Tips for Shopping Consignment

Tips for Dressing the Full Figure

Tips for Shopping Consignment

1. Allow more time than you would shopping for new items. Consignment stores carry an abundance of different labels. You may need to try on lots to find your treasures.
2. Keep all seasons in mind. You may find a great deal on a wool cardigan in July, or a sundress at a good reduction in January.
3. Consignment stores try to keep the same season cycles as regular retail.
4. Know your labels. Often higher end labels are overlooked in consignment, because they seem higher priced for second hand. However if you knew what they sold for new, you know you are getting a great deal.
5. Consignment stores are usually “All Sales Final” so be sure to try on and look over your choices before purchasing.
6. Be rest assured that when shopping consignment, your new outfit should not change much. It has been thru the laundry and/or dry cleaning and has done all the shrinking or shape changing it will do.
7. Double check all buttons, zippers, et cetera. Even though items are prescreened before going onto the sales floor, everyone is human and the store may have over looked something.
8. Consignment Stores are different than “Thrift Stores”. Consignment clothing is checked over for stains, marks, wear and are all brought in freshly laundered, ironed and are in the best condition possible for re-sale.
9. Don’t just shop for your size category. Always look at the size above and below what you would normally wear. Sometimes tags are cut out or the fit is larger or smaller than the tag states.
10. Consignment shopping is a great deal at regular price, and most shops do have a ‘discount scale’ for items that have been on the sales floor for a longer consignment time. Look for this or ask the store about it.
11. Get on the mailing list of your favorite stores! This ensures that you’ll be up to date on upcoming ‘events, sales and promotions’.
12. Be adventurous and try on different looks and styles. With consignment you are not stuck with ‘one stores look’. You are able to mix and match and put new looks together.
13. Here today…. gone tomorrow…., this is often the case in consignment. As everything is ‘one of a kind’, it is best to purchase your treasure right away, or ask if it can be held for a day or two. (It is always courteous to let the store know if you are not coming back for the item, so it doesn’t loose precious sales floor time.)
14. Bring items that need matching up. You will have better luck matching style/colors, finding that blouse to go with that pair of pants, at a consignment store.
15. Have fun!! Bring your friends and make an afternoon of it!!

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Tips for Dressing the Full Figure

• Make sure the fit is right. It is really important to wear clothes that fit you correctly, not too tight, not too baggy. If you have to go one size up; that’s ok! Nobody will look at your size label.
• Find what proportions look good on you- i.e. try 3 different blazer lengthens
  • Crop, hits about waist length, good for emphasizing waist for hour glass curvy shapes or also good on top heavy shapes.
  • Classic length, hits about bum or about 10” down from wait. Good for shapes w/ more fullness around tummy (wear it open creates more of a stream line shape)
  • Longer length, hits about mid thigh to knee. Great for bottom heavy or evenly fuller figures.
• Look at what “lines” your clothing is making. i.e. wearing an open blazer or blouse over a shell will create linear lines. Or matching your top and bottom will create a longer line and won’t seem as choppy.
• Don’t be shy of color, it shows confidence.
• It is worth it to have items altered to fine tune their fit. Adding some shaping darts at the bust or waist really will make a big difference.
• Make sure your pant length is not shorting you out. Try to aim for one ‘break’ on top of your foot or at least long enough to not see the top of your shoe.
• Make sure you ‘feel’ comfortable in your clothing. If someone says it ‘looks great on you’ make sure you ‘feel great’ in it.
• The ‘bottom line’ is…, find what works best for you and makes you the most comfortable. If you need advice don’t be shy in asking for it. Seek out a friend or colleague whose flare and style you admire, and chances are she will be flattered that you asked her advice!

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