Old is the new new

First-rate bargains can be picked up at the city's growing range of secondhand stores.

By RACHEL F. WANETIK
second hand clothes shop 88 (photo credit: )
second hand clothes shop 88
(photo credit: )
Pessah is about to sweep us off our feet, so for your last-minute organizational efforts, why not clean out your clothes closet, too? Be eco-minded and penny wise: Consider going to one or more of the secondhand shops in Jerusalem and putting your quality items on consignment. Each store has a unique take on lightly used clothing, so check that your stuff matches the owner's vision. Also, you are well advised to call ahead to see if the staff is up to receiving your items. If you don't have the patience or interest to get store credit or sometimes cash, you can give your items to the two stores mentioned that receive donations only. '60s Whereas "vintage" often means high prices, it can sometimes simply denote fashion of another era. For example, the store called '60s features psychedelic patterns, flowing fabrics and jeans without the exorbitant price tag. Store owner Bracha Rafael says, "In a fashion and eco-sense, things should be looking up, even though the roadwork on Jaffa and the downturn in the economy have affected sales. People love the styles and want them inexpensively, so the highest price in the store is only NIS 80." Rehov Hahavazelet 2 Info: 624-3742 Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-7 p.m; Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Chic B'shuk Hebrew speakers are not unfamiliar with word play. Multilingual Beatrice Bellemere, the owner and visionary of Naomi (Now, Me) as it was formerly known, moved to Mahaneh Yehuda this year. The sign that hangs there reads "Yad Shniya" in Hebrew, but she hopes it will read "Chic B'shuk." "I mainly carry natural fibers like wool, cotton, linen, silk and leather. I have a sense for quality-made items and enjoy helping my customers look good," says Bellemere. One faithful customer who shopped at Naomi adds, "Other secondhand stores leave you to find the treasures among the endless racks, but I cannot shop that way. I am grateful that Beatrice helps me find flattering clothes." Rehov Hashezif 6, Mahaneh Yehuda Info: 052-329-8110 Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 10 a.m.-7 p.m; Tuesday and Friday 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Trumpeldor Approaching its two-month milestone, Trumpeldor is one of the most recent secondhand stores to sprout up. Adi Mark and Yehuda Baba run this charity-inspired cave off Rehov Bezalel. "There is a nonprofit organization called Nitzav Rafael that supports the aged. Sometimes we buy used clothing from its center, and that money in turn goes toward its soup kitchen. It is a circle of giving," Baba relates. Trumpeldor also carries men's clothing, as well as odds and ends, such as books and even an old typewriter. Rehov Nissim Behar 18 Info: 052-511-8733 Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-7 p.m; Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Alexandra Entering this store is like stepping into your grandmother's closet, provided it is neat and orderly. Hana Gafni, the owner, explains: "Here, you can get dressed from head to toe, plus we have many accessories, as well as beauty products." Pnina and Rosaline, two frequent shoppers, exclaim, "There is nothing better than this shop and its family-like feel. We always find something to buy here and are always asked, 'Where did you get that?' which, of course, makes us feel great." The store boasts some name brands, but the prices are reasonable. Rehov Yosef Dunuwas 4 (alley across from Kikar Zion) Info: 623-2887 Sunday-Thursday 10 a.m.-6:45 p.m. Begudit (WIZO) WIZO Begudit's store manager Ahuva Degania very busily reorganizes the racks, shelves and boxes of clothing, linens and children's toys. One can find an item for as little as NIS 10, and coats are often no more than NIS 60. At 12:55 p.m. each day, you can hear her urging the patrons to make their purchases quickly, as it is time for the afternoon siesta and the store will reopen in the late afternoon. Just around the corner of the same building, WIZO's Pina Haktana sells housewares. All the items at the volunteer-run stores are donated. Monetary contributions are also accepted and go to WIZO charities. Rehov Hillel 11 Info: 625-2096 Sunday-Thursday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; 4-6:30 p.m. Friday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Donations only Hahanut Hahanut on Rehov Emek Refaim is open for a few hours a day but is brimming with all kinds of treasures, such as jewelry, jeans, shoes, sheets, dishes and decorative items. Depending on the season and what types of items are popular, Miriam the owner will give you store credit for items you sell her. I have been known to walk out with cool boots or red sandals within minutes of "selling" my used items. Rehov Emek Refaim Info: 563-7774 Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-1 p.m; 4-7 p.m. 7A Nestled on a prestigious street in the German Colony, 7A is the hidden treasure behind a green gate. Over five years ago, Mel Faith served as the project coordinator of a social action/charity project known as the Clothing Swap. "I knew I wanted to do something that would benefit women," she says. "In this case, we helped in a few ways - with a monetary contribution; clothes for those who attended and those in need; and a social evening for new olim and Israelis. I had no idea that this project would develop into a store." All the proceeds go to local charities. Rehov Dor Dor V'dorshav 7A Info: 561-9165, ext. 203 Tuesday 5-8 p.m. and Thursday 2-5 p.m. or by appointment Donations only Tania's Shop (K'hadash) If you are a student at the Hebrew University or are a resident of French Hill, you have your own diamond-in-the-rough store in the strip mall on Rehov Hahagana. Tania's Shop, also known as K'hadash, is chockful of everything from housewares and formal dresses to baby clothes and books. Longtime customer Ronit offers, "Shopping here is like an adventure for me. I like to find surprises and enjoy the hunt for outfits." If you have gold items that you want to sell, store owner Tania Feinberg may buy them from you. When asked about the economics of secondhand items, Feinberg reveals, "There are customers who are genuinely looking for low-cost items, but some are here for the fun of it. I think it is unethical to spend NIS 2,000 on a pair of pants when that amount is equal to someone's monthly wage. "I have been written about on blogs and featured on the IBA News. I have been at this for over 25 years and I love it!" Rehov Hahagana 21 Info: 581-7397 Sunday-Thursday 9 a.m.-7 p.m; Friday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. If you would like to put items on consignment, call ahead.