Everyone warns of the summers in New York. Hot, muggy, and just plain miserable. Lucky for me I just missed the latest heat wave so my days in the big apple were hot but most definitely bearable.  I started my day hitting Soy Cafe on Greenwich Ave in the West Village (organic granola & soy yogurt; delish), then my adventure for vintage/refurbished clothing began!  I headed back to where I was staying in the financial district so a 20 minute walk and I reached Lafayette street and my first stop: Screaming Mimi’s.

As I approach, there are 2 chic ladies enjoying a bit of shade and holding bags with goodies from the store.  Once inside, my eyes begin to sparkle at the array of unique clothing in front of me. As soon as you walk in you’re greeted by an eclectic mix of shoes ranging from boots to 60s wedges to Madonna-esqe heels.

And if you’re in a rush, don’t worry. These gals have this shop set up for success; all the clothes are divided by decade so if you’ve got a disco party or woodstock revival bash your options are organized and organic.

I finished up my Mimi’s experience and decided to head back down Lafayette to another refurbished vintage shop: Zachary’s Smile.

ZS is much smaller than Screaming Mimi’s but since the shop focuses more on refurbishing than collecting vintage pieces, your options for a particular jacket, top or skirt are more likely to be found here, no matter what size you’re looking for.

The staff at ZS were extremely friendly and helpful (which is always amazing)!  I absolutely fell in love with these vintage red leather ankle booties and and some impeccably refurbished blazers.  Although a lot of the clothing has a slightly business casual look, don’t let this place go unnoticed. They have a great array of vintage boots, heels, scarves and a bright collection of vintage clothes ranging from hippie-like dresses to the latest trend in harem (balloon) pants.

And lucky for us West Coast gals, Zach and his smile just opened a shop in Silver Lake! So be sure to hit the East Side of LA  for some truly unique pieces to add to your collection.

Professional TV producer (and semi-pro shopper), Katie Vaughan, has traveled many, many miles and shopped her way across multiple countries in her young life.  And though her career is a demanding one, she always manages to find time to take several trips a year, snagging chic (and sometimes hilarious) thrift store finds all along the way.  By writing 2nd Hand Spotlight, Katie shares with us her favorite vintage shops, thrift stores, flea markets and hidden shopping spots… and maybe someday she’ll even explain what possessed her to get those metallic high tops!