If you’re looking for statement pieces to add to your wardrobe, Cure Thrift Shop is a great place to search. This non-profit shop has been dedicated to curating amazing pieces for its customers since 2008. Its founder, Liz Wolff, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 11 and, as a part of her mission to find a cure, the shop donates all the proceeds to research and advocacy. Though not nearly as affordable as places like No Relation, when you invest in a piece here, you are also investing in the health of the estimated 1.6 million Americans affected by this disease.  

Located on 111 East 12th Street in the East Village, a red awning and a frighteningly realistic mannequin will welcome you to the colorful two-story shop. In the entry, they have furniture, home décor and jewelry available. The paintings that line the stairwell to the basement serve as decor and are also purchasable. The lamps in the center of the circular clothing racks can also be bought. On the first floor, there are blouses, dresses, sweaters, jeans, t-shirts and jackets with shoes and purses as well. When you go downstairs, there is a wall filled with purses, in addition to more women’s wear and men’s clothing, such as button-ups and slacks. 

Of the many times that I’ve shopped here, the best days to go are when they have 50% off all clothing items. There are, of course, a few exclusions, which is typical of most stores. However, a majority of the clothing items are included. On these days, it is fairly simple to piece together an outfit with $30. 

In terms of selection, the shop has a huge variety of both current and vintage pieces from many brands. I’ve found everything from SoulCycle and Lululemon gear to Zara and J. Crew sweaters, and even Alexander Wang and Prada pieces. The store’s general selection includes jeans, dress pants, cashmere, sleepwear, purses and leather jackets.  

With such a variety, there is also a large range of prices. Last winter, I found a vintage Moncler puffer for $800 (what a steal!) but this month on a half-off day, I found Quiksilver joggers and a Zara sweater for a total of $30, which meets our budget perfectly. Though I didn’t end up purchasing this outfit, I opted for a red silk shirt, which I can dress up or wear with a pair of jeans, that was on sale for $14. I also tried on a Prada skirt that was on sale for $60. I’m usually a sucker for brands, but the skirt ended up looking too similar to my high school uniform — I’m not sure what that says about Prada and my school. Ultimately, I took the shirt because it was a much more unique piece, whereas I can easily find a plain black mini skirt elsewhere that fits our budget. 

Another piece I fell in love with was a gray Alexander Wang full-length cardigan. It was super versatile, as I could easily wear it over the white tee I was wearing while shopping and put my belt around my waist to wear it as a dress. I could also wear it open with jeans for a more casual look. With the sale, the sweater was $30. At first, I was shocked at the price because of the brand, but then I discovered a huge hole in the front of it that couldn’t be mended. It’s important to be aware of being blinded by the label.

Although the piece I ended up purchasing was under budget, the shop had other pieces that would require a splurge. The shop has a beautiful zip-up knit piece from the Y-3 collection, which is a collaboration between avant-garde designer Yohji Yamamoto and Adidas, for $50 with the 50% off. The shop also has one-of-a-kind leather jackets, but these might put a dent in the bank account, as many of the prices are around $120. However, it’s important to note that no matter how much you are tempted to do otherwise, you have to try on the jacket in the fitting room. The store has a strict fitting room policy that I may or may not have been very unaware of. 

Thrifting requires digging, and Cure is no different, but the search is worth it. Despite the cost of some of the items, you can rest easy in a big purchase because it supports a good cause. To keep up with the shop and, most importantly, know when they are having sales, follow their Instagram @curethriftshop. You can also donate without making a purchase in-store or on their website at curethriftshop.com.