I’m a fan of consignment and thrift store shopping.
I tend to prefer consignment shopping because there’s less to pick through, and it tends to be a level higher in terms of quality, and upkeep versus rooting through a bin or racks of clothing.
It’s also a personal preference because it’s kind of like going to a regular retail outlet versus Winners. I really don’t like picking through racks.
I’ve been getting excited over the years by the prospect of finding great items that I can actually use in my wardrobe, and here are my favourite pieces!
1. MANOLO BLAHNIK CLASSIC BROWN LEATHER PUMPS
Original Retail Price: $625
Consignment Price: $60
SAVINGS: $565 or 90% OFF
I constantly root through the rows of shoes that look like they don’t have much wear and tear on them, and to find a pair of Size 37 (!) MANOLO BLAHNIK (!!) mid-heel (!!!) pumps in a classic, dark brown leather for only $60 made my heart squeal with joy.
It is a find of a lifetime, because as you can imagine, it is very hard to find classic, mid-heel shoes IN MY SIZE in a consignment store. Most people tend to keep these shoes forever, not consign them, because they’re classic.
I can definitely see why people buy MB shoes, because when you put it on, your feet will immediately understand the difference between wearing a shoe that has the right structure versus a cheap Payless heel.
These were the perfect shoe to replace my worn out Nine West brown heels, and I took them in to be cared for by a shoe guy, repaired and polished.
I want to wear them forever, and EVER.
2. DIANE VON FURSTENBERG GINGKO JESSICA WRAP DRESS
Original Retail Price: $345
Consignment Price: $103.99
Savings: $241.01 or 70% OFF
I bought this in December 2012 when a consignment store was having a Boxing Day Sale.
An AMAZING find because not only do I love wrap dresses, I love the prints that Diane von Fursternberg uses, and especially gingko leaves.
3. DIANE VON FURSTENBERG BLACK MARTA PANELED PENCIL SKIRT
Original Retail Price: $345
Consignment Price: $79
Savings: $266 or 77% OFF
Another great find from a label I love.
Fits like a glove, where the waistband doesn’t get stretchy and shifts, but the rest of the skirt is paneled, so it hugs your hips with good movement and flexibility.
4. DKNY GREY T-SHIRT WITH A BEADED COLLAR
Original Retail Price: $130
Consignment Price: $50
Savings: $80 or 61%
It’s an ordinary t-shirt, but with something a little extra at the collar, which is great for going out in. It’s comfortable, yet dressy at the same time without being obnoxious.
5. HERMES CASHMERE WRAP
Original Retail Price: $2100
Consignment Price: $200
Savings: $1900 or 90% OFF
One of my best finds, yet. I wear this wrap every time I travel. It’s comfortable, perfectly designed to look effortless and chic even if you’re just tossing the ends over your shoulder.
Amazing.
6. VINTAGE MONET WATERLILIES SILK RUCHED SHEATH DRESS
Original Retail Price: ??
No idea, but I was told it was custom-made in Paris for the owner, in this beautiful waterlily printed silk. There’s an impeccable structure in the dress with boning, hidden zippers, ruching, and it is just incredible, the workmanship.
With this beautiful printed silk, I’m sure it wasn’t cheap, so I’d wager it cost at least $500 to create it.
Consignment Price: $500
Savings:??
No idea.
It was worth every penny for being a unique, not-off-the-rack, custom-made, gorgeous silk dress that I get compliments on all the time. You can dress it up, dress it down, belt it, leave it as is, wear it as a skirt with a top over it, and it looks great.
7. CASHMERE SWEATERS
Original Retail Price: $100 – $300 minimum
Consignment Price: $30 – $40 each
Savings: $70 to $260 or 70% to 87% OFF
I live in these things. I sleep in them, I wear them underneath my winter jackets to stay warm, and they are definitely worth every penny.
8. MANOLO BLAHNIK SHORT BOOTS
Original Retail Price: $900
Consignment Price: $240
SAVINGS: $660 or 73% OFF
These are fantastic because I can wear them to work (short heels!) and they won’t catch on my pants as I am going up stairs or walking.
Perfect for Autumn and Spring when pumps are a bit too cold (or it’s too wet outside to let rain into your shoes).
9. MANOLO BLAHNIK CLASSIC BLACK LEATHER PUMPS
Original Retail Price: $625
Consignment Price: $200
SAVINGS: $425 or 68% OFF
Just rounding out my shoe wardrobe (I have dark brown and black heels now!)
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