Thrifting in Atlanta? Try OTP.

shesabetty — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 04:39:00 GMT

Athens transplant and veteran thrifter Liebemarlene Vintage has this to say about thrifting in Atlanta:

"the very best thrift stores I've found here are in the suburbs. Lots around Atlanta, mainly the huge Value Villages and America's Thrift stores that take forever to go through, but have good prices and usually a gem or two hidden among the racks..." (link)

Good to know! Check out the full post for more insights & some photos.

H&M and Zara Come to Atlanta

shesabetty — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 02:39:00 GMT

Image from Zara's Fall/Winter 2007 campaign.

Explaining Ralph Lauren's decision to open a flagship in Atlanta, an RL exec said that "Atlanta is now a mix of everything from the most conservative banker to the trendiest people in the music industry" (link), and fashion-forward retailers have begun to flock here accordingly.

Exhibit A of this trend is the joint arrival of Zara and H&M, two of the high street's brightest stars. Zara just opened at Lenox Mall, and H&M will open at Atlantic Station in March 2008 (click here and here for sample merchandise and prices), in time for their Marimekko collaboration. Both stores emphasize runway-inspired designs, although H&M skews younger, with lower prices and quality than Zara. All we need now is a Muji.

Below, images from H&M's Spring 2008 collection.

Thrift Saturdays: West Egg & the Junior League's Nearly New Shop

shesabetty — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 02:34:00 GMT

Stephen Gill's Hackney Flowers, 2006. Found on a paper placemat at West Egg.

One of the best ways to pass a Saturday is brunch followed by some thrifting. My personal favorite place to thrift/brunch (thrunch?) is Howell Mill area, because the parking isn't god-awful and some of Atlanta's favorite budget restaurants, like Taqueria del Sol, Figo Pasta, & Pangaea, are nearby. You can eat well at any of them for less than $10; Star Provisions costs a bit more, but it's the only place in town that sells lavender pound cake and finocchiona.

West Egg interior.

My personal brunch preference, however, is West Egg Cafe. Admittedly, I usually go there on weekdays, and weekends tend to be crowded and loud. Still, it's worth the rush: West Egg is cool without pretension, with laid back staff, low lighting, local artwork, and sagging couches. Even better, the prices are reasonable, the wi-fi is free, and a bottomless cup of coffee costs $1.75.

Spicy black bean cakes, eggs, and rosemary potatoes.

As for food, I get the same thing every time: black bean cakes with scrambled eggs and potatoes ($6.95), and a butterscotch oatmeal cookie (as big as your face, for $1.75). I've also heard good things about the omelets, cupcakes, and oatmeal--again, nothing fancy, just tasty, reliable grub served in a comfortable atmosphere.

Vegetable omelet, $7.25.

After eating, I head over to the Nearly New Shop for clothes shopping (if you're more interested in antiques and housewares, try 14th Street Antiques (review/link coming soon) instead). Just turn left out of West Egg onto Howell Mill and go straight. After you cross White, the Nearly New Shop will be on your right, in the same strip mall as Kroger.

Filler shot until I can get some interior/product shots.

Inside, the Nearly New Shop is a clean if typical thrift shop--stuffed to the gills with product, not particularly well-lit, and filled with a slight, persistent musty odor. The staff is minimal, but pleasant.

Good for: Clothing and shoes (men's, women's, and children's)--I'd say this is one of the best places in Atlanta for thrift clothing. Sample prices include purple Ferragamos for $8.00, and a striped Ralph Lauren oxford shirt for $7.00. Housewares tends to be more miss than hit, but occasionally you'll find something.

Not for: I didn't see magazines, CDs, or records. The book selection is extensive but consists mainly of so-so hardcovers and cheesy mass paperbacks, for relatively high thrift prices ($1.75 for mass paperbacks, $2.00 to $4.00 for the rest).

Other notes: Love the easy parking, hate the communal dressing rooms.

West Egg Cafe
1168-A Howell Mill Road
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 872-3973
M-F 7:00am-4:00pm; S-S 8:00am-4:00pm

Junior League of Atlanta's Nearly New Shop
1715 Howell Mill Road
Atlanta, Georgia 30318
(404) 355-3547
M-F 10:00am-9:00pm; Sat 10:00am-7:00pm; Sun 12:00pm-6:00pm