Shopping consignment might seem like a hit-or-miss proposition. You either come away with a haul or end up disappointed. But there is a science to shopping for pre-loved wearables, and Carmen Lopez, founder and owner of the Current Boutique located in Arlington, Alexandria, and DC offers advice for scoring big.
“There’s a distinct difference between consignment and vintage shopping that people might not know. Consignment stores specialize in selling current fashion that’s new and in great condition,” says Lopez. “Vintage stores sell more eclectic items that often date back to a particular era and have to be handled with care.
Consignment stores may have vintage items, but Lopez says they tend to be “less theatrical, more current, and in really good condition.”
Visit Often
One of the keys to finding quality items is to shop often at stores that have a wide variety.
“A sign of a good consignment shop is that the inventory is constantly changing — daily or even hourly. That’s the sign of a lot of foot traffic which means that lots of people shop there and bring in new items,” Lopez says.
Assess the Quality
Lopez says she assesses quality to find a great piece worth the price tag.
“Check the fabric composition, and check the detail and the craftsmanship. I look at the features like the buttons and stitching, and I’m also a fanatic about material and prefer to shop for natural fabrics because they’re more sustainable, last longer, and feel better on your body,” she says.
Look for items in cotton, wool, linen, and silk.
Research Pricing
“One of the key reasons women shop consignment is because of the cost,” say Lopez. “Most likely you’ll find things up to 70 percent off the original retail price. So, research the pricing of the original item and then assess the condition of the item in-store because that will tell you a lot about the quality you’re getting for your money.”
Brand popularity, fabric composition, and current demand play a role in the price. “The items should be high quality, in nearly new condition, be relevant to today’s trends, and have a style that’s fashionable,” she says.
But realize sizing isn’t the same as going to a department store. Lopez says you need to forget what size you are for off-the-rack and try items on. “There’s a lot of variety between sizes and brands. Just because you’re a universal size six, doesn’t mean you’ll be a size six at a consignment shop because the brands are all different and there’s a wide variety between them, especially when it comes to European sizing.”
Accessories Are Usually Deals
Accessories are the key to taking your style up a notch, Lopez says. “Adding a designer handbag to simple T and jeans with really great sunglasses, and a Chanel ballet flat can take the basic look to the next level. Accessories let you add those touches of luxury to your wardrobe,” she says.
A lot of the value at consignment shops is found in the accessories because shop owners mark those items “down to a fraction of the price at retail,” she says.
What’s Hot Now?
Inventory in consignment shops changes frequently. For what’s trending now, check out what celebrities are wearing first. “We’re telling consigners to bring in their cowboy boots, leather jackets, denim-on-denim, and rodeo-style looks. [They’re] really popular right now, because of Beyonce. We had an ode to Taylor Swift that was a curated collection of pieces inspired by her.”
Feature image courtesy Current Boutique
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