My Tips for a Successful Consignment & Sale Rack Shopping Trip

People are always telling me what a good shopper I am. I hear frequently, "Where did you get that?!" And I reply, oh seriously, it was $10 at this consignment store down the street. You know what I love, and love even more to practice, is looking like a million bucks, and spending a dime. Hey, I wasn't the first person to say, another woman's junk is another's treasure!

Why not give you some of my tips--so you can be armed the next time you venture out consignment and sale shopping!

Rule #1 - BE A LONER. Yes, I said it, go ALONE! As much as you'd like to bring your best friend along with you for opinions, for a successful consignment/sale rack hunting shopping trip, go alone. No one is ever on the same time table as much as you'd like to think so, and this type of shopping takes an extreme amount of digging, consideration and patience. You can always take pictures of the outfit in the dressing room mirror (2013...year of the selfie! ;) and text them for a second opinion.

Rule #2 - BRING A LIST. I keep a running list of items that are my priorities, and also my wish list, while shopping. If I need a black blazer, a pair of jeans, and some functional heels for work & winter in Iowa (obvious priorities), I will keep a list of wishes and a list of priorities. I keep them on my iPhone in my Notes app, so they are handy and within reach.

*Tip* for the wish list: Review your lists before entering any store! It will help you stay focused and keep your eye on the prize! Additionally, as you start to shop and are familiar with the brands that fit you best, you'll know which stores at which you will likely find your priority items. Also, make a list of your lust-after brand names that you may not otherwise be able to afford, and keep your eye out for those brand name items while consignment shopping. Aka: a Chanel bag (which I HAVE SEEN at a consignment store! but it was still $1500!). Refer to Pintrest if you have to, I've used it as a tool many times! 

Rule #3 - BE PATIENT. It may take a while to get used to digging for things, but I guarantee you, you'll be happy you did. Visit the stores frequently, maybe once every couple of weeks, depending on what you are looking for. Leave yourself plenty of time. I started shopping for our April vacation...ummm, a year ago! Haha, it just means I'm always looking. Also, something may take a long time to go on sale, so you may just have to wait for it unless its worth it to you to pay full price.

Rule #4 - ACCESSORIES are amazing to stock up on at consignment stores. Every period in fashion comes back in style at some point. The other day, I put on a wide, camel-colored leather belt I picked up at Goodwill in COLLEGE. I think I paid $2.00 for this leather belt from the 80's, but I am going to use it on our upcoming vacation paired with a maxi dress that needs a little something. Studs are also from the 80's and those are coming back, wide leg jeans--the 70's. You get my drift!

A DON'T: Do NOT shop the clearance rack at a discount store (unless its for work out clothes or pajamas - things that people in public won't see!). Meaning, don't shop the sale rack at TJ Maxx, where things are already highly discounted. Likely, things are damaged, going out of style (won't last you long), or, are very low-quality (again, won't last you long). Quality not quantity, ladies! 

Rule #5 -  SIGN UP FOR STORE EMAILS, under a different "shopping" specific email address. For example, I own about 4 email addresses. I know that sounds excessive...but email has been around long enough we all can relate. AprilHesseniusJunk at ... gmail, hotmail, what have you, is dedicated to all of the shopping and promotion emails I receive. That way your inbox isn't beyond flurried with a gazillion emails from stores trying to sell you things or remind you of your sales. Keep these emails handy in case you are looking for priority items, like Ann Taylor for a black blazer, some new work pants, or work shoes. You don't want to go broke buying basics, but you do need them. USE THE ONLINE emails as a reminder, and a SAVINGS tool, NOT a reason to go on an online shopping spree (can't say I'm not guilty! eek!). Always go to the store and try something on if you can, before purchasing online!

Below I've included a couple pictures of my favorite consignment store / sale rack items! Enjoy... shopping ladies! XOX April

I snagged this leather skirt for $18.00 last year...before leather skirts really came "in" this year! Keep tabs of fashion weeks and bloggers, to see what's coming in for the next season and keep an eye out for the items at consignment stores! This red blouse was $6.00 at the same store.

What girl doesn't want this in her wardrobe? The timeless Herve Leger dress. Make sure the store you buy top of the line brand names from guarantees authenticity. You are paying them for the dirty work too!

Last summer, I lusted after these sunglasses at Banana Republic for my Vegas bachelorette party. I just couldn't throw down the $100 for BR sunglasses. Well, luckily I waited, and nabbed them two weeks ago (almost 7 months later!) for $20. Not kidding!

I was searching and searching this fall for a tweed skirt. Knowing it would be a fad, I didn't want to drop $150 on an adorable J. Crew one. I found this at a consignment store for $22. Fits like a glove!

Here's an example of my Wishlist on my iPhone. Call it what you want!