Bargain Shopping
in Fort Lauderdale,
Broward, & South
Palm Beach Counties
________________
100+ Consignment & Thrift Shops
Women’s, Children’s & Men’s Clothes, Jewelry,
Accessories, Vintage, Affordable Antiques,
Home Decor, Furniture, & More
by
Paulette Cooper Noble
The Happy Shopper
POLOPUBLISHING OF PALM BEACH
Copyright 2011 Paulette Cooper Noble and Paul Noble
Smashwords Edition
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Published by:
POLOPUBLISHING OF PALM BEACH
Post Office Box 621
Palm Beach, FL 33480
FACEBOOK: Bargain Shopping in Fort Lauderdale & Palm Beach
©2001 by Paulette Cooper Noble and Paul Noble. All rights reserved.
No part of this work covered by the copyrights herein may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means – graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, taping, or information storage or retrieval systems – without written permission of the author.
ISBN: 978-0-615-55471-6
Photographs by Paulette Cooper Noble
Polo photo by Lenny Hirschfield
Back cover photo by Thomas Tracy
Cover design by Mandy McLaughlin and Christine Delano
Graphic design by Chrstine Delano and Marcia Karasoff
Information about how to get to shops, nearby restaurants, etc., were based on author’s visits, input from shop owners, Google® and MapQuest®.
E-mail shopinpalmbeach@aol.com to reach the author.
Published by:
POLOPUBLISHING OF PALM BEACH
Post Office Box 621 | Palm Beach, FL 33480
Table of Contents
Greater Fort Lauderdale Plus Oakland Park & Wilton Manors
North & Northwest of Fort Lauderdale
South & West Of Fort Lauderdale
PART II:
SOUTH PALM BEACH COUNTY
Interview With Paulette... The Happy Shopper
This book is dedicated to my father, TED COOPER, who lived to almost 100 without ever being inside a consignment, thrift or vintage shop… Thanks especially to to LISA PETERFREUND for her hard work, ideas, and support, which made this book possible… And most of all, to my wonderful husband, PAUL NOBLE, for patiently waiting while I worked 16 hours a day to write this book, and for (rightly) believing that I was out working when I was out shopping.
1) In today’s economy, stores are going out of business. Happily, though, new ones are sprouting up. Please call the shops in this book before you go to make certain nothing has changed, including the hours listed here. And double-check the Facebook page (Bargain Shopping in Fort Lauderdale & Palm Beach).
2) This is a book for shoppers, not consigners. No recommendations are made about consigning anything at any place in this book. The author has heard too many complaints from people who have consigned clothes, antiques, furniture, etc. She therefore takes absolutely no responsibility for what happens if anyone does consign something anyplace.
3) If you come upon any errors or changes from what you read here, or you wish to make suggestions, please feel free to e-mail me at shopinPalmBeach@aol.com .
4) Additional copies of BARGAIN SHOPPING IN FORT LAUDERDALE, BROWARD, & SOUTH PALM BEACH COUNTIES and BARGAIN SHOPPING IN PALM BEACH COUNTY (137 pages with much more information on all shops from Boca to Tequesta) can be purchased at www.shoppinginpalmbeach.com
5) For updates, plus new shops, and changes for places already in this book, visit my Facebook page: Bargain Shopping in Fort Lauderdale & Palm Beach.
Paulette Cooper Noble
The Happy Shopper
Some shoppers get pleasure when they spend money; others when they save it. If you belong to that second group, this book is for you.
Even before Cheap Chic became fashionable, many of you – sometimes secretly – had already discovered the joy of bagging a designer purse at a consignment shop, of encountering a treasure in a thrift shop, of rediscovering a favorite gown at a vintage shop, or of finding a barely-used piece of furniture in a consignment store that fit perfectly into that lonely corner of your home. If this is you, this is a book for you.
Some bargain hunters like high-end consignments, others rock-bottom thrifts. Some seek Salvation Army, others salvation in Armani.
There’s something for everyone in this book. There are expensive women’s and men’s consignment shops, and there are thrift shops where you can bag a bargain for a buck.
This book is divided into four geographical regions. The first section is Fort Lauderdale and the nearby areas. The rest of Broward is divided into two chapters: north/northwest of Fort Lauderdale and south/ southwest of Fort Lauderdale. The final section is South Palm Beach, with chapters on Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Palm Beach, plus a few other locations.
Almost every store was personally checked out by me at least once. I know what you’re thinking. “Wow – she calls going to stores work?” But it was hard work. And now I’m glad to be finished with it, and I can do something for fun – like shopping.
In fact, in some ways this book is like shopping: serendipitous. There is no index of stores in the back. I want people to skim through the sections, and discover places they didn’t know existed – and get in their cars and go to them. That’s what makes shopping – and hopefully reading this book – fun.
And just remember The Happy Shopper’s motto: You don’t have to spend a hundred to look like a million.
Paulette Cooper Noble
The Happy Shopper
BROWARD COUNTY
(Including Fort Lauderdale Plus
Oakland Park and Wilton Manors)
GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE & NEARBY • LAS OLAS
GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE & NEARBY • LAS OLAS
________________
A FABULOUS SHOP IN A WONDERFUL NEIGHBORHOOD
(see fashion page)
1309 East Las Olas Blvd. | Fort Lauderdale
(Las Olas) 33301 | (954) 759-9144
OPEN: Tues. Wed. Thurs. Sun. 11–6; Fri. Sat. 11-9
CREDIT CARDS: All
Does the Happy Shopper like this place? Oh, definitely. First of all, it’s in the don’t-miss-it neighborhood of Las Olas. This trendy district is filled with outstanding restaurants and (alas) expensive boutiques, but it’s a must-see even if you don’t buy anything from the retail shops.
So that’s why it’s especially great to find some place lovely and affordable – with a large parking lot in the back, since parking can often be difficult in Las Olas. (Bring quarters.)
The prices don’t have to be as good as they are at Bohemian Style, since high prices are acceptable in this neighborhood. But, that said, there’s plenty that’s affordable and pleasingly priced here, mixed in amidst the higher priced merchandise.
It’s a friendly consignment shop. And if you’re the conservative tailored beige type, don’t let the name “Bohemian” keep you from going in. The name may make you think that all they carry is mod clothes for the younger set--and yes, they do have some funky clothes and accessories as you would expect in this neighborhood. But they also have traditional and conservative fare here as well.
The clothes and accessories are spaced out nicely throughout the beautiful areas so it’s a pleasure to go through everything. They like to be different, so their layout is also unique: everything is color or theme coordinated.
For example, the last of the three rooms, which once held only black and white clothes and accessories, now features faux leopard and exotic skins, like snake and alligator. (Or it’s supposed to be all that, since a few other interesting items somehow snuck in there.)
Another plus is that it’s usually open seven days a week, and later than most consignment shops, so you don’t have to worry that it will be closed when you get there.
While you’re on this street, stop by for lunch at Rocco’s Tacos, just east of the shop, or the new M Bar to the west, featuring global tapas. Be sure to also pop into HIBISCUS PLACE, which is almost across the street.
If you wander around the rest of the shops in this neighborhood, you’ll have a terrific day. But start here before you blow your budget, because you’ll get a lot more for your dollar at a top consignment shop like this.
SALE INFORMATION: There are sale sections throughout the store, and sometimes special showcase tables.
SPECIAL SALES: There are occasional sidewalk sales, and a Chanel Trunk Show once a year, when they may have as many as 40-50 Chanel handbags at great prices.
SIZE: 2,000 sq. ft,
HOW TO FIND IT: I-95, exit 27 onto W. Broward Blvd. (842). Go east. Turn right on US1 S. Slight right toward E. Las Olas Blvd. Turn left onto E. Las Olas. Store is on left after SE 13th St.
RESTAURANTS NEARBY: The Floridian at 1410 E. Las Olas Blvd., (famous for its tuna fish sandwiches), the M Bar at 1301 Las Olas Blvd., a wine bar.
RESALE SHOPS NEARBY: Hibiscus Place (See p. 20) is across the street.
What’s The Difference?
What’s the difference between consignment, vintage and thrift shops? Consignment shops generally have better (and more expensive) merchandise because people give it to them to sell and receive a percentage of what it’s sold for.
Thrift shops usually have better bargains because they don’t have to pay for their merchandise. (A “quality thrift” is more selective about what they sell; a “budget thrift” has rock bottom prices and isn’t that picky.)
Vintage shops sell older merchandise, almost always in better condition and more stylish than those in thrifts.
Then there are rummage sales, whose merchandise is usually quite cheap, garage sales, which are often outdoors, and estate sales which have better… oh what the heck. If it has the word “sale” go to it.
“I like my money right where I can see it – hanging in my closet.”
– From the television show Sex and the City
GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE & NEARBY • OAKLAND PARK
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A BEAUTIFUL MOTHER-DAUGHTER TEAM WITH EXQUISITE TASTE
MAKE THIS UPSCALE CONSIGNMENT SPECIAL
Visit Facebook: Couture Upscale Consign
2939 N. Federal Highway | Fort Lauderdale (Oakland Park) 33306 | (954) 565-4348
OPEN: Mon.-Sat. 11-6 | CREDIT CARDS: All
They look almost like sisters, but they’re a mother and daughter who together have made this two-room designer and couture upscale boutique quite unique. In their own words, they carry “today’s hottest styles from top labels at a fraction of the retail price…. Women’s fashions, formal attire, casual wear, designer handbags, shoes and accessories.”
As soon as you enter, you’ll see their serious couture and high designer labels, such as Hermes, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Pucci, Roberto Cavalli and more.
But if it’s lower-end that you want, with two adjoining rooms, there’s plenty to go through. You’ll find four “up to 70% off” racks in the second room (which generally contains the less expensive, clothes, shoes and handbags), and a $10 designer jeans rack as well.
There, and elsewhere, you’ll come up with some beautiful clothes in perfect condition at good prices. For example, you may find a Cache blouse ($60-$80 regularly) for $19. On the other hand, you may spot a Christian Dior Hobo bag with tags for $595 that retails for $1390. Whatever you want, you’ll find lots here to want.
SALE INFORMATION: Discount color tag sign is by the dressing room. Every month, color tags are reduced 15, 25 & 35% respectively.
SIZE: 2,000 sq. ft.
SPECIAL SALES: In October, they have a special “Breast Cancer Awareness” function. They also have seasonal sales throughout the year – which they advertise to those who subscribe to their mailing list, and also those who become Facebook fans.
HOW TO FIND IT: Take I-95, exit Oakland Park Blvd., and go east to Federal Hwy. Turn right (south) to approximately 1 block south of Oakland Park Blvd., on Federal Hwy. The store itself is painted green, but it’s still easy to miss if you don’t drive slowly, because it comes up around a slight curve on your right going south on Federal from Oakland Blvd.
RESTAURANTS NEARBY: Kitchenetta (Italian) at 2850 N. Federal Hwy., Mai-Kai at 3599 N. Federal Hwy.
RESALE SHOPS NEARBY: Mynt, Worth Repeating.
Who Shops In Resale Stores
A rich Palm Beach lady who goes regularly to thrift and consignment shops revealed why she does so. “When I was little, I wanted to grow up to become a prospector looking for gold. When I reached my 20’s and food was so glamorous, I wanted to move to France, buy a pig farm and hunt for truffles. And now that I’m older, I’m still searching… but for treasures in thrift and consignment shops.”
A Strange Thrift Store Bargain
You find strange bargains in thrift shops, as one man learned last year after purchasing a Brooks Brothers shirt for $1 in his local thrift. That would have been a good enough bargain. But when he unrolled the sleeves, cufflinks fell out. And they were gold. Making it even more valuable, they were inscribed as well: United States Senator Joseph H. Biden Jr. It appeared that the Vice President had donated his shirt to a thrift shop, forgetting that his cufflinks were still in it.
“Buying something on sale is a very special feeling. In fact, the less I pay for something, the more it is worth to me. I have a dress that I paid so little for that I am afraid to wear it. I could spill something on it, and then how would I replace it for that amount of money?”
– Rita Rudner
GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE & NEARBY • OAKLAND PARK
________________
THE ONLY MATERNITY CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE
WOULD MAKE ANY MOTHER-TO-BE HAPPY
Visit Facebook: Expecting You Maternity and Expecting You Too – a baby boutique
2667 East Commercial Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale 33308 | (954) 338-2229
OPEN: Tues. – Fri. 10-6; Sat.; 10-4
CREDIT CARDS: All except Amex
The clothes in this maternity consignment boutique – “where mommies and babies stroll out in style,” are so well laid out, and there’s so much space, and it’s all so neat, that you really think you’ve made a mistake and entered a retail and not resale shop. But it is indeed a consignment shop, and a lovely one at that.
And badly needed. The owners realized that there was a market for expectant mothers who wanted to buy maternity clothes in top condition, and didn’t want to pay the puffed up prices of clothes in new-mother shops.
Not that what’s here is inexpensive. As one example, a Lilly Pulitzer dress was $75. But that’s less than half the price of the same maternity dress in a retail shop, and the condition was about the same, so why not buy it here? You’ll find brands like Bump Couture, Japanese Weekend and Pea in the Pod, all in the same like-new condition.
You’ll also encounter something else that’s unusual to find in large quantity in a maternity retail shop: a nice selection of designer maternity jeans.
Also hard to locate outside of a retail maternity shop are a variety of things every mother – or nursing mother – needs, like nursing pads that stick into bras. And consigned delivery gowns: “I can’t keep them in stock,” says Jodi Newberry, the affable owner.
Here, you’ll also find diaper bags, belly bands/sashes, pregnancy pillows, slings/carriers, breast pumps, nursing pads/bras, books, unused supplements, child safety gates and a bit of unused furniture.
There are also a few toys and books, and in the back, brand new baby clothes, from places like the Baby Gap, Juicy and Kissy Kissy.
Finally, a baby boutique is attached to the store with items from places such as Mud Pie, and Brag about Baby, along with lovely handmade items from local vendors.
SALE INFORMATION: They announce sales on their Facebook page.
BOUTIQUE CLOTHES: “Pea in the Pod” and “Gap Maternity” are some of the special designer clothes there.
SIZE: 1800 sq. ft.
HOW TO FIND IT: From I-95 go east on Commercial Blvd (870). After crossing Federal Hwy., about three blocks from the Intracoastal is a small strip mall on the left hand side (after NE 26th Ave). Look for the green awning with flags.
RESTAURANTS NEARBY: Across the Intracoastal there are several restaurants at Lauderdale by the Sea. Blue Moon Fish Company (which has 2-for-1 lunches) is a popular waterfront spot at 4405 W. Tradewinds Ave.
RESALE SHOPS NEARBY: Worth Repeating, My Sister’s Closet, Mynt, Couture Upscale.
WHY – AND WHAT – ONE SHOULD BUY USED FOR CHILDREN
Should you buy things for children at consignment shops? Definitely. Kids often outgrow their clothes even before they have a chance to wear them. Or they may only wear something only once. Or they may have received the garment as a gift in the wrong size and never wore it.
But it isn’t only clothes for children that you should consider purchasing resale.
An online article by Robin Gearey pointed out that instead of buying changing tables—just put a contoured changing pad on an existing table and save $100 or more. High chairs, strollers. bassinets, toys and more are only used by children for a little while, so it’s better to buy lightly used than waste money on new. After all, as KIPLINGER’S pointed out, your baby doesn’t care whether his or her monogram is on everything and it’s all brand new.
But for safety reasons, don’t buy car seats and cribs secondhand since they may have been recalled. And don’t buy mattresses and upholstered furniture – for adults or children – used, especially because of the bedbug potential.
Gilding The Lilly (Pulitzer)
No designer is more quintessentially Palm Beach than its own Lilly Pulitzer. She started her career by running a fruit and juice stand. The bright pink, green, and pastel Lilly-look came about because she wanted colors and patterns strong enough to hide the stains when the food fell on her. Current Lillys can be found in many local venues, and a few places in this book sell her vintage line.
GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE & NEARBY • OAKLAND PARK
________________
FAITH FARM IN FORT LAUDERDALE IS NOT AS GOOD AS
THE ONE IN BOYNTON. IN FACT, THIS ONE’S TO BE AVOIDED.
(FAITH FARM) FORT LAUDERDALE CAMPUS AND THRIFT STORE
1980 NW 9th Avenue, (aka Powerline) | Fort Lauderale
(Oakland Park) 33311 | (954) 763-7787
OPEN: Mon. – Sat. 9-6 | CREDIT CARDS: All
Many of you thrifties know and like (and even frequent) the Faith Farms in west Boynton Beach. So you may be tempted to try the one in Fort Lauderdale. Don’t bother. You’ll be turned off on this one before you even go in.
The neighborhood is iffy.
The clientele outside may make you reach for your handbag.
But the worst part is the overwhelming thrift smell you can’t miss as soon as you enter. That’s part of the reason that as you walk around, you’ll get the feeling that you’d rather not touch anything here.
Even the “better” items hanging on hangers had stains, and a nobody-washed-this-before-bringing-it-here look.
Sure, there are bargains. There are also awful-looking handbags for $3. Men’s shoes for the same rock bottom price. Bric-a-brac that was sometimes chipped or broken or the same garbage you see everyplace. Bed spreads for $10. (But would you really want to risk bringing something like that into your home?)
But not all is lost. There are two reasons why you might come here. The first is that of the three huge stores that comprise the Fort Lauderdale Faith Farm, the one downstairs has new furniture (bedroom sets, living room and more) at really good prices. Some come here just for that, and don’t bother to go upstairs. Smart move.
Secondly, in back of the upstairs thrift shop counter were a half dozen wedding dresses that looked quite nice. Really. When asked the price, the cashier said they were “from $250 to $150.” Well, okay.
Since this place is near the BRIDAL CONSIGNMENT (See p. 21) if you don’t find anything there (highly unlikely), you might, might want to check these out. Especially since the cashier is right at the entrance and you won’t have to walk any farther in than the entrance to check out the town. But if you buy one, have it cleaned before you bring it into your home.
BTW, there’s also a Faith Farm thrift furniture shop in a second building across the way. Based on this one, you probably aren’t missing anything if you skip it. The Happy Shopper never even checked this second one out, fearful of what she might bring home if she walked in.
Stick with Boynton.
SALE INFORMATION: Every Wednesday is Senior Day for people 55 & older. 25% off everything except new items or antiques.
HOW TO FIND IT: I-95 to Oakland Park Blvd. E., turn right onto 9th Ave. It’s a few blocks on your left.
RESTAURANTS NEARBY: Reggae Restaurant at 1915 NW 9th Ave., Papa John’s Pizza at 2785 N. Andrews.
BARGAIN SHOPS NEARBY: Drive-in Theater, Carnival & Farmers’ Market
OTHER FAITH FARM LOCATIONS: Boynton Beach Campus and Thrift Store, 9538 Hwy. 441, Boynton Beach, (561) 737-2222; Okeechobee Thrift Store, 1852 Hwy. 70, W. Okeechobee, (863) 467-4342.
How To Spot A Good Thrift Shop
How can you tell if a garment you want to buy at a thrift store is too, well, thrifty? You look at the label to see how worn it is; you look at the pockets to see how stretched they are; and you take a sniff to see how smelly it is.
Dan Demicell, a top resale marketing consultant, said: “When you walk into a thrift shop, it shouldn’t smell like one. When you look around it shouldn’t look like one. It should be clean, orderly and what you buy should be worth what you pay for it,” he stressed.
Another thing: he also said that clothing at a good thrift shop should be sized on the racks, for example, small and mediums separated. “We all shop by size, so if you’re an 8, you shouldn’t waste your time looking at size 16.”
If you think a pair of shoes doesn’t make a difference, talk to Cinderella.
GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE & NEARBY • OAKLAND PARK
________________
ROSALIE MAKES SURE ALL CUSTOMERS WHO COME HERE ARE HAPPY
5064 N. Dixie Highway | Fort Lauderdale (Oakland Park) 33334 | (954) 771-0966
OPEN: Tues. – Fri. 10-5; Sat. 10-4
CREDIT CARDS: Master, Visa, no Amex
The owner, Rosalie, makes sure everyone who comes here is happy. “I try not to stock what everyone else has,” she says. “You won’t walk into yourself all the time if you buy from here,” she promised.
Then, this welcoming owner told the story of a woman “who went someplace with a beautiful red gown. And a half hour later….” Well, you’ve heard this sad story before.
But there are no sad stories here. Only nice mid-range merchandise to go through. This small shop is heavily stocked with clothes and accessories, and somewhat uncommon for a resale shop, new cosmetics and unworn lingerie.
Also unique are the two changing rooms with rugs, a nice touch for a consignment shop where you sometimes have to put your feet on cold dirty floors if you need to get out of your shoes.
Rosalie thinks of everything!
There are a few designer handbags in back of the counter at excellent prices (a Coach might be $50, Dooney & Bourke, $80) for those who don’t demand that their handbags look like they just came out of a retail store.
And speaking of bargains – and isn’t that what we’re here for? – you’ll also find a $1 rack of great clothes that the consignor for some reason didn’t want to take back. So it probably originally sold here for a lot more than that.
Thank you Rosalie!
SALE INFORMATION: There are always sales going on. Everything is color coded with a big sign up front telling you which colors are reduced.
SPECIAL SALES: Although there is always a sale in progress, (20-50% off on certain color tags), during the months of June and January, everything is 50% off. At other times, there are 20 and 50% off sales on certain color tags.
SIZE: 750 sq. ft.
BOUTIQUE CLOTHES: In back of the counter
HOW TO FIND IT: From I-95, take Commercial Blvd., exit. Go east to Dixie Hwy., (# 811). Turn left (north) onto Dixie. It’s just north of Commercial Blvd., on Dixie (# 811). The shop is across from the Northridge Mall, just north of the Hess station at the intersection of Dixie Hwy., and Commercial Blvd. There’s a Chase Bank next door that looks like a gasoline station.
RESTAURANTS NEARBY: The Dixie Family Diner is in this mall at 5052 N. Dixie Hwy., Little Nicky’s Italian is at 5073 N. Dixie Hwy., in the shopping plaza across the way.
RESALE SHOPS NEARBY: My Sister’s Closet, DéjàVu, Kids ‘N Kribs.
10 WAYS TO TELL IF A CHANEL (VUITTON, BURBERRY) OR OTHER HIGH-END DESIGNER HANDBAG IS REAL
Gone are the days when people used to sell bags stamped “Goochi,” or buy fake Rolexes whose second hands moved spastically instead of smoothly so everyone knew it wasn’t real. Now, it’s often impossible to tell if a product is counterfeit, especially when it’s an expensive knock-off. Actually, in some ways, a fake may look better, since many real bags are made by hand and fakes by machines. But here are some tip-offs that may help you tell if an expensive handbag is real.
1) See if the pattern aligns correctly. For example, look at the Burberry bag from the side; the stripes on the seams (where the bag opens) should look like a continuation of the pattern on both sides.
2) Similarly, in a quilted Chanel, the triangle should continue below the flap. In other words, if the top part of the triangle pattern is on the flap, when you close the bag, the bottom of the triangle should smoothly blend in so it’s a real triangle. The WALL STREET JOURNAL pointed out that in a real Vuitton, for example, the pattern wouldn’t be interrupted by a zipper and would mirror each other on right and left seams.
3) Look at the embossing or monogramming of the name, which should be very clean, clear and straight.
4) Make sure the zipper moves smoothly and doesn’t catch.
5) Check the hardware (closures, clasps) to make sure it isn’t light and cheap, and doesn’t feel like plastic.
6) Zippers, clasps and closures should all have the same color and finish.
7) Check the lining, which may be where they’ve scrimped to save money.
8) If the bag comes with a booklet or card, it should not be photocopied.
9) Smell it. An article in foxbusiness.com pointed out that leather should smell like leather – not glue, rubber or chemicals.
10) Finally, if it’s too inexpensive, it probably isn’t real.
GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE & NEARBY
________________
FORT LAUDERDALE SWAP SHOP IS EBAY MEETS A RUMMAGE SALE...
Technically called the “Drive-in Theater, Carnival & Farmers’ Market.”
3291 W. Sunrise Boulevard | Fort Lauderdale 33311 | (954) 791-7927
Open: Mon. Tues. Wed. 9–5; Thurs. 7:30–6; Fri. 9-6; Sat. 7:30–6; Sun. 7:30– 6.
The New Times (Browardpalmbeach.com) called the Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop “The Best Tourist Trap” as well as the “Best Cheap Thrill,” in Broward. It’s probably both so you may not want to miss it. Or maybe you do, if you listen to what some people who hate it say.
“It’s a yard sale for someone’s moldy basement.”
“They even had a circus here once, but that’s gone. What’s left is noise, dirt, and smell. Yes, there are bargains, but you need to be vaccinated before you go there. Seriously, it’s a big, loud, dirty place. Not for me or my kids.”
As for the clientele, it’s quite different from the (mostly elderly) people at the FESTIVAL (SAMPLE ROAD) FLEA MARKET (See p. 48). “Yes, some of the people there can be kinda creepy,” admitted one visitor. “But what do you expect? It’s a flea market people! It’s like looking for a millionaire at the Salvation Army.”
So be prepared. Weekends and in season are best but, of course, very crowded. If you do go, leave plenty of time, because you’ll find it hard to visit all the booths in one day in this humongous place (just look it up on Google map satellite) containing new/used, and designer knock-offs in a third world setting.
They’ve been around for almost 50 years and were known as the Thunderbird Drive In Movie Theater. They’re still associated with this inexpensive and popular 14-screen drive-in at night. And here’s a bit of ugly southern trivia: when this place opened, there was a fence to divide the white from the black customers at the movies. (This bit of lore comes from Wikipedia where this swap shop has its own page.)
The outdoor and two-story indoor flea market section boasts everything from fresh produce (the freshly squeezed lemonade is recommended) to trashy junk, to high-end items, (very few) electronics, fake designer purses, flowers, beach towels, plastic toys, luggage, perfume, socks, T-shirts, shoes, plants, and car displays.
Speaking of cars, they also have a car museum with lots of sports cars.
Plus a Blues Brothers statue you can pose for pictures with. Somewhere, there’s also a Mariachi band that will make you feel as if you’re in Guadalajara, if that’s where you really want to be.
The movie theater, the only outdoor one still left in this whole area, is as controversial as the flea market. Some love that they can still find a drive-in today.
Others say things like: “Don’t go to the drive-in there unless you are going to lock yourself in your car with tinted windows and you have a weapon. And totally out of the question to go to the bathroom because you might not make it back!”
HOW TO GET THERE: From I-95, exit Sunrise Blvd., and go west about two miles.
How Not To Lose Your Friend When Flea Market Shopping
If you’re going “fleaing” with a friend, here’s how to keep up with them in a crowd, or find them if you lose them.
* Both of you should agree in advance to wear something colorful so you can easily spot each other through a crowd.
* It also helps to both wear hats – preferably colorful ones – so you can see each other over other people.
* Before you start out, call each other to put his or her cell number in your phone so you can quickly call your companion if you lose him/her. (Fleas are not places that you want to open up your bag and start fumbling around for a number.)
* Make sure to keep your phone turned up loud since fleas can be noisy.
* Arrange with your companion that neither of you should go on to another row until you catch up with each other at the end of each row. That way, you’ll both be able to do your own thing on each aisle, and never lose them.
* If you want more freedom to go off on your own, pick a spot and arrange to meet there at a certain time. Remember, too, that there may be more than one of something so be specific. “I’ll meet you at the hot dog stand…” Sure, except there may be a dozen of them and later you’ll forget which one.
I always say shopping is cheaper than a psychiatrist
Tammy Faye Baker
GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE & NEARBY • LAS OLAS
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HIBISCUS PLACE IS A COMBINATION OF CONSIGNMENT CLOTHES & ACCESSORIES, A SHOE REPAIR AND A DRY CLEANERS
1406 E. Las Olas Blvd. | Fort Lauderdale
(Las Olas) 33301 | (954) 463-6688
OPEN: (summer) Mon.–Fri. 8:30-5 (later in season); Sat. Sun. 10 – midnight
CREDIT CARDS: All
Almost across the street from BOHEMIAN STYLES is an odd store that has consignment apparel on long, long racks in the back (as if you’re at a cleaners – which it also is) with men’s (lots) and women’s clothes.
Up front are women’s shoes and handbags, and toward the back, by the counter on the left, they’ll do shoe, leather and luggage repair, expert tailoring, handbag and regular dry cleaning, alterations – and they even sell paintings back here by local artists.
The consignment clothes are organized by color and style, not by sizes, which usually takes a little longer to go through. But the thrill of the chase is on. After you’ve purchased and worn something, you can bring it back here to be cleaned, and while you’re there, buy a painting for your house.
SALE INFORMATION: Look at the door because some sales are posted there.
HOW TO FIND IT: I-95, exit 27 onto W. Broward Blvd., (842), go east. Turn right on US1 South. Slight right toward E. Las Olas Blvd. Turn left onto E. Las Olas. Store is on the right, next to the post office. And opposite Rocco Taco’s, and almost across from Bohemia.
RESTAURANTS NEARBY: Rocco’s Tacos at 1313 E. Las Olas Blvd., The Floridian at 14100 E. Las Olas Blvd., (famous for its tuna fish sandwiches).
RESALE SHOPS NEARBY: Bohemian Styles is across the street.
BARGAIN SAVING TIP: If you want better clothes, go to a consignment shop. If you want better bargains, go to a thrift shop. People bring clothes good enough to sell to a consignment shop, and they receive a percentage of the money the store receives from the sale, usually 50%. People give away clothes to thrift shops so they’re not as high a level. Usually. There are often great bargains in thrifts, but you’ll probably have to search harder and the shops are usually less attractive.
GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE & NEARBY • OAKLAND PARK
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THE ONLY BRIDAL CONSIGNMENT IN BROWARD OFFERS BIG SAVINGS FOR THAT SPECIAL ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME (YOU HOPE) DAY
BRIDAL CONSIGNMENT
Visit Facebook: It’s your day – bridal consignment
781 W. Oakland Park Blvd. | Fort Lauderdale (Oakland Park) 33311 | (954) 354-6438
OPEN: Thurs. – Fri. 4:30–7 PM; Sat. 11–5 (call to double check) and by appointment. | CREDIT CARDS: Visa & MC only.
It’s called “It’s Your Day” and if you’re a bride-to-be (or mother of the bride), or bridesmaid, it’s your shop. They carry more than 200 of the traditional long white bridal dresses, priced from $100-$1,000.
Over half of them have been worn only once – some even not at all.
That’s because some of the new bridal gowns are samples. Or they may be off-season (weddings in Florida aren’t in June but “in season” here). Or a woman may have purchased the gown and then found something she liked better so she abandoned this one. (Hopefully, she didn’t do the same with her groom.)
While most of what “It’s Your Day” carries are the standard here-comes-the bride long white gowns, there is also a selection of colorful designer dresses (in sample size) for the mother-of-the-bride. Plus bridesmaid dresses. And colorful bridal gowns, not only for non-virgins, (a joke!) but also for Indian brides who wear colored wedding gowns.
“It’s Your Day” also carries lots of veils, tiaras, and miscellaneous accessories and wedding-related items that can be reused, such as jewelry and some (mostly) white shoes.