Diva's Attic and Sweet Repeats

I happened to be in the far northwest suburbs this weekend - Woodstock, IL to be exact. While I was there, I decided to stop in at a consignment shop and a thrift store.

First up, Diva's Attic in Woodstock, IL.

 Located on the square in Woodstock, Diva's Attic offers upscale women's clothing and a small amount of furniture. The clothes were nice enough, though there wasn't much here that caught my eye - just not my style, probably better suited for women in their 40s and 50s. But that's not my issue with this store - the problem is the prices. Much too high. I spotted a basic, gray, jersey dress that had potential, but a quick check of the price tag - $36!!! I walked the other way. Most other pieces I did quick price checks on were in the $25-$40 range. If these were designer pieces, I might have been more forgiving - but for gently used clothes of the Anne Taylor Loft variety I would suggest looking elsewhere. Clothes Mentor in Schaumburg, is much closer to Chicago and has a larger selection with reasonable pricing.

On a side note, the square in Woodstock has several cute boutiques and specialty stores - fun for window shopping!

Second stop, Sweet Repeats in Huntley, IL.

Sweet Repeats just happened to be on my way - on IL-47 as you drive toward I-90 - so I stopped to check it out. This is a pretty typical thrift store - maybe a little cleaner with a larger selection of furniture. The clothing section didn't offer anything special, but prices were in the typical range. The furniture was decent quality, but pretty standard stuff that was common in the 80s and 90s. Dining tables, end tables, bedroom sets, and couches that reminded me of the furniture from my childhood. If you're looking for antiques or mid-century modern, you won't find it here.

I usually expect that the thrift stores of the far suburbs won't carry items in the style that I like - that proved true today.

Economy Shop - Oak Park

In the interest of full disclosure, the Economy Shop in Oak Park, IL is my favorite thrift store. Beyond all the stuff jammed into this place, there are so many things for which they are to be commended including volunteerism, charity, and of course, great prices! 

The Economy Shop

A little background: It all started in 1919 and the shop has been at its current location since 1924. It is volunteer run, all the merchandise is donated, and all the proceeds are divided between six Oak Park charities - The Day Nursery of Oak Park and River Forest, The Children's Clinic, Thrive Counseling Center, Hephzibah Children's Association, The Animal Care League, and OPRF Senior Citizens' Center.

 Now to the stuff!

Hats on display in the accessory's room.

The Economy Shop is housed in a large residence at the corner of South Blvd. and Grove. The stuff is sorted into rooms: women's better clothes, women's leisure clothes, men's clothes, gifts, antiques, housewares, accessories, shoes, books, toys, crafting supplies, and children's clothes, oh my! Each room supports one of the six charities and you pay as you go. Find a cute dress in the women's better clothes room? You pay for it there. Find a birthday card for your mom in the gift's room? Pay for it there.





















They really do have a little of everything which means that you could spend several hours looking through stuff. Like most large thrift stores, you'll have to sift through some of the bad to get to the good. On the plus side, they rotate the clothing by season, so you won't be sifting through winter sweaters in the spring.

The first few times I shopped here, I stayed way too long and bought a few things I didn't need and never used. Now, I always go in with a plan. I decide what I need and what rooms I am willing to look through before I even walk through the door. Otherwise, I risk walking out with an 80s-style party dress (black velvet and teal ruffles!) or over-the-top fur coat (whoa!).

The major downside is that the Economy Shop is not open 7 days a week. It's really only open once a week or every other week. They keep an updated schedule posted on their website, so plan accordingly. It is well worth a visit!

What is this? I have no idea, but it costs $25.