Uptown Girl's Guide to Designer Resale Shopping on the Upper East Side
Fashion week is in full effect around the globe, and endless collections of jaw-dropping designer clothes are not helping my New Year’s resolution to start saving up some money.
I’ve always been obsessed with high-end fashion. It’s not just the luxury labels I love; I adore quality, and trust me, when it comes to fashion, you get what you pay for. Show me luxurious fabrics in artistic designs and statement-making silhouettes constructed with the finest craftsmanship, and I am jello.
Quality garments are just better, girls. They’re more beautiful and more refined, and they last longer than anything you’ll ever find at Forever 21. (But if you’re still shopping there, we def have bigger fish to fry. First step, put this article on hold for a sec, and go check out Lindsey’s Kloset for a seriously cute curation of quality pieces.) Clothes that won’t start unraveling at the seams (I’ve got that covered, thanks, #IveGotIssues) or getting holes in the armpits are definitely worth a little more investment. And what glam girl doesn’t want the most fab clothes her hard-earned money can buy? Unless you’re not interested in looking classy and refined, in which case, I don’t really understand you, and I’m not sure we’d really click TBH.
But all this talk about high-end designer clothes brings me back to the money issue. I’m currently forgoing a large lawyer’s salary to follow my dreams of building a career on my own terms in the fashion industry, so runway clothes are out of my reach at the moment. BUT, I’m nothing if I’m not tenacious when there’s something I want, want, WANT!
My solution? Designer resale! No, not dusty, dirty, dingy thrift store clothes, (although I do love a good thrift store for funky finds). I’m talking about high-end consignment shopping. Yes, consignment can still be a bit pricey; but, like I said, unraveling seams...armpit holes...they’re just not for me. Plus, if you go during end-of-season sales, you will seriously freak the F out at the insanely low price points. I have a closet full of beautiful designer clothes that cost me less than half of regular retail prices. A few favorites (here’s the fashion lawyer in me coming out to prove my point) include a gorgeous mint-condition Cambiaghi handmade Italian leather mini bag I found for $150. Original retail price, $1,200! And a globally-coveted MaxMara Studio camel wrap coat for under $200, original retail easily upwards of $2,000.
I’ll just get to the point and tell you where to go to find your own amazing designer clothes and accessories, so you can look better than everyone on your block and not have to live on store-bought ramen while doing it.
There’s something about uptown ritziness that fascinates me, so I’m sharing a few of my favorite designer resale shops on the Upper East Side. They’re all in walking distance from each other, so grab a gal pal, carb load on a hearty brunch, and treat yourself to a truly uptown shopping experience.
Michael’s
This shop has been serving the uptown high-end fashion lover since 1954, and the gals who work here offer a truly client-centered shopping experience. They’re helpful but not pushy, friendly but not overbearing. The shop is huge and offers everything from outerwear to suiting, casual, and shoes. And there are handbags and accessories galore. I just bought a fabulous long-sleeve green suede dress made in Italy by Calvin Klein Collection - with the original tags still on it - for $180. Original retail price? Over $2,300. O.M.F.G. I wore this dress paired with Rag & Bone studded black Chelsea boots to a show during NYFW and felt extra cute and classy. And...compliments everywhere.
Margoth Consignment Shop
This funky little shop has less inventory and less space than Michael’s, but I always enjoy popping in for a quick gandor. They do stock some inventory I wouldn’t consider truly luxury, but most of their offering is high-end. And if you like accessories and costume jewelry, this place has a lot. Like, a whole bunch.
Designer Revival
Okay, you might want to refuel with a latte and bagel before heading into this place because it is huge. The shop has been open for about twenty-five years, and it’s one of my favorites in all of Manhattan. The inventory is massive, the offerings all high-end, and the space itself is super unique and fun. The store is spread out among several different rooms and gives the feeling you’re walking through some super rich lady’s collection of luxury clothes, bags, shoes, and accessories. I can easily spend an hour and a half in this place. On my last trip I scored a stunning wide waist belt in American alligator leather for $125. This piece was originally about $700.
Now that you’re convinced about consignment, check back on Exhibit A for my forthcoming article on my fave downtown designer resale shops, for those of us who like a little more street in our style.
Resale shop till you drop!!
Cover via Fashionista