The Best Consignment Stores in New York City
by Kate Scheyer
July 1, 2009, 11:34 AM
OLD IS NEW AGAIN. Consignment by Eva Gentry.
Long before the current economic meltdown, fashion-industry insiders were bargain hunters. Faced with the career requirements of always looking fabulous on a small salary, editors and assistants in New York City treasure a short list of upscale consignment stores as a source of both income and wardrobe. Freebies and last season’s must-haves are usually destined to end up in the “To Be Sold” pile many staffers have by their desks. Usually on the same trip to drop this loot off, discerning editors will pluck a new top or dress off the fruitful resale racks.
While a few legendary consignment stores can be found on Madison Avenue, including Michael’s and Encore, these uptown institutions are best for those who like their Chanel tweed suits with a side of Birkin. That is, traditional, modest, and timeless fashion. Nothing wrong with that, but sometimes a girl needs a little Yohji or an of-this-moment-only pair of leather leggings. For downtown fashion, one needs to go, well, downtown. And in a move I’m sure to regret, I’m about to share the best of these downtown sources with all of you. Here’s hoping no one shares my size!
Second Time Around
262 Mott Street
212-965-8415
secondtimearound.net
If you can forgive this East Coast chain for employing Alex McCord (of Real Housewives of New York City infamy) as their hostess for last week’s opening party, you will enjoy the most well-organized resale store I have ever visited. This deceivingly large space is filled with racks labeled by size or designer and organized by color. Diane von Furstenberg and Marc by Marc Jacobs each had a rack, while denim took up several. In comparison to other consignment stores, STA’s merchandise skews a little younger (more Barneys Co-Op than Barneys New York). Much of its top-shelf designer stock is a little dusty—I spotted several tags that displayed older logos of Prada, Ralph Lauren, and Burberry. But for contemporary lines such as La Rok and Splendid, this store is a one-stop shop. It also accept consignments from boutiques, which means you’ll spot several of the same garment, increasing the chance you’ll find your size. This past weekend, I was tempted by a classic tan Burberry trench, old but only lightly used ($332).