Imagine being able to buy a pair of Armani pants for the same price as a few caramel macchiatos from Starbucks. Does that sound too good to be true? If you want to become a believer, check out the Golden Shoestring thrift store on Larchmont Avenue in downtown Larchmont. 

Run through the Junior League of Westchester on the Sound, the store features everything from women's dresses, purses and designer suits, including Carolina Herrera, Piazza Sempione and Jones New York, to kitchen goods and decorations.

Oh yes, and there are clothes for men too, including racks of men's pants, blazers and sweaters. The brands range from Brooks Brothers to Cole Haan. If you hurry over you can get a Burberry men's black tuxedo for only $50.

The items are donated by residents in Larchmont and in all of Westchester County. The low prices have a special welcome ring to customers in these economic times.

Sophie Chludzinska comes in about once a month to check out the bargains. "I usually look for little cute things—china and everyday trousers," she said.

The store also has clothes and shoes for teen boys and girls, as well as for children as young as three months.

Shoppers say they feel good about buying at Golden Shoestring. Not only can they get lightly used items at severely reduced prices, but they also help the community with every dollar they spend.

The store is the primary fundraiser for the Junior League, which donates its proceeds to community organizations like Abbott House—a transitional foster home for boys in New Rochelle. The proceeds from the store also go to Project Madras, an organization that helps mothers from South America in Port Chester and Mamaroneck; and to ABC (Awareness, Books and Collaboration), which distributes books to local children and fosters collaboration among local literacy groups.

"This is the best job I've ever had in my life," said Mary Rizacos, a Junior League member who is the assistant manager at the store. Rizacos, who used to work for high-end designer stores, said it's rewarding to work for a place where all the money goes to the community, rather than to a large retail corporation.

Members of the Junior League volunteer once a month to work in the store.

"Here we really try to get to know people," member Lainy Abbott said.  In addition to the low prices, some frequent buyers also get special treatment. "There's some people we know, 'This is just going to be the perfect thing for them,'" she added.

Resident Yvonne Torro, for example, comes every week to the store. "They're sweethearts, all of them," she said about the Junior League members.

Junior Leaguers hope if the bargains don't lure you to Golden Shoestring (oh, I forgot to tell you about the sale rack where you can get brands like Ann Taylor, Ralph Lauren and Laura Ashley for only $1 and $2), perhaps the thought of being able to help your neighbor will.

The Golden Shoestring (914-834-8383) is located at 149 Larchmont Ave, one half-block west of Boston Post Road. It's open Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Donations can be dropped off from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. Clothing donations should be washed and should not have any stains or missing buttons or zippers. You will receive a tax receipt so you can claim the donation on your tax return.

The store is in need of men's clothing donations.