there is no such thing as coincidence when you come across a piece that calls to you.

I’m not alone. Buying vintage clothing second-hand has quickly become popular among the fashion community elite. Not only does thrifting help add new garments into your closet, but it contributes to the conservation of the planet. Right now, 85% of textiles end up in landfills as waste. Thrifting is a simple way to decrease this high statistic by reducing the demand of new clothing being manufactured. If that all doesn’t convince you to give second-hand a chance, you can support thrift stores that are non-profit and support local charities with the bucks you spend on a new wardrobe. Here are thrift stores that surround La Verne that you should visit:

Deelux

If your ideal thrift trip does not include hours of searching for an item that matches with today’s trends, then Deelux thrift store is the secondhand shop of your dreams. Deelux aims to provide items that are in-style, designer and vintage, so you don’t have to compromise on your fashion sense. Deelux is definitely on the more expensive side (for thrifting), but definitely worth it if you have your eye on a specific style, and don’t mind spending a bit more to get trendier pieces.

Hip, stylish and vintage clothing can be found at Deelux, located in the Claremont Village. Patrons can shop and also sell their own vintage and modern clothing for a profit. / photo by Hailey Martinez

From the moment I walked in, I spotted pieces that I wanted to buy. Plus, their mushroom themed wall instantly caught my eye with its shelves filled with mushroom mugs, plant holders, socks, candles and notebooks. Many gag gifts that would be great for gifts or room decor could be found here for $15 such as celebrity candles with themed artists like Rihanna and Edgar Allen Poe. Unlike many other thrift stores, Deelux has many items that are brand new with tags, such as its sock wall with rows and rows of brand new socks. The best find of the day (which I unfortunately did not buy, but constantly think about), was a pair of platform croc-look-like shoes priced at $35. They were nearly identical to the Balenciaga and Croc collaboration (which retails for upwards of $500).

This location does not sustain itself from donations, but instead provides the opportunity for people to sell their unwanted clothing and accessories with two options. You can simply make an appointment and arrive with the clothes that you no longer want. Drop them off to get on the spot payment for garments that stick to the Deelux clothing pattern of the season. Another option is dropping off your clothing at any time, and you can expect to receive payment in cash or store credit within two days.

Deelux: 224 N Yale Ave, Claremont. Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., everyday.

Acts Thrift Store

Acts Thrift Store is a great location to visit if you plan to spend a few bucks on pre-loved clothing and furniture. Bring more time than money here because the clothing is a bit jumbled and not sorted out accurately. Nevertheless, you can leave buyers’ remorse at the door because Acts Thrift Store has very affordable clothing, accessories and furniture pieces.

I made the mistake, or great decision, of going to Acts Thrift Store on the first of the month. This meant that the whole store was 50% off from opening until 1 p.m. My friend, Chrystal Olazabal, senior biology major at the University of La Verne, and I arrived promptly at noon, leaving us one hour to catch the sale. Chrystal was able to find a long purple maxi skirt, perfect to pair with boots in the fall, and I found a shirt with purple, green and orange cats that I planned to upcycle into a skirt for my cat-loving sister. The line reached the back of the store, and we waited about 20 minutes to check out, but we made it just in time to still receive our 50% discount.

Moreover, you’re going to leave feeling good for another reason because 100 percent of this store’s net proceeds go to local charities including Door of Hope, Obria Medical Clinics, Hoving Home and more. You can donate nearly everything, including vehicles and cell phones. Acts Thrift Store is like a huge recycling mission in itself, where one’s unwanted goods can become another’s greatest treasure.

Acts Thrift Store: 232 E Foothill Blvd, Pomona. Open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays.

Eco Thrift

You can score amazing deals at this location with its progressive markdowns that range from 25%, 50% and 75% off ticket price, which was already low. As implied by the name, Eco Thrift is conscious of its involvement toward the betterment of the environment. A vast majority of items that are not sold, despite their extreme discount, are recycled. This contributes to a decrease in the amount of items that end up in the landfills and protects the environment.

Eco Thrift store is one of the most advanced thrift stores that I have visited, with its impressive self-checkout system. The store is so large, it is split into two sections. When you walk in, the first section beckons to you with clothes, books, accessories and shoes. I was surprised to come across a vintage green medium-sized Juicy Couture handbag for $14.96 that looked like it could have been pulled straight out of a Bratz movie. The second store section has collectibles that are behind a glass counter. Included are Ray Ban glasses, lots of jewelry, watches and vintage decor. My favorite item found in this secluded area was a pair of earrings with trolls inside a jack-o-lantern for $2.99. This section also has houseware items such as vases, electronics and accessories, including keyboards and iPad cases, and sewing machines for as low as $29.92. Out of all the great items I came across, I went home with a black and white plaid dress with black lacing at the bottom. The tag on it was blue, indicating that it was 75% off, so from $9, this item rang out to be $2.25. As a college student currently at an internship that requires professional attire, thrift finds like these are my biggest accomplishment.

Eco Thrift: 1190 S. Garey Ave., Pomona. Open, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Saturday.

A Lot of Good

A Lot of Good features an array of home goods that align with the holiday seasons, beautiful jewelry and racks of clothing. I visited this store with my friend Genalynn Padilla, sophomore business major at the University of La Verne. We were both shocked to find near the entrance a rack of beautiful formal dresses for super low prices. Genalynn picked out a long purple dress with sequins priced at $12, a steal, perfect for any special occasion.

After almost instantly finding the first find of the day, we still had three parts of the store to venture. One section of the store was filled with housewares, including a pastel pink, floral tea cup set, photo frames of all different sizes and vases of all shapes and colors. The middle section had all the clothing for women, including the rack with formal dresses, purses and shoes. In the corner, there is a glass counter with vintage items, such as red leather boots and designer purses. There is a staircase leading to an upper level where electronics and men’s wear reside. Finally, the last section of the store to explore is a children’s section with rows and rows of clothing and toys.

Overall, this location was great, and despite its large size, the organization of it made looking through all the items an enjoyable experience. Genalynn and I strategize our visit to A Lot of Good by going on a Wednesday, the day of the week where the clerks apply a student, teacher and veteran 10% discount.

A Lot of Good: 1980 W. Foothill Blvd, Upland. Open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.