Spring’s arrival means it’s time to switch up what’s in your closet. But if some pieces have overstayed their welcome, there’s no need to kick them to the curb.
In addition to resale chains such as Buffalo Exchange, Style Encore, Plato’s Closet and Once Upon a Child, Pittsburgh is rich with consignment and vintage shops. In exchange, you can score some extra cash or store discounts or support a local charity.
Here’s a sampling of some of these homegrown shops and what they’re looking for …
Purely vintage
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If you’ve got menswear that’s straight out of “Mad Men,” boho frocks fit for a ’60s flower child and duds from the disco era, here are some shops for you.
• Juju (6739 Reynolds St., Point Breeze): A lot of what’s for sale here has a storied history, but the store itself is new. Motivated by a longtime love of vintage shopping, Leslie McAllister opened the store whose name means “good vibe” in March. Vintage pieces are mixed with home decor, skincare selections, good luck charms like horseshoes and other mystical mementos. She curates pieces from estate sales, travels and her own private vintage collection, but she also buys from the public. Desired styles are bohemian and tribal, and they must be laundered and in near-mint condition. No appointments necessary. Information: www.facebook.com/ShopJujus or email [email protected].
• Eons Fashion Antique (5850 Ellsworth Ave., Shadyside): Richard Parsakian is synonymous with vintage, and his shop is stuffed with some of the best of the best. In fact, it carries 100 years of men’s and women’s fashion, he says. He meets with potential sellers by appointment and is particularly interested in classic vintage fashions from the ’70s or older. Some 1980s styles will be considered but must be by avant garde designers. Currently, he’s looking for ‘50s and ‘60s dresses suitable for cocktail parties or even the prom. Information: “Eons Fashion Antique” on Facebook or 412-361-3368 FREE.
• Hey Betty! Vintage Clothing & Collectibles (5890 Ellsworth Ave., Shadyside): Hey Betty! has been buying and selling vintage since the 1980s. Celebrity clients have included Ewan McGregor, Dakota Fanning, Chloe Sevigny and Helen Mirren. Got ’50s or ’60s cocktail, party or sun dresses? How about old-time menswear or even items from the ’30s or ’20s? Those are a few popular trends the store welcomes for its inventory. Information: www.heybettyvintageclothing.com or 412-363-0999 FREE.
• Highway Robbery Vintage (1411 E. Carson St., South Side): Whether you visit its storefront or shop from its fashion truck, Highway Robbery is a treasure trove of hard-to-find looks for men and women. It’s in search of apparel and accessories from the 1950s through the early ’90s. Owner Kate Colussy handles the buying, so appointments are required. She meets with potential sellers in the store or at-home visits can be arranged for large collections. Information: highwayrobberyvintage.com or 412-251-0818 FREE.
Something old, something new
From timely trends to decades-old designer garb, these stores buy and sell a range of fashions, footwear and bling.
• Avalon Exchange (5858 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill): Avalon Exchange has come a long way from its roots in Oakland in the 1980s. Nowadays, it’s a buzzing cash-and-trade business in Squirrel Hill, with locations in Florida, Ohio and Missouri. Sellers receive 30 percent of resale value on the spot or 45 percent in store credit. What’s hot right now: men’s sneakers and all-things Free People, Anthropologie and J.Crew. Walk-ins welcome. Information: www.avalonexchange or 412-421-2911 FREE.
• Clothes Minded (4740 Liberty Ave., Bloomfield): This shop attracts young, eclectic customers who love Urban Outfitters, American Apparel, ModCloth and Nasty Gal. Vintage denim and dresses, high-waisted shorts and high-end handbags also are on the wish list. Stop by with men’s and women’s wear and accessories (no formal wear or lingerie), or sell online at clothesmindedpgh.com. Sellers receive 30 percent of resale value or 45 percent in-store credit. Information: 412-960-0246 FREE.
• Phoenix Boutique (3627 Butler St., Lawrenceville): Here you’ll find everything from Gap to Gucci. Women’s spring styles (including shoes and accessories) from the last couple of years are in demand along with older, high-end labels (Chanel and Louis Vuitton, for example). Consignors get half of proceeds or store credit. The store also buys pieces outright for 30 percent of their resale value. Appointments are required; clothing should be clean, wrinkle-free and on hangers. Information: www.phoenixboutiquepgh.com or 412-683-1290 FREE.
• ecoChic Resale Boutique (1136 Thorn Run Road, Moon): Got an abundance of Anthropologie, Banana Republic, White House | Black Market and more upscale mall brands? Bring in seasonal women’s styles (up to 25 pieces) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays or Thursdays. Consignors earn 40 percent of selling price, 50 percent for items priced at more than $100 or store credit. There’s a $10 consignor fee for first-time sellers. Information: ecochicmoon.com or 412-299-1133 FREE.
• Fashion Fix (1039 S. Braddock Ave., Regent Square): It’s got an extensive jewelry business offering sterling silver, gold, trendy pieces and vintage baubles. Women’s designer ready-to-wear apparel by the likes of Rag & Bone, Alice and Olivia, and Thakoon are other top sellers. Consignors split merchandise sales with the shop, or they can choose store credit. Cash buyouts available for multiple pieces. Walk-ins only. Information: fashionfixpgh.com or 412-242-3499 FREE.
More than just fashion
Here are some go-tos that buy home furnishings in addition to clothes and accessories.
• Consignment Cottage (234 Moon Clinton Road, Coraopolis): Meet the big sister store of the ecoChic Resale Boutique. It’s home to a furniture gallery, cottage garden shed and, of course, lots of fashions. The store seeks seasonal maternity wear, plus-size apparel through 2X and ladies brand/designer apparel less than 2 years old, as well as jewelry by Brighton, Sabika, Premier and similar lines. The target shopper is college-age and older. Consignors can walk in 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays and Fridays, or 2-6 p.m. Wednesdays. They’ll earn 40 percent of selling price, 50 percent for items priced at more than $100 or store credit. There’s a $10 consignor fee for first-time sellers. Information: www.shopconsignmentcottage.com or 412-262-0833 FREE.
• Kindred Spirits (11883 Perry Highway, Wexford): The look and layout of Kindred Spirits is inspired by a designer boutique. But in this case, designer merchandise (Tory Burch, Kate Spade, Dolce & Gabbana and Louis Vuitton) and furniture are fractions of their regular prices. Mall brands are acceptable but nothing from the Limited, Express or Gap. To consign, book an appointment and bring accessories and clothing (sizes 00 up to 4X) on hangers. Forty percent of resale price goes to consignors for items less than $100, and 50 percent for selections sold for $100-plus. Information: www.ksbwexford.com or 724-934-9422 FREE.
• Savvy Fox (1900 Greentree Road, Scott): When stores have overstocks, they bring them here. So do nearly 6,000 consignors who bring women’s ready-to-wear clothes, shoes, jewelry, prom gowns and home decor. To become one, make an appointment, set up an account (there’s a $20 start-up fee) and bring in 20-30 seasonal pieces. Best bets: high-end designer pieces, J.Crew, Chico’s, Nordstrom, anything with fringe, layered jewelry and lighter, brighter separates suitable for spring or summer. Consignors get 40 percent for items less than $100 or 50 percent for items sold for more. Information: www.thesavvyfox.com or 412-343-1500 FREE.
For a good cause
Do you prefer your fashion with a side of philanthropy? Here are some local groups and shops where gently worn clothes and accessories support special causes.
• Ambiance Boutique (1722 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill, and 428 Allegheny River Blvd., Oakmont): Consign new and gently worn designer clothes, jewelry, handbags, shoes and home furnishings or donate them for a tax deduction. Sales support Bethlehem Haven, a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit that helps homeless women. Information: ambianceboutique.org or 412-421-2100 FREE (Squirrel Hill) or 412-828-1946 FREE (Oakmont).
• Dress for Success Pittsburgh (The Design Center, 5001 Baum Blvd.): Seeks professional attire and accessories to help outfit and empower women in search of work. Information: pittsburgh.dressforsuccess.org or 412-201-4204 FREE.
• Thriftique (125 51st St., Lawrenceville): Donate everyday and designer clothes, shoes and accessories for women, men and children. (“If you would feel confident loaning it to a friend, we will be able to sell it in our store,” says director of retail operations Lynn Tomasits.) Donations can be dropped off at Thriftique or the Anathan House at 1620 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill. At-home pickups can be arranged for 10 large bags or more. Supports National Council of Jewish Women Pittsburgh section programming. Information: www.ncjwpgh.org or 412-742-4951 FREE.
• Treasure House Fashions (7607 McKnight Road, Ross): The shop sells women’s wear (sizes 0 through 5X) and accessories at significantly marked-down prices, and it partners with more than 60 local agencies to provide clothing and services to women in transition or crisis. Donations of women’s brand-name business attire, sleepwear, outerwear, casual clothes, shoes and accessories can be dropped off. Information: thfashions.org or 412-364-3256 FREE.
Sara Bauknecht: [email protected] or on Twitter and Instagram @Sa
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