Content creator Caroline Le knows all the best places to hunt for thrifted and gently loved treasures in Washington, DC.
Second-hand shopping has become so popular in cities across the U.S. that finding genuine, affordable items can be challenging. But stick with Caroline Le and you’ll be sure to find the city’s best gems.
By day, Le is a dedicated healthcare consultant. After hours and on weekends, you can find her pounding the pavement in search of sustainable treasures, documenting her discoveries on TikTok. Through her content, she has built an engaged online community.
Growing up, her grandmother would take her to thrift stores and teach her the tricks of the trade, embracing the belief that "there is always treasure in someone's trash." Little did she know, she instilled in her granddaughter a love for sustainable fashion that would last a lifetime.
Although Georgetown's shopping scene is traditionally known for its upscale boutiques and high-end stores, it's one of Le's favorite thrifting destinations. She sees second-hand shopping as such a vital exercise in finding your personal style. Plus, the neighborhood's retail scene has evolved to embrace sustainability, offering ethical, affordable and community-driven products including fashion, home goods and unique vintage finds. Every piece is one of a kind, just like the person who plucked it out of a rack in the basement of a church.
Come along with Caroline Le on a day of thrift shopping in Georgetown.
Morning
To start your morning off hunting for one-of-a-kind second-hand gems, caffeine is necessary. Rose Avenue Bakery, an Asian fusion patisserie by Rosie Nguyen, is her go-to. Whether you like your pastries sweet (with fillings like passion fruit, pandan coconut, ube, strawberry-lychee donuts) or savory (think Garlic Scallion Bun or Curry Butternut Squash Tarts), you can’t go wrong.
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Once you’re fueled up, head to Street Commerce in Dupont Circle, where locals consign their gently used designer items. Think perfectly worn-in designer tees, luxury handbags that were probably carried twice and the coolest vintage dresses. They're all about making high-end fashion accessible to everyone, without the environmental impact. Caroline always makes sure to get there right when they open – you know what they say about the early bird and the worm.
Afternoon
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Still riding that shopping high, take a 30-minute stroll to Reddz Trading (great for both buying and selling) and stop by the Opportunity Shop. The latter is a church-run antique store that's so good it made House Beautiful magazine's list of best home stores.
After all that shopping, grab a bite at Clyde's Restaurant in Georgetown. It is a great option for both its ambience and an extensive menu of classic American fare. With café tables, red leather seats, stained glass and gorgeous mosaic floors that have seen some things, you’ll fall in love with its warm, kitschy vibe.
Evening
When the thrift stores start closing, head over to Volta Park, one of DC's peaceful urban parks, to chill and unwind, even if you're just there to watch the dogs play. Spread out a blanket, lay out all your thrifted treasures and start planning outfit combinations in your head.
And what better way to end a day of shopping than by showing off one of your finds? Put together something eye-catching and head to Chez Billy Sud, a charming French bistro that really comes alive at night. Sipping a glass of Sancerre and sharing a bowl of moules-frites with a friend – now that's a perfect end to a thrifting adventure.