Ah, consignment shopping. A magical way of owning the best labels in the world without those horrifying prices that make us gasp (quietly though…we don’t want people to think we don’t actually have $5,000 for a bag). Consignment stores have popped up all over town, but I’ve come to realize that a few who just sell second hand clothes place themselves in the same category as the ones who buy and sell authentic designer goods. Here’s a guide to some of the better (read: higher-end) shops around the city.
Address: 632 Queen Street West
Stock: “Pre-owned authentic designer apparel”
DL: Founded by celebrity stylist and brand collector Janet Han, the FY boutique is continuously updated with bags, shoes and designer apparel. If you follow the store on Twitter, you have a chance at getting to their luxury pieces first. Shop the wall of Louis Vuitton bags or tables of shoes that include Blahnik and Louboutin, and be content in knowing that the store does offer a lifetime 100 per cent authenticity money-back guarantee.
Address: 946 Yonge Street
Stock: “Gently used luxury items”
DL: One of the best parts of shopping here is dealing with the co-owners Stella and Jina. True lovers of fashion, the ladies take pleasure in recommending pieces, advising proper care tips, and have no problem putting garments on hold. Their chic little shop is filled to the brim with hangbags, dresses, shoes, and accessories from labels like Gaultier, Hermes, Burberry, and so much more. Conditions are always mint and buyers can expect 100 per cent authenticity.
Address: 1640 Avenue Road
Stock: “Upscale consignment with pre-owned and new clothes”
DL: With a strict policy that no item sold to the store can be over two years old, Extoggery maintains that you’ll always be getting the freshest fashions. Classic pieces (like anything Chanel) might make the cut depending on how to-die-for they are. Not all labels meet their standards; the website lists what they no longer accept and I’m afraid our own Joe Fresh is on it. Get to the store right away as their summer sale (with an extra 20-50 per cent off purchases) has already begun and runs until the end of July. Items from the store that don’t sell are donated to the recovery centre OASIS.
Address: 639 Queen Street West
Stock: “Designer consignment, pieces and rentals”
DL: While I’ve yet to find any must-haves on the clothes racks, the shoe section here makes me drool. Designers range from McQueen to Campbell and prices can get up into the thousand,s so come with the idea (and credit cards) that you’ll leave a little bit poorer. Created by stylist and designer Salem Moussallam, this store might just be the best place to find a Herve Leger bandage dress. Not that I’ve been looking…
Address: 5 Broadway Avenue
Stock: “Highest-end menswear”
DL: A consignment store exclusively for men, some might confuse this store as a proprieter of brand new garments. Names from suit specialists are scattered all over this hidden gem: Boss, Armani, Perry, and even Brooks Brothers appear on the racks. Unexpected labels like Viktor & Rolf and Christian Lacroix are also often in stock. Prices never vear into four digits (unless you walk out with an arm load) and everything is in tip-top condition. Owner Lee makes the experience all the more enjoyable by recommending cuts and even going the extra mile by calling customers when new pieces arrive.
Address: 3 Grosvenor St. (at Yonge)
Stock: “Recycled clothes”
DL: Another boutique specializing in menswear, Renaissance Man, run by owner Meirav Livne-Bar, demands the best from its inventory. Only the cleanest, best kept, and most fashionable pieces make the shelves… and Livne-Bar has the final say. Looking through the garments is a feat in itself because of the confined space, but it’s worth the work there’s an assortment of mint condition suits, ties, pocket squares, and accessories.
Address: 132 Cumberland Street
Stock: “Premiere store for second hand fashion”
DL: At this location for over 38 years, L’Elegante obviously has a formula that just works. Featured on the television show Diva on a Dime, this store also carries a ‘two years or less’ rule about what it takes in. Pieces are in perfect condition and have labels like Dior, Gucci, Chanel, Etro, and more at fractions of retail price. Customers are even welcome to start a profile describing what they’re after and will receive calls when those items arrive.
____
Bianca Teixeira writes about style for Toronto Standard. Follow her on Twitter at @BeeLauraTee.
For more, follow us on Twitter @TorontoStandard and subscribe to our newsletter.
