3. Judge a store by the neighborhood
And do it shamelessly.
A shop in Bushwick will have a decidedly different feel than one in Park slope. Keep this in mind when planning your trips. Don't be afraid to leave New York too. As a native Arizonan, I am happy to say that my best vintage finds aren't in Williamsburg, but instead are in various shops across the Phoenix area and Tucson. Seek out interesting vintage shops and thrift stores wherever your travels take you.
[Photo via @amy_gilmer]