Greetings!
As we approach the holiday travel season, I wanted to share my strategies for finding great consignment shops to visit. This can be such a fun and eco-friendly activity, not to mention a complete blast if you take a friend, sister, cousin, mom, or anyone else along. You’ve heard me say it before: fashion is out of control. Consignment shops are an amazing way to make a difference.
I can’t wait to watch the upcoming release of “Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy.” From Netflix: “This subversive documentary unpacks the tricks brands use to keep their customers consuming—and the real impact they have on our lives and the world.” Coming Nov. 20th. Watch the trailer below.
In this post:
Deep Dive: My two hosts chat about finding consignment shops when traveling.
Article of The Week: My strategies for finding the best consignment shops.
Tip of The Week: Use textures such as leather to elevate your look.
Outfit of The Week: A vegan belted trench is the star of this week’s look.
Enjoy and have a brilliant week!
Tatyana
PS: Have questions or suggestions? Hit reply right in the email on in comments. I would love to hear from you or answer your questions in future publications.
PPS: Please consider becoming a paid subscriber. I’m saving for a camera to start YouTube videos. If you have reservations about being a paid subscriber, please send me suggestions on how to provide you more value here.
“Fast fashion isn’t free. Someone, somewhere is paying.”
– Lucy Seigle, journalist and broadcaster on environmental issues
Business or Treasure: Your Guide To Finding Upscale Fashion Consignments When Traveling
As you may know, I recently visited Dallas-Fort Worth, and you’ll never guess the number one reason I was excited to get inflight WiFi! It was so I could use Google Maps to find a well-rated upscale consignment shop to visit during my trip.
Our wardrobes can be beautiful, curated collections of unique, elegant, well-crafted pieces that fit our coloring, shape, and personality perfectly. They can showcase craftsmanship, good tailoring, and amazing colors that flatter our unique skin tones. Sourcing these gems takes time and effort, but the reward is well worth it.
If you plan to travel for the holidays, why not take advantage of the opportunity to check out some consignment shops? Here are my top strategies for finding the best consignment shops and scoring amazing deals while you're there.
Research: Google Maps Is Your Best Friend
The first step in your consignment shopping adventure is simple: grab your smartphone and head to Google Maps. Type in “upscale consignment shops near [your destination].” You’ll be amazed at the options that pop up! Look for shops with high ratings and positive reviews. Pay attention to the photos—do the items look appealing? Are the displays well organized?
According to a survey by the National Association of Resale Professionals, 70% of people believe shopping at resale stores is better for the environment than buying new clothes. So not only are you shopping smart, but you’re also making a sustainable choice.
Read Reviews
Once you’ve identified a few potential shops, take the time to read through their reviews. Look for comments about the quality of the merchandise, the helpfulness of the staff, and the overall shopping experience. This will give you insight into what to expect and which shops might align best with your tastes.
A good sign of a quality consignment shop is a responsive owner who actively engages with customers online. This can often indicate a welcoming environment when you visit in person.
Bring a Buddy
When I was getting ready to hit the consignment shop I had my sights set on, I knew I also wanted to prioritize spending time with my friends. So I decided to make it a girl date. I’m usually a solo hunter, but I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and I’m so glad I did. In addition to having a second, or third, opinion, this ended up being a fun and memorable bonding experience with a dear friend.
Engage with Shop Staff
When you arrive at a consignment shop, take a moment to greet the shop owner or staff. Share your excitement about finding their store! You might say something like, “I was so excited to find your shop on Google! The reviews were fantastic, and I can’t wait to explore.”
Good consignment shop owners and employees take pride in their stores and enjoy sharing the stories behind their items. By showing genuine interest, you’ll often find that staff will go out of their way to help you find pieces you will love.
Be Open to Unique Finds
Consignment shopping is all about the thrill of the hunt. While you might have a specific item in mind, be open to unexpected finds. You never know when you’ll stumble upon a one-of-a-kind piece that perfectly fits your style.
Remember, slow fashion isn’t just about buying new pieces; it’s about curating a wardrobe that reflects who you are. Embrace the character and history of each item you consider—it adds depth to your collection.
Know Your Colors, Proportions, and Measurements
Before you embark on your consignment shopping journey, take a moment to reflect on your wardrobe colors and the kinds of garments that flatter your figure and jot down your measurements. It takes a considerable amount of time to try on a heap of items, but if you bring in a tape measure, you can easily pass on things that you know won’t align with your body. (For more info on finding your color family, please check out www.lightlovescolor.com).
Look for Quality Over Quantity
When shopping, prioritize quality over quantity. Inspect each piece carefully for signs of wear and tear, and consider how it fits into your existing wardrobe. Investing in well-made items will ensure your wardrobe lasts longer and remains stylish.
Be Willing To Tailor
I’m a big believer in having a trusted local tailor. For a few bucks, ill-fitting pants and jackets can look polished and sophisticated, too-long pants can fit perfectly, and tattered hems can look brand new again. Even high-quality designer pieces need a little tailoring here and there. Having a tailor back home always gives peace of mind in taking a chance on a garment that’s the perfect color or fabric but needs just a little tweaking.
Don’t Forget Accessories
Some of my favorite high-quality belts, shoes, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, scarves, and other finishing touches in my wardrobe are second-hand. Consignment shops provide the unique service of sorting through many accessories to only take the ones they think will sell. The prices are a little higher than thrift, but well worth it in the end.
Follow Up Online
Be sure to leave a review about your experience to help others know what to expect. If you received great service or found a lovely piece, be sure to thank them in your review. Many consignment shops maintain an active social media presence, showcasing new arrivals and special promotions. Follow your favorite shops on their social media platforms to stay up-to-date on what’s available. This way, you’ll know when they receive new inventory and can plan your next visit accordingly.
A Sustainable Shopping Experience Awaits
Traveling opens the door to new experiences Exploring upscale consignment shops is a rewarding way to enhance your wardrobe sustainably and to step out of the dysfunctional trend-based economy. So, the next time you travel, pack your sense of adventure and prepare to discover hidden gems in consignment shops. You might be surprised how many unique, high-quality pieces are waiting to be discovered. Happy shopping!
Elevate Your Look with a Vegan Leather Trench
To easily elevate your look with a leather belted trench, pair it with a monochromatic sweater and scarf. For weekend looks, feel free to mix in a pair of your favorite jeans, and for your office days, straight or slightly bootcut black trousers will look sleek and sophisticated. This is an eco-friendly way to look polished and sophisticated.
This look is a link to Pinterest; use the link if you're interested in shopping any of the items.
Share this post