Fashion Forward: Thrift Apparel Sale

Fashionable Finds, Meaningful Impact: Cold Spring Thrift Alliance Announces The Spring Thrift Apparel Sale

Sustainable Shopping Event to Support Local Community & Promote Sustainable Fashion Amid Renewed Focus on Trump-Era Tariffs Impacting Fast Fashion Imports

The Cold Spring Thrift Alliance presents its Spring Thrift Apparel Sale, a bi-annual community event offering high-quality secondhand clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry, and accessories for shoppers of all styles and sizes. The sale will take place at St. Mary's in the Highlands (1 Chestnut St., Cold Spring, NY) on May 3-4 from 10 AM – 6 PM, with a special Pre-Sale Party on Friday, May 2 at 5 PM for a community toast and first access to designer wear and cashmere for a $20 entry.

The Cold Spring Thrift Alliance’s motto, "Omnia Circularia" (All Things Circular), reflects their mission to re-circulate clothing while reinvesting in local services.

With all proceeds benefiting the historic St. Mary's campus and the Philipstown Food Pantry, the Cold Spring Thrift Sale is more than just a shopping event—it's a movement toward sustainability, ethical fashion, and community giving.

Thrifting for a Cause

Now in its fourth year, the sale has grown exponentially, keeping over 2,000 pounds of clothing in circulation annually and raising an average of $20,000 per year for local causes. The Alliance also provides vouchers for regional assistance groups, ensuring that clothing finds new homes within the community.

Beyond the treasure hunt of designer finds (Ferragamo, Oscar de la Renta, Gucci, and more) and staple brands (Chico’s, Eileen Fisher, LL Bean), the event addresses the wastefulness of fast fashion. "The clothing industry has hyped-up its marketing to all ages, not just teenagers lured by fast fashion on social media. Thrifting has been a popular antidote to an accelerated consumerism that harms the environment and exploits workers worldwide," said Dar Williams, founder of the Cold Spring Thrift Alliance and renowned singer-songwriter.

Community-Driven & Mission-Focused

The Cold Spring Thrift Alliance is powered by over 50 volunteers from throughout the Hudson Valley, dedicated to sustainable fashion and community support.

The founding team pooled their professional and civic talents to make the sale successful and appealing. The mending station is run by a former BBC costumer, sale curators include photographers, stylists, art restorers, artists, and the cash box is staffed by a retired executive at the federal reserve. “It’s a community touchstone,” Williams says, “Every time I’m out, someone points to a coat, sweater, or pants from the sale.”

This year, the alliance is expanding its advocacy efforts by showcasing documentary films throughout the sale, highlighting issues of waste and labor practices in the fashion industry. Films will be screened in the Saint Mary’s sanctuary and include Fashion Reimagined & The True Cost of Fashion, others soon to be announced (check the alliance’s website and social media for timing).

A Unique Shopping Experience

Shoppers travel from Brooklyn, Connecticut and the Catskills to experience Cold Spring's renowned thrifting scene, with its spacious venue, friendly volunteers, and well-curated selection. As one enthusiastic shopper off the train from Manhattan with a group of friends said, “This is the kind of thing we wish we had in New York!” In addition to the sale, visitors can enjoy:

• A Mending Station – Expert sewers on-site to repair clothing, making fashion truly circular
• A "Fancy" Room – Featuring vintage and designer pieces at affordable prices
• Curated Shopping Tips – Helping attendees make the most of their thrift experience

Join the Movement

Do you have an idea for upcycling or sustainability? Interested in joining the alliance? Go to coldspringthriftalliance.org to get involved or donate.

Event Details:

Pre-Sale Party: Friday, May 2 at 5 PM ($20 entry fee)

Main Sale: May 3-4, 10 AM – 6 PM (Documentaries shown 12-5pm throughout)

Location: St. Mary's in the Highlands, 1 Chestnut St., Cold Spring, NY

(A ten-minute walk from the Cold Spring Metro-North station)

Free clothing voucher information: contact Y29sZHNwcmluZ3RocmlmdGFsbGlhbmNlIHwgZ21haWwgISBjb20=

Fashionable Finds, Sustainable Change

coldspringthriftalliance.org

Follow us at @coldspringallliance on Instagram and Facebook

Also check out other Arts events in Cold Spring, Nonprofit events in Cold Spring, Entertainment events in Cold Spring.