Just because it's consignment wear...
...doesn't mean it's icky. I am not ashamed to admit that I do a fair share of bargain shopping. In high school, my friends and I scouted for $2 Goodwill graphic tees before they became the hot item, now retailing for over $30 at some stores. Puh-lease. If there's anything I can do, it's find something cheap that looks expensive, or find something that was expensive, but isn't anymore because some rich lady only wore it once. There is a pretty good number of consigment stores in the valley, and many of them have some really amazing things given the affluence and high wardrobe turnover in some parts of Phoenix (ahem, Scottsdale). So let me give you the rundown on some of my faves...
Today I went to a place called "A Second Look" at 32nd and Shea, and it was awesome. It was very clean, the racks weren't stuffed or the hangers immoveable, and everything was very well labeled. I needed pants, and I found pants, which were conveniently separated by both color and size. I got two pairs! The store also has housewares and accessories, but the majority of stuff in there is upscale women's clothing. There were a lot of namebrands--I saw a Louis Vuitton business suit for only $150, and it still looked good. It was very obvious that they take their time in choosing items to resell. I was very impressed by the pricing--my pants and a top were only $40.
Any Arizona college student can tell you about Buffalo Exchange. They are geared to a younger audience, and a lot of their clothes are very funky and unusual. Sometimes the prices are a little bit like "Um reeeallly...? Isn't this used?" but I was there a couple weeks ago and they seemed to have gone down a bit, and there was even a 50% off rack. They have a pretty good men's selection as well, and also fun accessories and shoes (though sometimes the shoes look a bit too worn for my taste). If you ever sell anything there, beware that they are really picky, and the staff will give off a vibe that let's you know that they are way cooler than you because they have strange haircuts. All said though, B.E. has some fun racks to browse if you're in the mood for something different. There are 2 locations in Phoenix that I know of, one at University west of Mill, and another at 7th St and Missouri.
Another place I went is called "My Sister's Closet," in this plaza around 20th st and Camelback. It's a bit cramped in there, and the clothes were immoveable on some racks because they were crammed in there. I found it a bit disorganized as far as sizing and grouping went, and the styles weren't that consistent, as in "oh look Grandma, your old blouse is right next to this amazing youthful cardigan." I was confused, but like the bargain floozy that I am, I still came away with something.
If you are just looking for funky T-shirts and/or something to wear to an Ugly Christmas Sweater party (had a great time, thanks), you of course cannot forget about Savers. They are all over the place and while you may feel like taking a shower after you go, Savers is just good stuff.
If anyone knows of any other places, drop me a line because I am all over that shiz.
Happy hand-me-down-ing!
