First Class Fashion at Second Hand Price
Hitting Bend’s Consignment Stores
Has second hand shopping never been your style? That’s what one of my clients recently told me as well. She has a job that puts her in the public eye on a daily basis and must look professional and current (in fact, she can’t be seen wearing the same outfit within a month’s time). That’s not such a big deal for someone with a healthy wardrobe budget, but of course, she doesn’t have a big salary or a fat pocketbook. This is just the kind of challenge I love! So what did I do? I did what I do with most of us who work within a budget, want great quality clothes, and items that not everyone will be wearing – I took her to my favorite consignment stores in town.
And just to prove to my point, we found a gorgeous pair of brand new Aerosole suede boots right inside the door of our first stop – for only $42. Score! Within 45 minutes we had snapped up a pair of super-stylish snow boots, two fabulous tops (one for work and one for play), as well as several pieces of incredible jewelry. The grand total was (drumroll, please) … only $150! Each find was a big brand name, either new or in incredible condition.
This successful adventure reminded me of all the consignment choices we have here in Bend, and I decided I’d share these “not so secret” secrets with you, because I figure if I tell you, you’ll check the stores out, then possibly bring in your gently used goods…which I’ll likely love! So, thanks in advance!
Another fun secret about our consignment stores in Central Oregon: Most of them absolutely support each other, which I really dig. They’ll recommend checking out other shops if they don’t have what you are looking for, and I think they’d all agree that each shop has it’s own flair and sense of style. In fact, a group of these shops recently banded together and developed the “Alternative Shopping Guide,” which includes a map and descriptions of each store. I found it very helpful, and it actually led me to one I’d never explored before. Right off the bat, I scored two pairs of popular Converse sneakers for my fashion-conscious daughter, who will wear nothing else but this brand. I scored both pair for only $18 – these usually $45-$50 each – then cleaned the rubber and washed the shoe laces. Where are they now? Under my Christmas tree!
I promise that you, too, will find the same kind of scores that make me so excited! If I were you, I’d take an afternoon off, hit all the shops and find the one that best suits your lifestyle. But if time is an issue, check out your choices (and their definitions) below. I can’t really say which is my favorite, because I love them all for different reasons. I recommend exploring them all!
Rescue Consignment Llc
NW Crossing
Bend’s hippest consignment shop with all the big designer names you love! They also showcase unique local artists and designers (over 70), local artists trunk shows and local music.
Bag Ladies of Union St
1319 NW Union St
Women’s Quality Resale Clothing & Accessories. 30+ years in business!
Cowgirl Cash
924 Brooks St
Cowgirl Cash is a Western Vintage Boutique that strives to be authentic, practical, and beautiful.
Flipped! Resale Boutique
738 NW Columbia St Ste A
Flipped is a fun women’s casual clothing consignment store. They carry an ever changing array of casual clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories.
Truffle Pig Trading Co
934 Gasoline Alley
Bends newest and most hip consignment store! Not only do they have the coolest of the coolest clothing and accessories, they also sell home decor and small furniture pieces. Added bonus; they have a small men’s section consisting mostly of popular outerwear brands and streetwear.
Each store operates independently, so they have different store hours (most but not all are closed on Sunday and Monday). Some are buy or trade, others are consignment; some do layaway and some don’t. One thing they do share in common is that their inventory is unique and ever changing. They are all creatively merchandised so that you feel as if you are shopping in a boutique or an edgy city shop – for a fraction of the price!
When I first started frequenting resale shops, it truly was because of finances. It then became clear to me that I could get designer and brand-name labels that I wouldn’t find anywhere else in town for amazing prices. Over the years, it’s also become a way to contribute to my “green” philosophy, while satisfying my interest in the challenge of the hunt!
And now more than ever, consignments stores are in vogue. The current economic downturn has bolstered these shops, nearly eliminating the perception of out-of-style wardrobes behind musty doors. In fact, I’m sure if you get a glimpse of the client I mentioned at the start of my adventure (and you probably see her often), you’d wonder where she shops. Thanks to our consignment adventure, she looks amazing!
Good luck out there! Let me know what gems you find…and if you know of other consignment stores I should share.
