Tuesday Tips & Tricks: Consider Consignment

Have you ever been to a consignment shop?  If you answered "no" my reply would be "why the heck not?!"  I love good consignment shops.  Unlike thrift shops, a good consignment shop owner/buyer has a discriminatory eye and only accepts items that look new and usually focus and well-known brands or unique items. 

As a seller it's a fantastic way to declutter your closet without having to feel guilty that you're throwing away items in good condition.  Do you have any clothes in your closet that still have the tags on them?  You know, one of those things you look at and think, "what was I smoking the day I bought that?!"  Well, you can make a little return on your money by selling the garment through a consignment shop.  Plus, you'll have the peace of knowing that the garment has found a new home.... not in YOUR closet.

As a shopper at a consignment shop you can find unique items at a fraction of their original cost.  The last time I was in to my favorite local shop I bought two long cardigan sweaters, the kind you see in all the stores right now, for about $10 EACH.  Most consignment shops will also sell some new accessories to make an outfit.  Some of favorite items to look for at a resale shop are special event garments (because they are normally only worn a few times, if not once), jeans (because they're already worn in) and purses/bags.  But I always find something I love and don't have to feel guilty buying because the price is amazing.

An added bonus to shopping at a resale shop is that you're supporting a local business.  Most consignment shops are run by their owners who take great pride in their store and community.  It's always great to help support local business owners, especially in today's economy.  In a season where you're spending a lot of cash on other people's gifts, consider a consignment shop for finding your holiday party outfits! 

To find the shops in your area just search "consignment shop" or "resale shop". 

In the Ann Arbor area I recommend:

The Resale Boutique  107 East Michigan Ave, Saline, MI  734-295-3030  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Saline-MI/The-Resale-Boutique/230749620018?v=wall

Happy shopping!!

Want help finding that holiday party outfit?  Want to give someone a gift certificate to boost their style confidence?  I'm your girl!  Check out my site: http://www.stylesuccess.net

Tuesday Tips & Tricks: Instant Style

Want to look cool and sexy?  Want to create instant style?  It's easy... incredibly easy.  Two words, one item.

Leather Jacket

Not any leather jacket will do.  For example, not these...

Not these jkts
Not cool, not sexy

Here are some better options.  By the way, if you like the style, click on the picture and it will take you the store site.

A classic motorcycle jacket by MICHAEL Michael Kors at Bluefly.com, $267
A classic motorcycle jacket by MICHAEL Michael Kors at Bluefly.com, $267
Men's Racer jacket, Express.com, $348
Men's Racer jacket, Express.com, $348

Keepin' it real with the animal kingdom?  Don't sacrifice style for the cause.  Here are great imitation leather options...

Men's faux leather racer jacket, Buckle.com, $54.95

 

Faux leather motorcycle jacket for her, Express.com, $118.00
Faux leather motorcycle jacket for her, Express.com, $118

 Know anyone living in Southeast Michigan and the Detroit metro area that needs an injection of cool in their style?  Forward them my website: http://www.stylesuccess.net, I'm here to help!

Have a wonderful week!