We are starting a new Friday feature highlighting what we wear in a week on Instagram. Babe is asking people to help her decide what to keep and toss as she sorts through her closet.
I am not.
I just did a major closet curation over the last year and a half when I downsized and moved back to the city as an empty nester.
My secret weapon has been consignment stores. I gather up pieces I no longer love and trade them in for pieces I do. It’s can be a practically free way to curate your closet.
Consignment is not quite like shopping where you pick out what you like and slap down your credit card. A little more planning is involved, but it’s worth it!
Why Consign?
First things first—why consignment? Here are the three major wins:
Affordability: We're talking major discounts. If you don’t rub in circles where everyone buys from each seasons collections, you can get a bargain. Did you have your eye on that $2,000 Prada piece in Vogue? You could snag it for $800. Some bags retain their value but clothes tend to go down in price.
Sustainability: You’re saving the planet while getting your Gucci fix. By buying preloved items, you’re keeping them out of landfills.
Uniqueness: Consignment pieces are often one-of-a-kind (or at least hard to find). A lot of women who shop the collections every season often want vintage pieces for special occasions to set them apart.
Consignment shopping lets one indulge in life's luxuries without any guilt. Plus, there’s something downright satisfying about spotting that iconic piece you wanted but never got. It’s like the universe gifting you a win.
The Consignment Playbook for Midlife Women
1. Do Your Research
Like any self-respecting shopper, you’ve got to know where to look. Not all consignment shops are created equal. Some specialize in designer goods, while others are more like your well-meaning aunt’s closet cleanup.
Start with high-end consignment stores that offer authentication services like Entrupy if you’re looking online. If you prefer to touch and feel, find boutique consignment shops in your area. Walk in. Get to know the staff. They can help you find pieces that might be in the back and call you when new inventory comes in.
2. Inspect Before You Invest
Okay, so you’ve found the coat, the one you’ve dreamed about for years. Before you get too excited, inspect that baby like an FBI agent. Check for wear and tear like loose buttons. It’s surprising how many items have only been worn once or twice.
And if you’re shopping online? Read the condition descriptions thoroughly and zoom in on the photos. Trust me, the details matter.
3. Know Your Labels
Not all brands hold their value in the resale market, so it pays to know which labels stand the test of time. Chanel and Hermes pieces (Chanel’s Double Flap Medium is a good bet) are the most likely to hold their value. Vintage pieces from the 80s and 90s hold their value, especially if they are classics and were well made.
Quick tip—if you’re new to designer items, start with accessories like bags or scarves. They’re easier to authenticate, hold their value better, and instantly level up your wardrobe. That black tee from Target? Pair it with a vintage Burberry trench, and you’re suddenly giving off CEO vibes.
4. Timing is Everything
Build a relationship with your local spot, and ask when they put out new inventory. If you can see items before they go online, it can be helpful especially for desirable brands (Chrome Hearts is flying off the shelves right now in Toronto.) Ask them what’s selling as pieces go in and out of fashion (the Balenciaga City bag is coming bag into fashion after years of not being able to give one away.) You want to maximize the price on what you sell and minimize the prices on what you buy so you will have to play against trends. Many shops have sales around shopping-focused holidays like Black Friday, Valentine’s Day, and Mother’s Day so take advantage (but no, you aren’t going to get a BOGO on Birkins.) They also have Friends and Family sales so get on all the email and text lists.
5. Negotiate (Yes, You Can)
One of the best-kept secrets of consignment shopping is that prices aren’t always set in stone—especially at smaller brick-and-mortar shops. If you notice a piece has been sitting for a while, don’t be shy about asking if the price is negotiable when it comes to both buying and selling. If you are buying and selling at the same time, they will often give you a better deal and you usually save on sales tax since they only charge you on the difference.
6. Trust Your Gut
If you’re eyeing that black Chanel caviar leather card holder, grab it. One of the golden rules of consignment shopping is “if you love it, buy it.” Not only are there a lot of other avid shoppers, but some people make a business out of buying and selling. Chances are, a classic piece won’t be there tomorrow. On the flip side, don’t buy something just because it’s a “deal.” You want timeless, high-quality pieces you’ll actually use.
Be vigalent about fakes. It’s easy to spot a Wirkin - Walmart Birkin - but there are some really good fakes out there. If your heart would break if the piece was not authentic, make sure you ask for the authentication details. And use common sense. Will you find a real Kelly bag at your local thrift store? Not a chance.
Once you’ve scored some jaw-dropping finds, you have to actually wear them. Here are some tips:
Pair classic designer items with casual staples. Think a Chanel jacket over a white tee and jeans.
Mix vintage pieces with modern ones to keep your look fresh.
Confidence is your best accessory. Wear your vintage piece with pride—it’s an extension of your fabulous personality.
For tips about decluttering, getting out of a wardrobe slump ane other ways to make your midlife fabulous, grab our book, The Selfish Season, wherever books are sold.
Happy consigning!
Xx
