Design Your Days to be Eco-Chic 

By Natalie Bencivenga

October 27, 2020

We all know that thrifting is a great way to have an eco-friendly wardrobe. But did you know that you can shop high end designer fashions--at consignment prices--right here in Pittsburgh?

Thriftique in Lawrenceville has a cult following from some smart and eco-savvy fashionistas in the city who know that good style can save the planet without breaking the bank. 

The National Council of Jewish Women, the oldest Jewish women’s organization in North America, began this social enterprise to help fund programs and focused advocacy on stepping forward, speaking out and standing up for the needs of women, children and families.

“We are in our 50th year of Thriftique and we wanted to have a big party to celebrate this,” said Patricia Tsagaris, director of Thriftique’s retail operations. “Designer Days is our signature fundraising event and every November we attract people from all over who come to shop the very best of what we have to offer,” she added. 

Think Escada, Prada, Alaia and more. 

Due to the pandemic, they were planning on canceling this year’s shop-til-you-drop extravaganza scheduled for the weekend of Nov. 6, with a special VIP event kicking it off on Nov. 5. 

“We were flooded with requests to hold the event, so we decided to get creative and do it in a way that we could be mindful of the restrictions while also creating a fun atmosphere to shop,” said Tsagaris. 

Masks will be required, hand sanitizer will be available, and the Thriftique staff will have had their temperatures taken before working the event. “A ton of amazing designer pieces that we hold back for this weekend will be put out for purchase. This will be an amped up shopping experience,” said Tsagaris. 

Expect to see vintage furs, designer handbags, Burberry raincoats and so much more. 

Guests will be able to shop at designated times to allow for social distancing during the VIP event, and they can enjoy libations and individually wrapped bites under a tent once they’ve exhausted their credit cards. But you can feel good about pushing your spending to the limit as all the proceeds funnel right back into NCJW Pittsburgh’s programs which include Project Prom, Children’s Rooms in the Court, book drives, a voucher program with POWER,  and so much more. 

Tsagaris noted that the organization recently moved into the former Goodwill shop in Lawrenceville located at 125 51st Street, right off of Butler St. People can donate their gently-used clothing and home goods, as well as shop. 

“We are somewhat of a hidden gem,” said Tsagaris. “Yes, we are known for our high end pieces but we also have local artists and designers in our shop as well, so you get a truly eclectic experience,” she said.  

Eclectic, high end and eco-friendly fashions right here in Pittsburgh? Sign me up!

Days for the Designer Days event: 

VIP Party is Thursday Nov. 5, 2020 (Two timed entry sessions 5-7 p.m. is first one and the next one from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.) 

Tickets are $50 in honor of the 50th anniversary. Purchase HERE 

Free to everyone:

Friday, Nov. 6: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 7: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 8: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. HALF OFF SALE

Monday, Nov. 9: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. HALF OFF SALE 

Can’t make it? You can shop Thriftique boutique all year round. 

By Natalie Bencivenga