When my sister and I flew into JFK around a month or so ago, as soon as we stepped off the plane we realized we'd underestimated the oppressive humidity of New York at the height of summer. It didn't stop us from walking everywhere and exploring various nooks and crannies of Manhattan, but it did mean we made a lot more pit stops than we'd originally anticipated.
Thankfully, too, otherwise we might not have discovered this amazing thrift shop: Cure, on 111 East 12th Street.
My pictures do not do this lovely store justice. We easily spent two hours combing through their meticulously selected inventory, cooing over their vintage mugs and glasses, decorative brass plaques and antique inkwells, mid-century lamps, framed political propaganda posters, not to mention shoes, coats, blouses and sweaters, and dresses. It's set up on two stories, housewares and furniture on the top floor and clothing in the basement.
From what we could gather chatting with one of the lovely employees, all the clothing is hand-selected from donations to the store. While a little more expensive than, say, the Salvation Army a couple blocks away, all the clothing looked clean, in good wearable condition (I bought a shirt at said Salvation Army without unbuttoning it only to find some pretty impressive armpit stains when I got home; no such worries at Cure), and there is seriously something for everyone. I know how that sounds, but I mean it.
My only regret is that I won't be able to visit my sister in the fall, when I'm sure Cure's selection will overflow with all the kinds of clothing I love most: tailored wool coats and blazers, thick cozy scarves, winter boots. I guess I'll have to commission a shopping spree via my sister.
If you're ever in the area, I highly recommend a visit. You won't leave empty-handed.
Cure Thrift Shop
111 East 12th Street
New York, NY 10003
