The truth about consignment shopping

Consignment stores and consignment shopping have taken the world by storm, which I have noticed immensely the past two years. Coming from Vancouver, this is where I really noticed the turn on consignment shopping. These high-end luxury consignment stores are selling everything from Chanel, Mui Mui, Louis Vuitton, to even the renowned Celine bags. Entrepreneurs have opened their doors to second hand pieces and have recreated the consignment image.

Consignment can sometimes give those ‘high-end’ shoppers a bad taste in their mouth, sometimes even comparing it to Value Village. The truth is, consignment shopping is now dominating the market by the middle and upper class now as well. One of my favourite consignment stores is Mine & Yours in Vancouver. Their beautiful white aesthetic and superb merchandising skills have created this glamorous image for "consignment" and also allows the middle class to not have to stretch their dollar to buy designer. They have done so well that they are even starting to open their doors at new locations and even expanding into different countries!

For those of us in the Okanagan, consignment has also made a huge name for a few local retailers. Many of you might already know them, but I had the pleasure of popping into a few such as Frock, Georgie Girl and Rosebuds. These local shops carry everything, from your everyday affordable labels to your luxury designer labels. I was lucky enough to snag a pair of Kenneth Cole pumps and some designer jeans from Frock last time I stopped in!

I have taken my personal styling clients to these stores countless times and have always had them leaving happy and without leaving a hole in their wallet. These local entrepreneurs have made good quality shopping accessible to the majority of us.

And yes ladies, their stuff is clean! Just because it's been previously owned doesn't mean these stores would sell it to you unwashed. Consignment stores offer great alternatives to those big budget buys, and who doesn't want to add another great store to their shopping trip?

Jordan Sangster is a Fashion Stylist and Fashion Blogger in Kelowna, BC. After completing her Fashion Design and Business Marketing Degree in Vancouver, she has moved back to Kelowna to continue to grow as a fashion writer and stylist in Canada, as well as share her expertise with the Kelowna community. She is excited for you to follow along her fashion journey and provide you with weekly fashion inspirations, tips and knowledge to help you find and grow your own personal style. For more fashion inspiration visit her Instagram or contact Jordan at jordsangster@gmail.com.