As someone who loves to shop and frequently incorporate new, seasonal pieces into my wardrobe, I can’t tell you how much I love to support my local consignment shops. And by support, I mean both consigning my clothes and buying consignment!
At the end of each season, I clean out my closet and separate my wardrobe into three concise piles: clothes to consign, clothes to donate, and clothes to keep. And let me tell you, over the years, I’ve made a solid sum of extra money from consigning my dresses, shoes, handbags, jeans, and more. My rule of thumb is if I haven’t worn a clothing item at least once that season, it’s taking up space in my closet, and it’s time to give it up. Trust me, you won’t miss the item and there’s nothing better than getting a check for the clothing you have consigned — it’s the best surprise!
On the flip side, I’ve also bought many amazing designer pieces at my local consignment shops. They say, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” and while I don’t think a pair of Louboutin pumps could ever be considered trash; it’s pretty fantastic when you enter a consignment store only to find the most perfect item at the most perfect price!
In 2013, one of my best gal pals opened up her very own consignment shop. Hanadi Hamzeh, owner of Covet in South Boston, is not only a total #girlboss, but one of the kindest, most sincere women you will ever meet. She fills her shop with the best bargains around! I swear every time I consign clothing at Covet, I end up leaving with something new. Most recently, I took home a gorgeous silk Joie dress, perfect for a summer day, and only $61.00!
If you’re considering consigning or buying consigned clothes, Hanadi has shared a few helpful “insider” tips to get you started. Additionally, I’ve rounded up my favorite places to consign and buy consignment goods in Boston.
Happy shopping!
The A-Lyst for Consigning and Buying Designer Consignment
Any shop that has an adorable chihuahua as its shop dog and mascot is a must-visit! Beyond petting the lovable “Olive,” I enjoy consigning and shopping at Covet. This South Boston gem, which just moved in to a bigger space on West Broadway Street, boasts a wide array of designer handbags, jewelry, shoes, dresses, blouses, and more. On a recent visit, I ogled over hot pink Versace pumps, a fit and flare Joie dress, and pearl drop Chanel earrings, all of which were priced at a fraction of their original retail price! If you’re thinking about consigning, Covet accepts lightly worn, in-style items by appointment (you can read the store’s helpful “how to consign” guide here). Once your item sells, you will receive 40% of the selling price and if it’s a designer handbag, you will receive 60%. 391 West Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127
Owner Hanadi Hamzeh gave me the inside scoop on how to best consign and shop consignment…
1.) If you’re looking to score the best items, avoid shopping on the weekends, and instead, shop during the week. Covet holds the majority of its consignor appointments on weekdays, so you have the best chance of finding new and cool merchandise if you come into the shop Monday-Friday.
2.) Follow Covet’s Instagram for a first look at new merchandise. Can’t make it into the shop? You can always call and purchase an item over the phone for a later pick-up or shipment.
3.) If you like it, buy it! Consignment shops only have one of each item and merchandise moves out of the store quickly. Since sales are final, try everything on and if it’s go, take it home with you. Nothing haunts us like the things we didn’t buy…
4.) Not sure what to consign? If it’s too out of style for you, it’s likely too out of style for the store. Designer jeans and anything current and on-trend (think bright hues, cold shoulder everything, and floral must-haves for summer 2017) are always desirable.
5.) Don’t be offended if the store doesn’t accept a piece of clothing that you love. The team is experienced in knowing what will sell well and their ultimate goal is give you the best return on your consignment. To make your clothes more presentable, make sure everything is wrinkle-free and folded nicely when you come in for your appointment.
With multiple locations in and around Boston as well as across 12 different states, 2nd Time Around offers shoppers an excellent inventory of lightly worn apparel. I especially love their extensive cashmere section during the winter months! My go-to location for 2nd Time Around is the brand’s shop on Newbury Street because it offers men’s apparel upstairs and women’s merchandise downstairs. 176 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116
This Newbury Street consignment shop, formally known as The Closet, has been around for over 35 years, and never fails to impress by offering top labels like The Row, Isabel Marant, and more. Since it’s located right across the street from 2nd Time Around, it’s super convenient to check out both stores for a budget-friendly shopping excursion! 175 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116
I love popping into Boomerangs before or after brunch at The Gallows because it not only has an interesting assortment of clothing, books, and accessories, but all proceeds go to support the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts. You can clear out your closet as well as shop for an amazing cause! 1407 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02118
Revolve has six locations in Massachusetts, including a prime spot on Boston’s Newbury Street. From Hermes ties for your favorite man to Louis Vuitton watches, if you’re a fan of designer duds at great prices, this is your store! 262 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116
With many of my friends moving out to the ‘burbs, I’ve found myself in Melrose more than once over the past few months. Madison Ave of Melrose is a fantastic consignment boutique for fashion-lovers who don’t want to deal with Boston traffic in their quest to find off-price designer apparel. Don’t miss the awesome selection of designer handbags (think Prada to CHANEL) as well as statement jewelry! 523 Main Street, Melrose, MA 02176
Outfit Details:
Dress: Joie Fit & Flare Dress (found at Covet)
Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo Vera Flat in Navy (found at Covet)
Dress: Black & White O’2nd Midi Dress (found at Covet)
Sweater: Trouve Off the Shoulder Sweater in Grey Heather
Leggings: Lou & Grey Ponte Leggings in Black
Nail Polish: Essie Go Go Geisha