New England Vintage Chic: Finding Designer Labels For Less

Finding Designer Labels For Less

Who: Everyone and anyone who wants to look fantastic and save money should be shopping at consignment stores.

Tip: Shop with a friend. The shopping experience will be that much more fun.

What: DKNY, J-Crew, The Gap, Gucci, Prada, Coach, Calvin Klein and Banana Republic are just a few examples of what you may find while shopping at consignment stores. Many consignment stores also offer a selection of quality vintage clothing.

Tip: Pay attention to signs within the store. Many stores break out their high-end designers on a select rack. Also, look behind the counter and in locked cabinets to find the super high-end designers.

When: Anytime! Consignment stores consistently carry high-end labels and offer quality merchandise. Over the last five years consignment stores have been popping up more and more. Consumers are becoming eager to find deals on their favorite labels without sacrificing quality and overspending. Therefore, the demand for these types of store is high. You can shop all year round at consignment stores and I promise you, they will always have a unique selection to shop from.

Tip: Make sure to call or check the web for store hours. Many consignment stores are one-offs, therefore their hours may be funky.

Where: Again, consignment stores are beginning to pop up everywhere. You can find a local consignment store by searching the web, asking friends and family or by using my blog, www.newenglandvintagechic.com. My blog offers a list of stores by state, local reviews and recommendations.

Tip: No two consignment stores are alike. The experience at every location will be different; offering a unique selection of clothing and accessories.

Why: The question isn’t why, it is why not! Why wouldn’t you want to save money and stay fashionable at the same time? You have nothing to lose by shopping at your local consignment store. You can find unique one-of-a-kind pieces and your favorite designer labels, all at a discounted price.

Tip: Many consignment stores offer a sales discount by color or holiday sales. Ask a sales clerk for the most up-to-date information on their current discounts.

Best RI spots to find designer labels

Second Time Around, 294 Thayer St, Providence, (401) 455-2050. www.secondtimearound.net

Into the Wardrobe, 117 Brook St, Providence, (401) 831-7660.

Act II, 802 Hope St, Providence, (401) 274-2223.

Karma Couture, 591 Main St, East Greenwich, (401) 398-0576. www.shopkarmaonline.com

Krazy Daisy, 900 Victory Hwy, (Rt.102), Slatersville, (401) 597-6219. www.thekrazydaisy.com

WISH, 106 Williams St, Newport, (401) 848-0202. www.wishnewport.com

Corner Consignment, 980 East Main Rd, Portsmouth, (401) 683-1771.