When you hear "resale," do you think of a crowded, dusty thrift shop offering up ragtag sweaters, chipped china and not-too-gently-worn blue jeans? If so, it's time to dig a little deeper. Chicago's resale shopping scene offers hidden gems that are nowhere near your typical thrift store.
The Daisy Shop
The owner will bristle if you say “thrift store,” and rightfully so. From the Gold Coast address to the couture designer labels that crowd the racks, The Daisy Shop is far from low-rent. All the big names are here, including Chanel, Versace, Gucci, St. John and Judith Leiber. So if you yearn for first Armani suit or Louis Vuitton handbag, Daisy is a must-shop. Just bear in mind: This isn’t Salvation Army, and the prices are adjusted accordingly. You may blow $600 for that Chanel skirt, but just imagine what it would have cost if you bought retail.
Duomo's
Like its “sister store,” Cynthia’s Consignments, Duomo’s offers contemporary fashions at about a third of the original price. The difference is, Duomo’s provides a little resale glamour for the fellas. Browse the store, and you’ll see all the big labels from major designers, including Armani, Gucci, Prada, Versace and more. And with a full selection of suits, slacks, dress shirts and ties, you can be clad like a king without breaking the bank. All items are kept in the store for no more than 90 days, so the selection constantly changes. Duomo’s also carries year-end pieces from major department stores nationwide; time your shopping just right, and you could make an off-season killing.
Chicago Fur Outlet
Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, this fur resaler serves “everyone from celebrities to little old ladies” with high-quality jackets, full-length coats and hats. Its mission: “Make people happy with affordable luxury,” which includes offering a wide array of furs and fur-trimmed jackets in all colors and pelts. Discounts are deep, in some cases as much as 50 percent below original price. But these fur specialists warn: Even in resale, price goes with quality. You can secure a nice warm coat for a few hundred dollars, but a top-quality mink or sable will still set you back several grand, even at resale. The store also offers some new furs, restoration, cleaning and storing service to keep your fur looking its best.
Wacky Cats
For young debs seeking yesteryear glamour, Wacky Cats is a godsend. Specializing in party dresses from the ‘30s through the early ‘60s, this shop delivers pristine examples of chiffon, silk and tulle just right for the sock hop. During prom season, the store is swamped with high-schoolers seeking fluffy ball gowns (“cupcake dresses,” as the owner calls them), but you’ll also find a full selection of day wear, including sundresses, skirts, slacks and cocktail dresses, as well as a small selection of vintage men’s suits. Customer service here borders on “personal shopping,” as the owner steers shoppers to the most appropriate choices, helps with fitting and matches clothes with appropriate vintage accessories.
Viva Vintage
Affordable, wearable, quality vintage is how the owner describes this little shop in Evanston. Offerings run the gamut from cocktail dresses to delicate crinoline petticoats to sexy negligees, predominantly from the ‘40s through the ‘70s. Looking for a classic little black dress? You’ll find every variant, from fully sequined to velvet and long-sleeved. Prices are more than moderate, with most dresses (even that cute black and white chiffon number with the pearl shoulder straps) around $35 and tops and pants for even less. Accessories include tons of rhinestone bling, fab handbags and never-worn wigs.
I Do Designer Bridal Consignment
Not every bride wants to save her wedding dress for her daughter; you can browse the cast-offs at this superstore of bridal resale. You’ll find pre-worn dresses of all eras, from vintage gowns of the ‘30s to recently worn top-name designers. Appointments are required, but once you’re in the door, you’ll have a lot more freedom to browse the racks than you would at a traditional bridal salon. The back room is stuffed with gowns, and the owner is happy to let you explore or point you to dresses that match your taste. Bear in mind, though: If you find a dress you like, you’d better buy it now. A consigned gown is basically one-of-a-kind, and when it’s gone, it’s gone.
Cynthia's Consignment
If you’re a fan of consignment designer labels, you may not even get to Cynthia’s selection of gently worn bridal gowns, stashed away in the back of this popular upscale resale shop. But sad would be the bride on a budget who missed out. Cynthia’s stocks between 60 and 70 dresses, in sizes 2 through 12, all less than two years old, as well as veils, headdresses and a small selection of shoes and jewelry. The average price is $800, though prices vary depending on the style and designer. Gowns that aren’t sold within six months are removed from the store, so the selection constantly changes. No appointment is needed, so it’s easy to check back for the dress of your dreams.
Broadway Antique Market
Formerly Wrigleyville Antique Mall, this superstore of yesteryear moved to Edgewater, but it still offers classic art deco and mid-century treasures from more than 75 vendors. Hit the first floor for cases filled with old-school glassware, housewares, toys, jewelry and kitschy memorabilia. Head upstairs and embark on a sea of furnishings. A recent visit uncovered a leopard upholstered tiki bar, a Sunbeam Mixmaster worthy of Ozzie and Harriet, several Easy-Bake ovens and a 1940s ice cream counter, complete with stool and marquee (price tag: $4,800).
Salvage One
When stately old buildings die, they leave their best accents to this well-stocked architectural reclamation store. That includes everything from antique doorknobs and light fixtures to marble fireplaces, limestone columns, carved ornamental lions and huge stained glass windows. The goods are spread out over three floors in a cavernous warehouse space, making for an extensive display of architectural oddities. And while most of us can’t afford to shell out $28,000 for a “bistro bar” (or even $200 for an antique window), it’s worth a visit just to get a glimpse of the ornate styles of an earlier era.
Centerstage Will Feed You
