The stock market’s been as mercurial as April weather. One minute it’s chugging along, the next it’s wobblier than a newbie trying on Jimmy Choo stilettos.
Which means we’re watching prices and shopping more carefully. And savvy spring wardrobe replenishers know how to make the most of an excellent resource: consignment shops. Already loved for being great alternatives to fast fashion, consignment shops are also a terrific place to make some extra money while making extra space in your closet for pieces you don’t wear anymore.
If you’re selling, a few tips: Consigners advise that everything be in excellent condition, freshly cleaned, and folded in a bag. They will choose what to accept based on the condition, style, brand, season, and the store’s capacity. Certain shops accept only certain designers and only during specific hours, so call ahead to check on policies. Pricing varies by store, but generally you’ll receive between 30% to 70% of the selling price of an item, and they’re discounted when they take a long time to sell. You can either be paid in cash or as a store credit.
The Boston area is especially blessed with a number of topnotch consigning spots — places that range from chic designer-only boutiques to boho outposts. Here’s a sampling of some of the best:
Covet (covetboston.com): With four locations around town — on Beacon Hill, Back Bay, South Boston, and the South End — this is a designer diva’s treasure trove. Expect to find scads of Gucci and Chanel bags, Valentino booties, plus racks and racks of high-end clothes.
Castanet Designer Consignment (shopcastanet.com): A bright Back Bay parlor space filled with high-end designer labels, this boutique is known for its selectivity in what it buys and sells. Stock ranges from Alaïa and Céline to Isabel Marant to The Row and the like. Most are current season rather than vintage. After 30 days, prices get discounted.
Vintage Taste (vintagetasteboston.com): This women and men’s high-end consignment on Boston’s Charles Street specializes in luxury consignment and vintage high-end designer duds. Expect a curated collection of designer labels from Akris and Armani to Cartier to Pucci, Versace to Yves Saint Laurent.
Revolve (revolveboutiques.com): With multiple locations around the Boston area — in Back Bay, Belmont, Winchester Center and Newton Centre, this small chain sells everything from Veronica Beard dresses and David Yurman rings to Tory Burch clutches and Lululemon tops. They accept items for consignment without appointments, and sell items for 60 days. Sellers earn 40%, or 50% for items more than $200.
Raspberry Beret (raspberryberet.us): This funky operation with an emphasis on sustainability and mid-priced clothing has two locations in Cambridge and Maynard. Typical finds include pieces such as Kate Spade purses, Trina Turk dresses, Coach shoes, and Anna Sui jackets.
élan Fine Consignment (elanconsignment.com): The Wellesley favorite sells everything from J. Crew to Chanel — most of it less than three years old. Some of the handbags and jewelry are older, but all of it is in mint condition. If you’re selling, no appointment is necessary, but pieces are considered weekdays 11:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 11:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. They pay 40%, and up to 70% on designer bags and jewelry.
The Garment District (garmentdistrict.com): Cambridge’s OG of vintage, this is the famed motherlode of used clothing stores for both men and women. It’s easy to spend an entire afternoon here, searching through the seemingly endless racks of retro clothes (yes, including costumes). Some are higher-end designer pieces, but most are truly low-priced bargains — meaning gently used contemporary clothing. Need to replenish your whole wardrobe? There are even bins where you can buy clothes by the pound.