The Ultimate Guide To Consignment Shopping In L.A. — Plus, Pro Tips!
[Update: This story was originally published on April 2.]
In the spirit of starting fresh this season, we’re taking to our closets and ridding them of any excess (you know, anything that hasn't seen light since 2002). But getting rid of all those freshly discarded threads presents a fresh new challenge of its own. Sure, consignment shopping and selling in L.A. can be something of a treasure hunt — with a serious spread of shops scattered around the city, there’s definitely no shortage and it can be overwhelming. But, have you ever wondered how to properly hit up these spots like a pro, to maximize your style savings? There’s a secondhand strategy, people. You can’t just waltz in with a handful of summer items in the dead of winter (if you want to make any dough). So, we’ve tapped Sarah Kamshoshy of Crossroads Trading Co. to show us how to sell our goods seamlessly at some of the top L.A. resale boutiques. Ready, set, sell!
Photos Via (clockwise from top left): Ampersand Boutique, Buffalo Exchange, Decades, Crossroads Trading Co.
Tip 1: Make a Mental List
"Assemble a mental list of what you're looking for. Think about what you're currently coveting. Do you want a good carryall, a flattering midi skirt, or a cute cardigan? Consignment and buy-sell-trade shops are awesome because there is only one of everything, but they can also be overwhelming for the same reason. You don't have to write it down, but keeping a mental note will keep you focused."
Tip 2: Monday, Funday?
"While savvy sellers hit up the shops during the week, the majority of people sell on the weekend — probably because it’s too hard to find time, otherwise. Monday is always my favorite day to shop for the maximum amount of new arrivals. The neat thing about consignment is that inventory changes and is replenished literally by the minute – with every person who sells, new stuff goes on the racks."
Ampersand Boutique
You'd be hard-pressed to find a more elaborate consignment collection than the one at Ampersand Boutique. The shop boasts a mixture of bangin' brands from Christian Louboutin to H&M — quite the variety, eh? Plus, any items that aren't sold are donated to Dress for Success. Good garb for a great cause!
Ampersand Boutique, 658 North Larchmont Boulevard (At Melrose Avenue); 323-466-3300.
Buffalo Exchange
A fixture in the consignment biz, Buffalo Exchange continually stocks stellar, on-trend threads on the cheap. Whether you just want to pop in and browse, or cash in some of your sartorial leftovers — you won't leave disappointed.
Buffalo Exchange, 131 North La Brea Avenue; 323- 938-8604.
Decades
It's no secret that Decades is one of L.A.'s brightest resale stars. Since 1997, the shop has brought top-tier, luxe labels from around the globe to Los Angeles shoppers (we can't get enough of the exquisite baubles). Mosey around and view the stunning (pre-loved) items from the likes of Chanel, Nina Ricci, Balenciaga, and many more. We're like kids in a consignment candy shop, here.
Decades, 8214 Melrose Avenue (at Harper Avenue); 323-655-1960.
Crossroads
A must-hit Melrose haven for cashing in your oldies (but goodies) is the always-dependable Crossroads. Here, you'll find an open space brimming with enticing items — floor to ceiling. And your wares are always welcome, too. Clean out your closet this spring, and scurry pieces over to Crossroads to make some moolah — or just spend some on hip gear, if that's your preference.
Crossroads Trading Co., 8315 Santa Monica Boulevard (at Flores Street); 323-654-0505.
Other Notables:
Haute Seconds, 2721 Wilshire Boulevard (at 26th Street); 310-828-6500.
Owl Talk, 5060 Eagle Rock Boulevard (at Colorado Boulevard); 323-258-2465.
In the spirit of starting fresh this season, we’re taking to our closets and ridding them of any excess (you know, anything that hasn't seen light since 2002). But getting rid of all those freshly discarded threads presents a fresh new challenge of its own. Sure, consignment shopping and selling in L.A. can be something of a treasure hunt — with a serious spread of shops scattered around the city, there’s definitely no shortage and it can be overwhelming. But, have you ever wondered how to properly hit up these spots like a pro, to maximize your style savings? There’s a secondhand strategy, people. You can’t just waltz in with a handful of summer items in the dead of winter (if you want to make any dough). So, we’ve tapped Sarah Kamshoshy of Crossroads Trading Co. to show us how to sell our goods seamlessly at some of the top L.A. resale boutiques. Ready, set, sell!
Photos Via (clockwise from top left): Ampersand Boutique, Buffalo Exchange, Decades, Crossroads Trading Co.
Tip 1: Make a Mental List
"Assemble a mental list of what you're looking for. Think about what you're currently coveting. Do you want a good carryall, a flattering midi skirt, or a cute cardigan? Consignment and buy-sell-trade shops are awesome because there is only one of everything, but they can also be overwhelming for the same reason. You don't have to write it down, but keeping a mental note will keep you focused."
Tip 2: Monday, Funday?
"While savvy sellers hit up the shops during the week, the majority of people sell on the weekend — probably because it’s too hard to find time, otherwise. Monday is always my favorite day to shop for the maximum amount of new arrivals. The neat thing about consignment is that inventory changes and is replenished literally by the minute – with every person who sells, new stuff goes on the racks."
Ampersand Boutique
You'd be hard-pressed to find a more elaborate consignment collection than the one at Ampersand Boutique. The shop boasts a mixture of bangin' brands from Christian Louboutin to H&M — quite the variety, eh? Plus, any items that aren't sold are donated to Dress for Success. Good garb for a great cause!
Ampersand Boutique, 658 North Larchmont Boulevard (At Melrose Avenue); 323-466-3300.
Buffalo Exchange
A fixture in the consignment biz, Buffalo Exchange continually stocks stellar, on-trend threads on the cheap. Whether you just want to pop in and browse, or cash in some of your sartorial leftovers — you won't leave disappointed.
Buffalo Exchange, 131 North La Brea Avenue; 323- 938-8604.
Decades
It's no secret that Decades is one of L.A.'s brightest resale stars. Since 1997, the shop has brought top-tier, luxe labels from around the globe to Los Angeles shoppers (we can't get enough of the exquisite baubles). Mosey around and view the stunning (pre-loved) items from the likes of Chanel, Nina Ricci, Balenciaga, and many more. We're like kids in a consignment candy shop, here.
Decades, 8214 Melrose Avenue (at Harper Avenue); 323-655-1960.
Crossroads
A must-hit Melrose haven for cashing in your oldies (but goodies) is the always-dependable Crossroads. Here, you'll find an open space brimming with enticing items — floor to ceiling. And your wares are always welcome, too. Clean out your closet this spring, and scurry pieces over to Crossroads to make some moolah — or just spend some on hip gear, if that's your preference.
Crossroads Trading Co., 8315 Santa Monica Boulevard (at Flores Street); 323-654-0505.
Other Notables:
Haute Seconds, 2721 Wilshire Boulevard (at 26th Street); 310-828-6500.
Owl Talk, 5060 Eagle Rock Boulevard (at Colorado Boulevard); 323-258-2465.
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