I don’t know about you, but I tend to get sick of my wardrobe after a while. My closet mostly consists of jeans and sweaters, which are great, but sometimes I just want something different. Of course, being a poor college student doesn’t really help feed my desire to acquire new things. Now that is where consignment shops come in.
What is a consignment shop you might ask? It’s a second-hand store for previously used clothing, accessories, shoes, etc. Here are a few tips to help you through the stressful, but often rewarding, consignment shopping process.
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These shops rely on people bringing in their unwanted clothing, so make sure to check a few weeks or so after the change of seasons for the fresh and new pieces.
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Try and go in with an idea of what you want. Sometimes it can be overwhelming looking through all the racks and boxes, but if you shop with a specific item in mind then it might be easier. The last time I went to a consignment shop I was looking for cowgirl boots, and ended up finding the perfect pair at Downtown Threads on Church St.
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Since these clothes have already been worn, make sure you check for damages before buying anything. Sure, it may be cheap, but who wants to waste money on a dress with a broken zipper, or a jacket with a hole in the pocket.
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If you find something you really love, but it isn’t quite your size, you should think about having it tailored. Whether it’s a slight adjustment to the hem of a pair of jeans, or having a jacket taken in a little on the sides, you’ll have something custom fitted and completely unique.
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Make sure you try on everything, because for most consignment shops there is usually a no return policy.
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Feeling creative? Think outside the box! I love to sew, so I’m always looking out for fabrics with great textures and patterns to make something my very own. If you go with an open mind you will be able to find so much more. For instance, I found a gorgeous sweater that was labeled a 2X and ended up wearing it as a cute dress with leggings. No sewing required!
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Bring in your own clothes! If you’re not going to wear them anyway and they’re just taking up space in your closet, why not make a few dollars and bring them in? Some shops will allow you to exchange the clothes for store credit, so you can shop around the store while they’re deciding what to take.
Need a cheap place to shop? Check out these great, local second-hand shops!
Downtown Threads
73 Church Street
Burlington
Dirt Chic
77 Main St
Burlington
Second Time Around
89 Church St
Burlington
Battery St Jeans Exchange
7 Marble Avenue
Burlington
Clothing Line
163 Cherry St
Burlington
The Salvation Army
336 North Winooski Avenue
Burlington
Goodwill
1080 Shelburne Rd
South Burlington
Goodwill (Alternate Location)
329 Harvest Lane
Williston
Plato’s Closet
34 Taft Corner’s Shopping Center
Williston