Povo.com Hotspot :: Boomerangs

I've been busy hashing out Povo's upcoming Top 100 list and I've really worked hard at showcasing the site's new features like its photo gallery and YouTube video embed feature. So far, I probably spent the most time crafting the listing for Boomerangs on Centre Street in Jamaica Plain.

The re-sale store run by the AIDS Action Committee is genuinely my favorite shop in Boston. Why? The money I spend there goes to a good cause, the staff is friendly and I've made out like a bandit finding brand-new clothing at a reasonable price--like a killer wool Brooks Brothers suit for only $50 and a pair of Armani Jeans for $18.

Also, I've lost more than 100 lbs since moving back to Boston more than a year ago. So, Boomerangs has been pivotal in helping me replenish my wardrobe without overwhelming my pocketbook.

Here are tips for the Boomerangs novice:

*To find the truly fabulous deals, you need to scour the racks on a regular basis (at least once a week).

*Boomerangs staffers showcase seasonal goods--ranging from Halloween trinkets to Christmas snow globes--located at a table in the front of the store.

*The die-hard Boomerangs junkie knows that the shop also has brand-new clothing from top-tier shops like Brooks Brothers and Filene's Basement. The only catch? Staffers mark the collar with a black marker to prevent returns to the original location.

*Common brands found at Boomerangs include Banana Republic, Kenneth Cole and even Armani.

*Boomerangs has a strict "no returns" policy. So, don't even try.

*The store offers daily specials on clothing marked with a color-coded tag. So, if a specific shirt you like has a red tag, wait until it's "red tag day" to get additional savings.

*The staff is generally very knowledgeable so if you're looking for a hidden gem buried within the racks of clothing, they're always willing to help out.

*Centre Street regulars have come to expect funny, usually elaborate, window displays (their current "Circus Freaks" sideshow-themed window, for example, is stunning) that creatively uses goods found within the store.

Click here for the complete listing on Povo.com.