Nov 6 - Nov 13 2002

Second Time Around has been the gem of Boston consignment for over 27 years, and the last few months have been very interesting. With three clothing stores (each with their own personalities) and the recently opened home store in Brighton, it’s just getting better and better.

A landmark for selling designer women’s and men’s clothing - particularly the Newbury St. location - Second Time Around carries names like Armani, Chanel, Prada, Gucci and Versace, with styles no older than two years. Sure, there’s a smattering of J. Crew, Nine West, Chinese Laundry and a few fake Kate Spade bags, but, for the most part, they are pretty upscale. Whole wardrobes can be outfitted, from shoes, bags, jewelry and accessories to coats, skirts, jeans and suits. Look out for the seasonal sales, when the markdowns really kick in for some good deals.

The past few months have brought some interesting changes to the Second Time Around on Newbury St. They began carrying (and consigning) wedding dresses, and they moved one block over to a slightly bigger space - unfortunately located under Cigar Masters, which made the store smell like a dirty ashtray. But now Cigar Masters has also moved, which has left Second Time Around’s dedicated customers a much nicer shopping experience - one filled with even more new clothing from boutiques like Theory, Girlfriend, Tibi and Nanette Lepore.

Personally, I’m a bigger fan of the Cambridge store, which carries more funky, low-key brands, where the prices are more in the $15-$50 range instead of the $40-$250 range. Sure, there are some DKNY or Prada shoes, and a cluster of knock-off Burberry hats; but on the whole, both city stores are worth the peek. And now with their new home store, there’s an answer for those who watch way too much interior design on HGTV and wonder, “Where is there a furniture consignment store in Boston?"