My new favorite place to shop in Japan: 390 Mart (Thank you Mart)

Sometimes, my husband asked me if I miss living in Houston. I often respond that the only things I miss are watching the View every morning, the spinach quesadilla at Chacho's, the buffet at Dimassi's, being able to shop early in the morning, Walmart, Target, Ross and Goodwill. I really do miss Goodwill. I found some great pieces there that I jealously keep.
 I have not been able to thrift in Japan. Thrift shops are really pricey here. They want to give more of a vintage vibe than second hand clothes. I love going to Fam's market in my neighborhood because it is relatively affordable. However, the sizes are way too small for my beig gaijin frame.
 Therefore imagine how I felt when I entered 390 Mart and discovered racks full of clothes in American size.
 I knew about 390 Mart for a long time. The first time I entered one, I did enjoy the shop but was not interested in old clothes. I was not into thrifting then. Back in those days I could not imagine putting money into used clothes when I could get new ones for the same price (or even less). So I shopped for gadgets there and went my way.
Now that I see thrifting in a new light, I found myself being in a small heaven when I entered the 390 Mart in Yokohama station. I immediately dived into the rack of skirts. They had skirts in all colors, prints and shapes. I checked some of their labels and realized that they were from Old Navy, American apparel...all American brands. And unlike any other stores in Japan,  I did not have any troubles finding my size.  I stayed for more than one hour inside the funky store, checking, touching, undecided, and finally settled for these pieces:

- pink studded belt
- body spray

- black maxi skirt

- neon top

- silk men's vest

- 2 American magazines (Glamour and Elle, January 2011)

As the name indicates, everything in 390 Mart ( called San kyu ma-to) cost 390 Yen (409Y with taxes). I spent 2863Y. Before going inside the store I wanted to spend 1000Y but I guessed I was taken aback by all the good stuff I found. They did have more stuff that interested me but I had to limit myself because I did shop a lot this month. I suppose they will see me often at 390 Mart. It officially became my favorite place to shop in Japan.

http://www.390yen.jp/