Sustainable Style in NYC
September… back to school, the start of fall… And in NYC, it’s when New York Fashion Week brings the city’s most stylish citizens out for catwalk shows. With style in the air this month, we’re sharing some of our favorite places to shop. Topping our list? Boutiques and brands that prioritize sustainable fashion, so you can both look good and do your part for the environment.
Shopping in NoMad
The Thrifty HoG | @thriftyhognyc
11 W 25th St. (bet. Fifth Ave & Sixth Ave)
Staying at Arlo NoMad? Head over to The Thrifty HoG. Proceeds of your vintage shopping at this upscale resale boutique help support homeless mothers and children, via job training and other services provided by local organization, Hearts of Gold. Browse a curated selection of chic, new, gently used, and vintage clothing and accessories for men and women, and know that you’re shopping sustainably and giving back to those in need in the local community. The shop also sells artwork, decor and small home furnishings, all of them donated.
Shopping in Midtown
City Opera | @cityoperathriftshop
513 W 26th St (near The Highline 26th St exit)
Exploring the west side of Manhattan is part of the fun of staying at Arlo Midtown. When you’re in need of some retail therapy, pop into City Opera, a local thrift shop supporting New York City Opera. For more than 40 years, City Opera has presented monthly events showcasing couture, design from around the world, and a range of seasonal collections. Check the website for the latest themed sales, and enjoy shopping sustainably while also supporting the local arts. You can also donate clothes via a free pick-up service or by visiting the store.
Shopping in SoHo
The RealReal | @therealreal
80 Wooster St (bet. Spring St & Broome St)
Savvy shoppers likely know TheRealReal as the leading luxury reseller online. But did you know that you can also shop and consign your items in person at the SoHo flagship store? Located not far from Arlo SoHo, this oasis of style offers more than just the opportunity to browse gently-worn luxe labels. Services include personal styling, specialized cleaning, repair and bespoke alterations. Sell in-store via an easy drop-off, get paid on the spot and enjoy a coffee from the CaféCafé. You can also meet with a luxury expert in person or via video for free valuations of your fine jewelry, watches and handbags.
Sustainable NYC Designers We 🖤
UNDONE by Kate
Kate March started her label, Undone, out of her boyfriend’s bedroom when she was unemployed during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. What began with two old Guns N’ Roses t-shirts sewn together into something new is now a collection of reconstructed vintage items. March personally designs and packages each garment, leaving them “undone” with exposed seams and other flaws for a grunge-inspired look. The goal, the designer says, is to help offset the significant pollution the fashion industry creates for our planet. Buying vintage, she explains, is a positive step towards a more sustainable future. Shop the latest Undone lineup online or visit the showroom at 122 W 26th St (Suite 704) at select times.
THE SERIES
This local brand is not only sustainable, but has a feel-good mission, too. The reworked denim and vintage-inspired pieces in the THE SERIES are seasonless, genderless, and for all beings. Ella Wiznia created THE SERIES when recovering from an eating disorder, and she aims to combat the unhealthy, unrealistic body images promoted by the mainstream fashion industry and limit fashion’s harmful effects on the environment. To that end, Ella is committed to solely wearing and working with pre-existing and found material. Each piece in THE SERIES is one a kind and handmade in New York. You can shop the latest offerings here.
