The Art of Consignment: From riches to rags IV

While looking over my May budget, I must say the financial forecast looks sunny. I actually spent less than my (somewhat inflated) budget last month. I have also been quite thrifty in cutting down a lot of entertainment costs and have almost completely avoided malls or any shopping whatsoever.

This was fairly easy to maintain since if I am not going to any major events or parties then it doesn't really matter so much what I wear right? Well now the situation has changed. I am interning three times a week at a fashion magazine downtown so I definitely need to upgrade and update my look. I also have to purchase some more items that will hide my healing knee and ankle war wounds (thinking maxi dresses and linen pants). So the clothing budget is most definitely going to increase dramatically for the next few months. I was a little worried since normally I can spend my days off hunting down bargains in thrift stores and Winners, but now my time is limited along with my budget.

Luckily last night my girlfriend took me into Fashionable Yours a consignment store on Queen Street West. My eyes were opened up. There are both casual and modern men's and women's clothing, shoes, bags, sunglasses all at reasonable and accessible prices. The shop had a lot of great items that I would have loved to have owned. I tried on a Ella Moss 3/4 sleeve top which was only $25 and a Narciso Rodriguez sleeveless dress shirt for $100. They also have tons of designer denim like 7 for All Mankind, Paige Denim, and Rock and Republic. The other great thing is of course you can bring in your gently used merchandise and start scoring some cash instead of storing it.

In other consignment news I have also previously made my way up north to Ex-Toggery where they have a huge store full of men's and women's consignment clothing. I love their designer denim section best. They tend to have more business and conservative clothing more than clubby or casual hip clothing since they are up at Bathurst and Lawrence, where most of their clothing consignees live. If you have gently used suits and tailored coats and such, bring them here to make those old business duds bring you a buck.

Today I found myself in Yorkville where I quickly scoped Second Time Around which was pure designer heaven but unfortunately still a little too much for my budget. I saw a beautiful pair of gold and sisal Prada wedgies just in my size, but they were $225. I also saw this lime green YSL ruffle bag (St. Tropez) circa 2002 that I had always wanted but at $625, it wasn't much less than the retail price back then. There were some good grabs on bags in the $500 range (for $1200 original retail value) bags so if you are in the market for a new designer bag they are in great shape, great labels, and good value. This store only carries women's clothing and also accepts consignment if you have a Gucci shirt lying around you are *yawn* so tired of. Another great thing here were designer dresses ranging from $200 - $500, which you might spend anyways for a special event. Why not grab designer (think Chanel bling) rather than a tired old thing?

Have no fear men you are not competely neglected. I came across this article in Globe & Mail that was covering consignment shopping for men and featured the retailer Off the Cuff. I haven't had a chance to visit the Yonge/Lawrence area store but it seems to be carrying mostly designer duds and a mixture between casual and business wear. Hugo Boss jeans, Paul Smith ties, Gucci belts, you can find them all here. This seems like a go-to store for a young guy entering the corporate world who needs a suit but doesn't want to pay $500 for a polyester or cheaply made suit. Here you can find designer suits like Versace and Hugo Boss all for about $500 - $600. Definitely worth your investment for a fine suit to start you off climbing the ladder.

Just dont' get thrown off track by those retailers still selling at full price. Save some money now by shopping consignment and earn some extra money by taking all your "good stuff" over to a consignment store near you and turn that overstuffed closet into a some coinage.

See Related Posts:
From Rags to Riches  VI: Curate your wardrobe

From Rags to Riches V: Banish Big Box 
The Art of Consignment: From riches to rags IV
Cooking for dollars: From riches to rags III
Keeping in line: From riches to rags II
From riches to rags