Your Guide To Consignment Shopping In Chicago
UPDATE: Is your closet ready for your new fall wardrobe? We didn't think so. Clear out those unworn clothes thanks to these so-awesome consignment shops. This story was originally published on July 11.
When was the last time you took a good look through your closet? We mean really looked. Chances are, you'll find hanger after hanger of unworn garb or duds that make you wonder why you ever swiped your plastic in the first place. Well, it's time for a new lease on your sartorial life, and what better place to start than at one of the Windy City's many seriously chic (and under-the-radar!) consignment shops.
Here, we help you navigate the secondhand-store world, with tips on everything from how to sell your goods to scoring major deals on the best designers. Behold, our ultimate cheat sheet to everything consignment shopping. Now, the only thing left to do is sell, sell, sell. Or buy, buy, buy.
The Haute Spot
The Haute Spot was launched by a longtime Chicago stylist (and former Neiman Marcus personal shopper) who knows the importance of confidentiality when working with the city’s elite. Her young staff is noticeably poised, professional, sweet, and bubbly — it’s like the cutthroat world of fashion has yet to jade these fresh-out-of-college fashionphiles.
Consigning
The Haute Spot is all about confidential, five-star treatment for their hush-hush high-profile consignors. They provide concierge-like services from start to finish, including seamless transfers to sister company Karna Johnson Styling Associates, which is super convenient if consignors wish to include wardrobe consulting and personal shopping as part of their closet purge.
Shopping
While bargain hunters may be initially intimidated by the price tags on pieces (such as a nearly $10,000 Hermès Kelly bag!), you’ll find relief after clicking over to their more accessible store, Contemplations, which features contemporary brands such as Calypso, Vince, J.Crew, and BCBG. All of these items are available to view and try on in-store at Haute Spot’s chic shopping parties on the first Thursday of every month.
The Haute Spot, 935 West Chestnut Street (at Sangamon Street); 312-226-7768.
Luxury Garage Sale
Specializing in upscale contemporary and vintage clothing and accessories, Luxury Garage Sale has been primarily an eBay store since launching in early 2011. They're now opening an Old Town storefront that will revolutionize high-end consignment shopping and selling.
Consigning
Consignors can drop off their duds at the new location or arrange for in-home pickup. Your everyday designer pieces (BCBG, Amanda Uprichard, etc.) will have an initial listing starting at $30-$35 and up, and top-designer items (Chanel, Carolina Herrera, Marchesa) can be listed at as much as $2,500 (or boast a buy-it-now price of $12,000, as is the case of the Tom Ford gown currently listed). Because of the higher initial listing price of even basic brands (versus other eBay stores’ starting at $18.99), some of your items may not sell ... but those that do will bring a nice check.
Shopping
With more than 600 women’s and men’s items listed at any given time, shoppers of all budgets can place a bid or buy it now. With the new storefront, you’ll be able to purchase the piece you’re coveting immediately — no bidding necessary. For those of you who like to shop from the Wi-Fi of your own neighborhood Starbucks or secretly at work, the eBay store will still be going strong. LGS also works with top boutiques to sell their overstock, which means you have access to new items with tags.
Luxury Garage Sale, retail store coming Summer 2012.
eDrop-Off
The focus of the VH1 show House of Consignment, eDrop-Off has wide acclaim, and therefore, a robust following on eBay, selling everything, from contemporary to designer clothing and accessories. While they offer at-home pickup across the U.S., their storefront on Halsted is beautiful, and an in-person trip is recommended.
Consigning
eDrop-Off will start your more basic items (Betsey Johnson, Theory) at the low price of $18.99, which may disappoint some consignors at first, but this sales strategy paired with the eBay store’s popularity usually results in several bids and, ultimately, an escalated price, especially as the auction nears close. Consignors should remember that a sold item, even at a low price, is better than an unsold item, and a low start price is a catalyst for more bids.
Shopping
Spot something you love from the more than 1,400 women’s and men’s items listed online? Set up an appointment to try the item on in person, and then hope that you have the winning bid when the auction closes. Recently spotted online: YSL patent pumps wrapping up auction for under $200 and Kelly green Gucci sandals and Judith Ripka charms — each closing for under $100. From a shopper’s perspective, prices at eDrop-Off are great for the luxury items they list. And, don't forget eDrop-off's annual Charity Warehouse Sale benefitting the Anti-Cruelty Society will be in October.
eDrop-Off, 2117 North Halsted Street (between Dickens and Webster avenues); 773-525-7467.
Photo: Courtesy of The Haute Spot
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The Haute Spot
The Haute Spot was launched by a longtime Chicago stylist (and former Neiman Marcus personal shopper) who knows the importance of confidentiality when working with the city’s elite. Her young staff is noticeably poised, professional, sweet, and bubbly — it’s like the cutthroat world of fashion has yet to jade these fresh-out-of-college fashionphiles.
Consigning
The Haute Spot is all about confidential, five-star treatment for their hush-hush high-profile consignors. They provide concierge-like services from start to finish, including seamless transfers to sister company Karna Johnson Styling Associates, which is super convenient if consignors wish to include wardrobe consulting and personal shopping as part of their closet purge.
Shopping
While bargain hunters may be initially intimidated by the price tags on pieces (such as a nearly $10,000 Hermès Kelly bag!), you’ll find relief after clicking over to their more accessible store, Contemplations, which features contemporary brands such as Calypso, Vince, J.Crew, and BCBG. All of these items are available to view and try on in-store at Haute Spot’s chic shopping parties on the first Thursday of every month.
The Haute Spot, 935 West Chestnut Street (at Sangamon Street); 312-226-7768.
Luxury Garage Sale
Specializing in upscale contemporary and vintage clothing and accessories, Luxury Garage Sale has been primarily an eBay store since launching in early 2011. They're now opening an Old Town storefront that will revolutionize high-end consignment shopping and selling.
Consigning
Consignors can drop off their duds at the new location or arrange for in-home pickup. Your everyday designer pieces (BCBG, Amanda Uprichard, etc.) will have an initial listing starting at $30-$35 and up, and top-designer items (Chanel, Carolina Herrera, Marchesa) can be listed at as much as $2,500 (or boast a buy-it-now price of $12,000, as is the case of the Tom Ford gown currently listed). Because of the higher initial listing price of even basic brands (versus other eBay stores’ starting at $18.99), some of your items may not sell ... but those that do will bring a nice check.
Shopping
With more than 600 women’s and men’s items listed at any given time, shoppers of all budgets can place a bid or buy it now. With the new storefront, you’ll be able to purchase the piece you’re coveting immediately — no bidding necessary. For those of you who like to shop from the Wi-Fi of your own neighborhood Starbucks or secretly at work, the eBay store will still be going strong. LGS also works with top boutiques to sell their overstock, which means you have access to new items with tags.
Luxury Garage Sale, retail store coming Summer 2012.
eDrop-Off
The focus of the VH1 show House of Consignment, eDrop-Off has wide acclaim, and therefore, a robust following on eBay, selling everything, from contemporary to designer clothing and accessories. While they offer at-home pickup across the U.S., their storefront on Halsted is beautiful, and an in-person trip is recommended.
Consigning
eDrop-Off will start your more basic items (Betsey Johnson, Theory) at the low price of $18.99, which may disappoint some consignors at first, but this sales strategy paired with the eBay store’s popularity usually results in several bids and, ultimately, an escalated price, especially as the auction nears close. Consignors should remember that a sold item, even at a low price, is better than an unsold item, and a low start price is a catalyst for more bids.
Shopping
Spot something you love from the more than 1,400 women’s and men’s items listed online? Set up an appointment to try the item on in person, and then hope that you have the winning bid when the auction closes. Recently spotted online: YSL patent pumps wrapping up auction for under $200 and Kelly green Gucci sandals and Judith Ripka charms — each closing for under $100. From a shopper’s perspective, prices at eDrop-Off are great for the luxury items they list. And, don't forget eDrop-off's annual Charity Warehouse Sale benefitting the Anti-Cruelty Society will be in October.
eDrop-Off, 2117 North Halsted Street (between Dickens and Webster avenues); 773-525-7467.
Photo: Courtesy of The Haute Spot