For the past several weeks, A-Line has focused on talented, fashion-driven individuals both inside and outside of the Ann Arbor community. This week, I decided to do something a little different. I decided to focus on a type of shopping that many people may not be familiar with. And, although I’m a bit biased, I believe that the best person to talk to about this shopping form is my Aunt Gail, the world’s greatest consignment shopper. Trust me, I’ve reaped the benefits myself, especially around Christmastime. So, read on, as A-Line delves into the world of consignment shopping.

How did you first get involved with consignment shopping?

I actually first got involved with consignment shopping because a friend suggested it to me. And, being the shopper that I am, I did just that. I was pleasantly surprised. Truly, I didn’t know what to expect. I heard the words “secondhand” and “used,” which made me a bit concerned. It was quite the learning experience!

So is it better than regular shopping?

I actually don’t think it’s necessarily better than regular shopping. I just think it’s something to add on to the roster. I think that, in addition to regular shopping, it can be a really wonderful thing. The other thing that people don’t always know about consignment shopping is that you can sell your clothes at the same place that you do your shopping and that can be awesome if you get that going. You can actually drop clothes off to sell and, while they’re checking them out, you can shop around and see if there is something for you to buy.

My Aunt Gail: The World's Greatest Consignment Shopper

And you do that, right?

I do. I do sell my clothes. But, I’ve learned not to take the money. The reason being because you’re not going to become a millionaire by selling your clothes. But, if you know how to use the proceeds and actually never take the cash out of the store and use them in trade, you can really clean up. So I consider if for me a “swap shop.” Even though that’s not how it’s set up, I go in and turn in my clothes with the mental attitude that if I find something in here that’s better than what I’m turning in (and usually there is), I can get something with the proceeds I made. It’s wonderful because I didn’t spend any money, really. I’m cleaning out my closet and walking out with things that I haven’t spent any actual cash on. Now that’s why consignment shopping works for me, but that’s not to say that some of my friends haven’t done things differently. I’ve just come up with it over the years. You also have to be integrated into one store because then they get to know you and you get to know them and they know what you’re turning in and there’s some sort of trust level.

What is the best consignment shop out there?

Honestly, I think it’s the place that you develop a little bit of rapport with, the place you go into on a regular basis. But there are secondhand stores in every city. They have them in LA and West Palm Beach. Secondhand stores are now running in the same vein as regular stores. You can find extremely discount secondhand stores in addition to high-end secondhand stores. And, with the Internet, oh my gosh! You can do your Internet research before even going to a new city! I have to be honest though. I know you love New York, but I was disappointed with the ones in New York City because the pricing was really up there! Of course, the clothing was much more of a designer offering, but I guess, for me, when I think of used clothing stores—I like to think of paying practically nothing!

What do you look for in a consignment shop?

I look for cleanliness. That’s number one. Because the stuff is used so you want to make sure that  they are taking good, quality, clean items. That’s important to me. Also, the layout of the store is important. The pricing is important. You want to make sure that you are getting a good deal and that you’re getting the deal that you couldn’t get at a regular store. So you want the pricing to be super. You want it to be current with fashion. I like diversity—everything from sweatshirts to evening gowns. I think that’s fun. Sort of a one stop shopping. I also like when they offer the shoes and purses, too. Some people don’t like to buy clothes there, but they’d be interested in a nice, leather bag.

Are there days that are better than others at the consignment shop?

Gail's advice? Go through the racks!

Absolutely! Some days I’ve gone in with a girlfriend because I’ve raved: “You’ve got to see this!” And we go in and it’s like- “goodbye.” Because on that particular day there was nothing that was brought in that was appealing. If you make it a once a year thing, you could be disappointed. But, then again you could get lucky– someone could unload their closet with exactly your size and your taste, and you’ve hit the jackpot. Honestly, the real winners are the ones that go on a consistent basis to the same shops because they are going to be the first ones there to see what was brought in. The early bird gets the worm. And in consignment shopping, when you see it, you have to buy it. Because if you delay or hesitate, it’s going to be gone. And unlike a regular store, they can’t just order it for you!

What do you think makes a good consignment shopper or seller?

I think somebody that is not too sensitive. Sometimes when you turn your clothing in they won’t take everything and people get upset. I think consignment shopping is definitely a mind game. I know people that feel like consignment shopping is below them. In their book, secondhand might not be good. So, I think it’s important for people to be open for finding a deal that’s not brand new. But, if you’re going to be sensitive about the fact it was pre-owned than you will never enjoy it and it might not be for you.

When people think of consignment shops they think of low-end things. But, it’s true that there are some high-end consignment shops. Tell me about those!

I would say that most of the stuff is usually higher end and I’ll tell you why. People who turn in their clothes  are usually avid shoppers and they tend to buy higher-end things to begin with and they continue to buy stuff like that, so they are constantly cleaning out their closets. A lot of people expect high fashion and good quality and I think that a lot of people don’t realize that’s most likely what they’ll find at a good consignment shop.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone interested in consignment shopping?

I would say, “Go!” Give it a try. Go through the racks. One of my big tricks is to look at the mannequins. They put the cutest things on the mannequins. Whenever I go, I usually end up buying the clothes right off the mannequin. The stuff that lures me in is usually what I leave with. I’d also suggest to go often. And I will also say that, having been a real serious shopper,  you can get great deals at consignment shops, but it’s not always better. Stores like Marshall’s and TJ Maxx, which are considered discount stores, also have really great deals. You have to know how to shop. If you know brands, quality, and fabrics, you’ll be better off than someone who doesn’t know. If you don’t know an Armani from Isaac Mizrahi or The Limited in terms of labels– I mean, there’s a huge difference. The people who do the best are the people who know clothing. Also, try it on! Sometimes you think it’s too good to pass up, so you buy it on impulse. Then when you get home, it’s not at all what you thought. It’s too short, the color is not right. And, keep in mind, consignment shops are not refundable!

What is a fashion trend that you think will always be in?

Blazers. I think that anybody can wear a blazer, whether’s it’s cropped, hip-length, three quarter length, collared, not collared. At consignment shops, I always go to the blazer department. You can wear them with a t-shirt, a camisole, whatever. I think it can pull together an entire outfit. One of my greatest finds at a consignment shop was a black, high-styled, Armani blazer. I got it for twenty bucks. It fits like a dream. I actually ended up adding some lace around the neck. It was one of my best finds!

Interested in consignment shopping? Search the Internet for the best-rated consignment stores in your city!

(above: image source)