By Caroline Foster
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In Dallas it’s almost a requirement to always look your best. The shopping opportunities are endless, but staying up-to-date can definitely deplete an aspiring fashionista’s designer wallet. How should a gal on a limited budget stay on-trend without breaking the bank? Upscale consignment stores, scattered around the Dallas area, get the job done. Many are just a few miles from campus. Although vintage seems to be having its moment, consignment stores may be a better bet for girls who love to stay on trend and under budget. Vintage clothes may be decades old, while most consignment stores carry pieces that were sold at retail stores in the past year. Sometimes these shops even sell items that are still available, full-price, at select retail stores. Whether your style is eclectic, preppy or glamorous, there’s a consignment store where you can score in-season pieces from the designers you love, without paying the steep price tag you expect.
Eclectic
The shoe and handbag room in the store is quaint but full. Purses from the like of Louis Vuitton, Dior, Givenchy, Burberry and Marc by Marc Jacobs line the walls and tables are covered with shoes by Jimmy Choo, Prada, and more – all neatly organized by size.
Although the number of items in Clothes Circuit is astounding, don’t worry about having to shuffle through much clutter. “We only put out what we have a very good chance of selling,” says Mylan. 6105 Sherry Lane. www.clothescircuit.com
Glamorous
“Every day is like Christmas here,” says Kar Garfield, the sales manager at Clotheshorse Anonymous. Clotheshorse Anonymous might be the upscale consignment store of your dreams if you love to dress up.
The store has a unique mix of upscale designers from Escada to Michael Kors. Recently a printed Missoni trench, new with tags, was on the rack priced at $266. The Outnet is currently selling it for $567, and it was originally $1,620.
These kinds of deals are not unusual at the store. Says Julie Hogg, head of advertising and social media for Clotheshorse, “Every time I’m out shopping retail I think, ‘I’ve got to check Clotheshorse first.’ ” And once you do find that item you can’t live without, you better buy it. “Get it when you see it, or it’s gone,” says Garfield.
Deals can be found on all different types of items at the store. They carry a vast jewelry and handbag collection, as well as jeans, tops and everything else you can think of. The shop even has an entire room dedicated to cocktail dresses.
Hogg promises, “If you shop here, you’ll be the best dressed.” 1161 Preston Road. www.clotheshorseanonymous.com
Upscale consignment stores provide designer pieces without the steep price tag. Ardent fashionistas can also earn extra money as “consigners,” offering their gently used designer duds for sale.
Every consignment store has their own guidelines for consigning, but most will take your gently used name brand clothing and accessories if they are on-trend and in season. The store will price the pieces at a price point desirable for you and their customer and if it sells, voila, you get a check. If not, you simply pick up the clothing at the end of the contract period.
Clotheshorse Anonymous founder Jan Kennedy has another idea, “Sell your mother’s old designer handbags and get great looking blue jeans.”
Whether your shopping upscale consignment or consigning, it’s good for your wallet.