MY LAST FIX

I have a confession: I am a thrift store junkie. And like all hard core junkies I am always in search of my next hit. But a satisfying hit is harder and harder to find these days. I blame it on the re-sale shop phenomena which we all know are just pawn shops with a more respectable air and chintz curtains. Don’t get me wrong. I have been overjoyed to score my fair share of Chanel skirts and Stephane Kelian shoes at these stores. Items that without the financial incentive to their owners to part with them, they would probably never have left the closet. But the thrill of the chase is missing when I enter a re-sale shop. I feel like I am stealing heavily cut hard rock candy from a baby. The merchandise has already been pre-screened by the owner whose taste I am now subjected to. No chance of uncovering a vintage 1930s Harlequin costume while I am pawing through the color coded racks. Or of discovering a mis-marked Scottish Cashmere sweater for $10.

I connected with my favorite supplier in 1993 when I moved back to the City. It was a store front brimming over with a messy jumble of stuff just vaguely organized. The kind of mess that makes a thrift store junkie’s heart skip a beat. Because with patience and perseverance you know you will uncover something wonderful. And I did. That is where I found the beautiful black Alligator handbag for $25.00. (I discovered later that my Aunt Anne had purchased the exact same handbag at I.Magnin’s in 1950 for $100.00). The day I was able to indulge in my passion for embroidered flour sack dish towels ($1.00 each) was when I realized that this shop had a very specific group of donors: Nob Hill matrons and doctor’s wives with superb taste and money. Who else could afford to send their dish towels to the laundry to be pressed?

I will now reveal who has provided me with the best stuff over the years. I can only do this because this very special dealer is closing up shop. The Attic Shop, on Pine Street at Hyde, is a fairly priced thrift store that benefits Saint Francis Memorial Hospital. It is run by the tireless, gracious Tatyana with the assistance of lady volunteers in blue smocks. The Attic Shop personnel have graciously helped lots of folks who could not afford to pay designer prices look as though they could. One woman told me that when she first moved to the City, just divorced with no job and little money, she was able to put together a beautiful ‘interview outfit’ that she is convinced helped her land a job. More than the merchandise, it will be the kindness and generosity of the staff that will be missed.  Farewell, Attic Shop.  And thanks again for the great time.  The pangs of withdrawal are starting...

Get there for your last fix before they close on September 16. Drastic reductions on already fairly priced merchandise. The Attic Shop, 1317 Pine Street, 415-474-3498.

Comments

[alison]

had no idea they were closing - drat - thanks for posting this - must drop in and say bye!

[Debbie Kaye]

Do I have a shopping opportunity for anyone able to be in Portland, Oregon from November 2 5, 2006! The Catlin Gabel Rummage Sale, in its 62nd year, is a 4-day extravaganza in 88,000 square feet with an outstanding Treasures Department as well as everything from housewares to Sporting Goods to Books (occasionally first editions) and lots of clothes. www.catlin.edu.

[Amy Sherman]

In high school I was real thrift shop junkie. And in Marin the pickings were great! I ended up with a Coach purse once.

[Shell]

The Attic Shop will be sorely missed. Tatyana is a delight - funny and frank - and knows a good thing when she sells it. Shopping there was a bona fide treasure hunt for the fashion-rich cash-poor crowd. Thanks, CM for writing such an apt and tender elegy!