Portaluca

Note: This is the review I wrote for Portaluca when it was named 4^th Street Boutique. The review didn’t carry over with the name change, but I want to continue to give props to this awesome business, so I am re-​posting.
There are many arguments to be made ago
ut the best thrift shopping in Cincinnati. I am not a connoisseur of thrift shops but I walk past 4^th Street Boutique downtown almost every day. Every few weeks I pop in to browse. Like any consignment or thrift store, some days are disappointing and some days are like hitting the jackpot!
4^th Street Boutique is a thrift store that benefits Dress for Success, located in the same building. The store is open to the public and often has sales on top of the low listed prices. Signs throughout the store list the prices of items. Sweaters — $ 8, pants -$ 8, etc. But the shop receives a lot of designer pieces which are often priced higher. My latest excursion scored me a pair of Ann Taylor khakis and a Ralph Lauren cable knit sweater for $ 4.80 each, thanks to a 40% off sale. I also found a black, cashmere Jones New York cardigan which rang up at $ 8. In the past I’ve found cute, structured blazers, dress slacks, and a great vintage handbag all under $ 10 each. Some were less than $ 5!
For people who really know how to make it work, there is a Bargain Basement stuffed with items for a rockin’ $ 1 each! To me, most of these pieces look out-​of-​date, but on the right person, they could work.
They are constantly receiving donations so the inventory changes often. Guilt-​free shopping for a good cause! What’s not to like?

Hey, I like going to this place. Basically, the only reason I ever go to work is that I can go here at lunch. Oh, and also so that I can hang out at my job with my comrade. She’s the smartest person I know, but she’s quitting. Whatever. Basically, I always find things I like here. Yesterday, I spent $ 34. I wanted to buy more, but ran out of time. We only get half an hour for our lunch break, which is total bullshit. Anyway, I got a cozy sweater for fall, a kimono blouse perfect for hosting a dinner party, and a nice purse. Like the purse was only 8 dollars. I think if my feet weren’t a completely messed up, extra-​wide size with painful toe arthritis, I’d really go nuts about the shoes. Like they have a lot of nice shoes. I’m too angry thinking about it because I can’t wear any of them. You probably can, though. You can really find some amazing things here.
PLUS this place supports Dress For Success. I really like that because they really hook up women who need help getting ready for work. It’s very nice and gives women more of a chance of being able to support themselves.