Your Guide to Summer Thrift Shopping

We make no secret of the fact that we love thrift shopping, and the laid-back, bohemian styles that are dominating spring and summer trends make this the perfect season to snap up quirky, one-of-a-kind finds for less.

Whether you adore flea markets, can’t get enough of vintage shops, or always take advantage of the nearest Goodwill location, we’ll fill you in on the top thrifting destinations in the Metroplex.

Greenville Avenue Goodwill
This small location is our favorite among the numerous Goodwill and Salvation Army locations in Dallas. We’ve spotted a vintage Herve Leger maillot swimsuit on racks as well as dresses from Lela Rose.

What to Shop: Hidden designer gems and the men’s cashmere and wool sweater selection, most of which will look great on girls too.

The Details: 1606 Greenville Avenue; store hours are Mon. – Sat. 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sun. 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Lula B’s:
We love both locations of this Dallas standard, and we recently saw uber-cool leather pieces in their Riverfront store.

What to Shop: The clothing at both locations requires a bit of digging, but look for unique floral, lace, and leather pieces at both. If you stop by the Riverfront shop, make sure you also check out the awesome thrift and vintage furniture as well. If your trip takes you to the Main Street store, they have a killer collection of vintage cowboy boots as well as a booth that focuses on reworked thrifted frocks and ladylike handbags.

The Details: Lula B’s East, 2639 Main Street; store hours are Mon. – Sat. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sun. Noon to 7 p.m.; Lula B’s West, 1010 Riverfront Boulevard; store hours are Mon. – Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sun. Noon to 6 p.m.

Mexico Lindo Bazaar:
This rambling spot is always a trip and can produce as many laughs as it does good finds.

What to Shop: Textiles, furniture that’s ripe for refinishing, and a wide assortment of clothing that usually yields an interesting swimsuit cover-up or bohemian top.

The Details: 10724 Garland Road; store hours are Fri. – Mon. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Denton’s Downtown Mini Mall:
Recently expanded into two locations nearly next door to one another on the Denton town square, we like their selection of vintage trunks.

What to Shop: Don’t expect any major clothing finds, but you can occasionally locate a cool dress begging for an update. The reason to go to the Mini Mall is for the antique luggage pieces, vintage medicine bottles and other very current home décor, and the insanely cool army surplus items.

The Details: 118 North Locust Street; store hours are Mon. – Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Canton First Mondays:
This is the largest flea market in the region, and it’s open the first weekend of every month. If you haven’t been in a while, plan your trip before the temperatures get too high.

What to Shop: The handbag selection is always worth the dig; we’ve found bags by Carlos Falchi and Ralph Lauren there for under $30. The clothing can be hit or miss and is occasionally overpriced, but again, if you dig you can find gems like Burberry trench coats. There is also some great jewelry to be found but mind the prices.

The Details: Located on First Monday Lane in Canton, see website for specific directions; next trade days are June 2-5.

Style Station:
Near Waco, this vintage outpost is a short, fun road trip away. Featuring designs by the owner as well as thrifted pieces, it’s worth the trip.

What to Shop: The unique dresses are among our favorites, but we recommend you take your time and look at all they have to offer in store, as there are always unexpectedly cool pieces for your home and closet.

The Details: 17265 N Ih 35, West, TX 76640; store hours are seven days per week from 10 a.m to 7 p.m.

White Elephant:
Located near Lula B’s West, this is a great place to while away hours while checking out the cool furniture and collectibles.

What to Shop: The vintage records, home accessories, and gothic selection of collectibles.

The Details: 1026 North Riverfront Boulevard; store hours are Mon. – Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m and Sun. 1 – 5 p.m.

Dolly Python:
We always look forward to a trip to Dolly Python and their recent sprucing up has made the shopping even more fun. Recent items on racks include a stunning, 70’s Diane Von Furstenberg gown and cool sheer tops.

What to Shop: The clothing and cowboys boots are always worth a look and so is the random collection of home goods.

The Details: 1916 North Haskell Avenue; store hours are Tue-Sat. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sun. 1-5 p.m.

McKinney Third Monday Flea:
Perhaps the most fun thing about the McKinney flea is that you simply never know what you will find, and it’s always an adventure.

What to Shop: To find good items here, like retro denim or quirky vintage furniture, we suggest you check out as many booths as your time allows since vendors can be inconsistent.

The Details: 4550 West University Drive; next trade days June 17-19.

Buchanan Markets:
Held monthly at either Dallas’ Market Center or Fair Park, Buchanan just wrapped their annual “Garage Sale” at the Fair Park location. We love the diverse finds and air-conditioning during this market.

What to Shop: In a word, everything. We’ve spotted great clothing finds, covetable furniture, and cool jewels and vintage sunglasses.

The Details: Market Hall, 2200 Stemmons Freeway, next trade days May 21-22;  Fair Park, 1200 South 2nd St., next trade days June 17-18.

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