Sometimes a vintage find can be better than a luxury buy. Here are three consignment shops in D.C. worth checking out!
When you find that perfect piece, you know all that digging through the racks was worth it. Whether it be a designer piece at a much friendlier price point, or a pair of old school Manolos or Louboutins or whatever your favorite brand of luxury shoe is, there’s always something interesting to stumble upon. Plus, it’s just fun! Also, consignment shops are great places to sell pieces you no longer need (closet clean-out, anyone?) and make a little extra cash.
Current Boutique
Current Boutique has four locations in the DMV (plus you can shop online) and has been providing women with pre-loved clothing for over 10 years. Their selection process is incredibly thorough to make sure that every piece is authentic, stylish, and in quality condition. They host tons of events, are constantly in the press for their collaborations with fashion "it girls," and are just plain cool. Designers include anything from Kate Spade to Prada, and the pieces are always in the right season. If you’re looking to sell, you can bring your candidates into any location and meet with a Current Boutique buyer, who will assess and price everything. Once your piece has sold, you’ll make a percentage of the profit. [gallery columns="2" size="medium" ids="4373,4374"]Secondi Consignment
Secondi has a similar concept to Current Boutique, but it's got a little bit more charm and character in the sense that you have to dig to find that diamond in the rough. Wedged between a Starbucks and a Dolcezza on Connecticut Avenue in Dupont, a discreet door and steps lead up to the store entrance. What makes Secondi a unique place for consignment is that the shop feels couture, mannequins are adorned with silk scarves and beaded purses, racks are filled with glamorous vintage evening gowns, and shoe racks display tons of Jimmy Choo and Chanel. Yet, the vibe is still cozy and intimate, and you’ll always walk away with a one-of-a-kind treasure. Selling is the same process as Current Boutique. [gallery columns="2" size="medium" ids="4378,4375"]Buffalo Exchange
Buffalo Exchange has an edgy, alternative vibe to it, where everything you buy somehow looks effortless and cool. You’ll be able to get some really cheap pieces here, but of course you can also get Gucci and the like. The setting is a little bit underground, less chic, and more down to business. Currently, they’re accepting and selling Halloween costumes, and there’s no better place to complete your goal of looking like a movie star from the 90s (or other decades) than at a vintage store. Buffalo Exchange has a different buying process than the other two; when you sell to this place, you’ll get cash on the spot. Of course, this entails selling your clothing at a lower cost, but relieves the hassle of having to wait and keep checking back in. Another great feature is that whatever Buffalo Exchange can’t buy, they’ll allow you to leave for them to donate to local charities. So you know all your old stuff is going to a good place! [gallery columns="2" size="medium" ids="4380,4381"] Consignment is definitely cool again and all the options listed have the highest standards in assuring that everything in their stores is in wearable condition and reflects the appropriate price. Whether you’re looking for designer brands, brooches and beads from the 1920s, or just a funky t-shirt you can’t find in a department store, vintage is the way to go.Do you have a favorite consignment store in the D.C. area? Let us know in the comments!
