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One of my best scores, these Christian Louboutins, in my size. Looked like they had been worn once. Originally about $800 and I got them for about $300. That's still a LOT of money. They are comfortable - no, they are. And they are the best color of greige ever, which means they go with EVERYthing I own, and oh those red soles. They cast a spell. I got these beauties at Nashville's Private Label.

I want to teach you how to shop consignment and vintage. What to look for, what to expect to pay, and other fun tips. The July Style Vault's Style Secret is dedicated to lessons in shopping the second-hand market. I take you on a tour of Nashville consignment stores and vintage shops, and show you my strategy. It's full of great info, especially for those more timid when it comes to second-hand shopping. Some of my favorite stops in Nashville are Designer Renaissance (I've been shopping and consigning there with Jodi since I was in high school), Private Label and Flip. Here are some of my fave finds.

I also love me some Good Will. You may hate these vintage pants, but I bought them for about $3 because I love them and they remind me of "patio pants," what you'd see women wear to those 1950's pool parties in Palm Beach. And yes, they break some rules. But that's because they are peddle-pushers and just trust me it's ok. They are not capris or high waters.

Paris has some of my most favorite resale shops. It's a whole 'nother game over there. The selection is pretty unbelievable, and you can get decent deals. I take a group of women to Paris most January's to shop the huge sales, and one year, one of my clients bought a pre-owned Hermes Birkin that is sooo gorgeous. But we shop the whole gamut, from fancy boutiques to mid-price range stores to resale. Very high-low, you know. Here's my favorite purchase from a Paris flea market (and you'll see even more of my great finds in the August Style Vault - I'm taking you inside my closet and revealing my Closet Confessions).

You've seen me wear this belt. I wear it all the time, which has driven that cost per wear waaaay down. But I bet you didn't know I bought the Hermes belt buckle at a Paris flea market. Yep, and I marched it right over to the store on rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, and wouldn't you know it, it's authentic. PHEW.

One of the keys to remember is never buy something at a consignment store you wouldn’t have wanted at the retail store.

So what items make sense to buy on the secondary market, at a consignment store?

1. Designer brands.

Most of my designer clothes I purchased pre-owned. It's like cars. I don't buy new. I let someone else take the initial hit. Look at this Chanel blouse I recently saw at Private Label in Nashville. 

Chanel blouse, squint to see the original price $2,450 (are you kidding??) and resale price $1,225. 50% off designer pieces is pretty normal. Still very, very high, but if you're in the market for Chanel, this is a great way to purchase. 70% off retail is normal for non-designer pieces.

True story. I ran into a friend of mine the other day and she said, I like your blouse. Then she kinda looked at me with a smile and asked, Is it Helmut Lang? Yep. And she started to say, did you...and I finished, ...buy it at Private Label? YES! And I bought her blouse. 

That's the very one! So we both have good taste!

2. Designer handbags. 

This Chanel handbag had just arrived at Flip when we walked in, and they were kind enough to let us oooh and ahhh over it. It was never carried. Never saw the light of day. This bag retails for over $4,000. They had not yet priced it. You can expect a 30-50% markdown on designer, depending on the rarity. 70% of retail for non-designer is normal.

If you are buying the type of handbag (or article of clothing) that sells with authentication certificates and serial numbers, you definitely want to ask for them. Be careful on eBay. I've heard of sellers faking authentication cards and receipts. Better to make these kinds of investment purchases from a shop owner you know. One of the big misconceptions out there is that all resellers sell fakes. Some may, and it'll catch up with them. But for the most part, these people are in the business to stay in business and won't take the risk of selling fakes. It's illegal to do so, and in France they jail offenders. So when you ask if it's real and how do they know it's real, don't be surprised if you are met with a sideways, offended look. Part of the price you are paying factors in their skill and detective work. Most shop owners have very high standards and filter out anything that smells of a fake. 

3. Designer shoes. 

Don't sneer. If they are in near never-used condition and look and smell clean, what's the big deal?

You can find wonderfully broken-in cowboy boots in consignment shops, especially in Nashville. I have no problem with this. A good clean and a pair of socks are all it takes.

4. Anything you would pay full-price for but happen to find at a consignment shop.

I don't discriminate. But I do only buy what I reeeally want. Don't make the mistake of buying something at a consignment store you never would have wanted somewhere else full-price.  Don't let anything into your life or closet that you don't love, no matter how inexpensive it is. 

The great thing about resale is you can try out a brand and decide if you like it. J. McLaughlin is a high quality brand who makes timeless classics. So this is a fab deal.

What about vintage shopping?

I've bought denim western shirts in vintage shops for years. They're the best. Real mother-of-pearl snaps, interesting stitching and a true western yoke.

Vintage is great for classic pieces that never go out of style. And for Hallowe'en costumes. Over the years, I've bought old Woolrich jackets, blanket coats, Levi's jeans and 1960's cashmere cardigans with pearl embellishments. 

This vintage suede western shirt costs $63 at Nashville's Local Honey, a cool vintage shop near Vanderbilt. I would use it as a jacket.

Things not to buy at a consignment store?

Anything dirty, smelly, poorly made, damaged, fake or otherwise not taking your breath away. But if what you find passes this test, go for it!

Thanks for reading, dolls. Come see our Nashville Wardrobe Consultants and we'll show you where Nashville style can be seen and had in all kinds of places. If you'd like to access our behind-the-scenes, members-only content, join the Style Vault and shop our favorite finds. All-new August issue drops in one week!

For our month-to-month membership option, click here.  

All the best,

Tina

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