When I first committed myself to shopping only thrift for my first year in Detroit, it was mostly driven by the fact that I had to live on a budget. I’d never really done it before, besides the occasional random wander into Buffalo Exchange on Melrose Ave. when I lived in LA. But within my first month here, I introduced to a few local shops that just absolutely blew my mind in terms of quality, style, selection, and most importantly, price. And so I was hooked.

But as I continued down this path over the course of the year, I started to reflect on how much more this experience meant in the context of Detroit. In the same way that thrifting allowed me to appreciate the trends of the past and not let them go to waste or be forgotten, I realized that’s what I cherish about Detroit: driving around the city and stumbling on a beautiful building, hoping that someone will feel the same about and restore it to its once-thriving state; finding a gem of a restaurant in a neighborhood that some only dare to drive through, at high speeds, and with their doors locked; stopping to say hello to a neighbor during a walk through your neighborhood, only to spend the next 30 minutes talking with them about everything under the sun!

It only takes a little effort to find the countless experiences that make up this city magical. And I’ve been able to dig up a number of  incredible finds of my own! Here are a few of them, and my favorite spots I frequent, to get you started:

The Boodle Factory – This has to be one of my favorite ways to thrift in Detroit. Find what you like on Toria’s instagram account, send her a message, and if you live in the city, get it delivered to your front door! I’ve only been able to pick up these suitcases from her so far, but that’s only because she has such a following, that everything flies off the “shelf” instantly!

Funky Junk and Juju – I first met Ebonee at a pop up at the The Collective in Indian Village – the selection was incredibly well curated and more than reasonably priced. As she continues to do pop-ups across the city, she also has an online shop you have to check out!

Fort St. Salvation Army – Having lived just a few miles from this place, it’s definitely my go to. I can’t tell you the number of vintage dresses I’ve picked up here, all under $7!!

8 Mi. Salvation Army – This is quite possibly the cutest Salvation Army store ever. Located on the Detroit side of 8 Mile, just west of Mound Road, it’s worth checking out even just for the photo op.

10 Mi. Salvation Army – As if the deals at Salvation Army weren’t good enough, they have daily tag sales that cut their already dangerously low prices even further!

Thrift on the Ave. – Right in the heart of the Cass Corridor, this shop is full of swagger!

Value World – Though not in the city proper, this one holds a special place in my heart! I found this gorgeous dress, which I wore as a bridesmaid’s dress to my friend’s wedding, for only $10.80. You just can’t beat a deal like that!