Second-Hand Clothes,
First-Class Style

Consignment shopping can be fun as well as rewarding. I was first introduced to consignment stores when I was pregnant with my daughter, about 11 years ago. The trend of buying second-hand items was just beginning, at least in our area. I started shopping at a store that consigns women's and children's clothes, toys, and baby furniture. At first I just bought some baby clothes and marveled at how inexpensive they were (about 1/3 of retail price). They were also in great condition. I also bought my daughter's car seat there for about $15. As my daughter got older I didn't have any little girls to give her clothes to, so I started consigning her clothes. The consignment store decided how much the clothes should sell for, and after the clothes had sold, they gave me 30% to 50% of the purchase price. For just a few items, that might only add up to a couple of dollars, but if you make a practice of taking in all your children's outgrown clothes (or clothes they don't wear), it can add up quickly. Where I shop, they will either give you the cash when the item sells, or they will hold your money "on account" so that when you buy something there, your purchase is subtracted from your account.

After I had started consigning my daughter's clothes and realizing the benefits, I started going through my dressers and closet and realized how many clothes I never wore. I was a little reluctant at first to get rid of so many clothes, but I took a deep breath, and consigned them. I ended up bringing home at least $50 for a couple of grocery bags full of clothes. I realized that I could use that money to buy new (used) clothes that I really would wear, and that no money would have left my pocket! That's when the adventure really began. As time went on, I got braver about simplifying my life and getting rid of all of the things I didn't want or need. Have you ever paid a lot of money for an outfit and then didn't like it after all? Of course you have! Many times people are reluctant to part with clothes they paid a lot of money for but don't wear (maybe because it shrunk the first time you washed it). Consignment shopping takes all of the guilt away!

The first step is to let go of the guilt and get rid of the clothes. When you start buying your clothes at consignment stores, that guilt is never there. If you decide you don't like something you bought there, take it back and resell it. You didn't pay much for it in the first place, and you can use the money you get from selling it to buy something else. Another thing I love about used clothes is that you already know what something is going to look like after it is washed! It's preshrunk and you can tell if someone had to spend a lot of time ironing it!

At first I usually just kept the money and didn't buy new clothes with my profits. I only shopped there occasionally and didn't see much I was interested in. Then I started going more often and realized that there really were great clothes there, but they go in and out of the store so fast that you have to go often to find the best deals. I haven't bought a new pair of jeans in years. I have, however, bought many brand-name pairs of jeans consignment shopping that would have cost anywhere between $30 and $50 new, and I paid about $8 each for them. Many looked like they'd never been worn. When you think about it, you probably also have clothes that are almost new that just don't fit quite right. They will fit SOMEONE though, and someone has clothes that would fit you! Why not "trade?" That's how I really view it. You're just trading clothes with other people, and the consignment store is giving you the means to do it.

I bought and sold my daughter's clothes at the consignment store from the start. She is now 10 years old and rarely have I bought her new clothes. My sister spent about $50 on a shirt and a pair of corduroy overalls for her for Christmas. A few weeks later we found a similar pair of overalls in another color for about $8. My daughter was thrilled. I'm glad she can also find joy in consignment shopping. I know that in a couple of years she may not be as thrilled about buying second-hand clothes, but buying used clothes is becoming a lot more acceptable. More and more people are becoming fed up with expensive prices and the high cost of living in general.

If you don't have a consignment shop in your town, the next time you visit the nearest big city, check out their yellow pages or ask around. Even if you make a trip once or twice a year to clean out your closet, it's well worth the effort! In these times of corporate "down-sizing" and just trying to get by, don't spend a large portion of your money on new clothes. You don't have to buy all of your clothes at consignment stores, but if you keep your eyes open and look for opportunities to spend less on clothing, you won't regret it!

Rachel and her family publish Creative Homemaking, a bimonthly newsletter dedicated to sharing favorite family recipes and money-saving household tips. Their goal is to teach families you don't have to spend a lot of money to be happy. Reader participation is welcome and encouraged, and subscriptions are $12/year (6 issues) or $2 for a sample issue. Send all correspondence to Creative Homemaking, 7000 W. Van Giesen #55, W. Richland, WA 99353.

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