Tips for navigating vintage/consignment shops

Celebrate National Consignment Day! Southie has a Boston Magazine Best of Boston for consignment shop winner –  Covet. Make a plan to hunt and gather and find some designers hidden in the racks and shelves like Prada, Gucci, and Marc Jacobs!  Here are some tips to help you navigate second hand shopping like a boss!

Take your time.  Browse, go through the racks a few times.  Who knows what hidden gems you might have missed.

Hunt and gather.  If you like it, carry it with you.  Most items are one of a kind and there’s nothing worst than leaving something on the rack to see another customer quickly grab it.  He who hesitates is lost.

Keep an open mind.  It’s good to have a mental list of what your in the market for i.e coat, cashmere sweater a dress for that wedding coming up but you never know what you might find.  Who knew you needed those pink Prada platforms?

Clean and classic.  Stick to pieces that are classic and that have clean and simple lines.   You don’t want to appear dated.  Classic pieces last longer in your closet.

Try things on.  It’s alway good to try things on.  Never assume something will fit – even if it’s your size – check yourself out in a mirror and make sure you like how it looks.

Double check.  Make sure the zipper works, that there’s no damages or stains.

Visit often.  The thing about consignment shops is that new merchandise comes in daily so it’s important to make several trips per month to make sure you don’t miss something special!

Special request!  If you’re looking for a  Louis Vuitton cross body bag – let the shop know.  They can reach out to you when one comes in!

Find a tailor!  Sometimes just a few adjustments to a garment makes the world of difference.  Tapper a leg, shorten a sleeve, raise a hem can make your garment feel new and fresh.  We recommend Mauro’s on East Broadway.

Happy Shopping! 

Items in images were found at Dew Luxe and Covet!