Consignment

Castoffs can be chic—if you know where to look. These resale shops are a stylish place to start.

Elite Repeat

From its classic navy-blue awnings to its idyllic Mac-Groveland location, Elite Repeat is a quintessential neighborhood shop. Inside, the carpets and floral dressing-room drapes could use an upgrade, but the friendly service, fair prices, and variety of men’s and women’s merchandise strike a chord with shoppers. Patrons often come in pairs, making an event out of it. And with good reason: the predominance of accessible, affordable brands like Banana Republic, Gap, and Polo Ralph Lauren means there’s something for everyone.

1336 Randolph Ave., St. Paul, 651-699-2315

Rags from Riches

Formerly Voege, Etc., this 15-year-old resale store was purchased a few years ago by Camille Gagnon, who is dedicated to stocking it with designer merchandise that’s no more than two years old. After her pup, Louie, greets shoppers with a yap, Gagnon gets to work sizing up their style and rooting out the perfect suit or shoe. Rags’ collection of Chanel, Ellie Tahari, and Roberto Cavalli make it easy. A red-patent Pietro Alessandro tote, or a precious stone necklace from local artist Helen Wang, makes any ensemble shiny and new.  

848 E. Lake St., Wayzata, 952-473-1435

Buffalo Exchange

There’s Blondie blasting on the stereo, a tattooed-and-pierced sales staff, and next-to-new cashmere J. Crew sweaters for 20 bucks. Hmmm. Something’s not right with this picture, and it’s not the nose rings. Don’t let Buffalo Exchange’s punkster façade faze you: This is no Ragstock. It’s a fabulously cheap (as in, inexpensive) destination for need-it-now trends and classic wares for him and her. There’s a bit of vintage mixed in, and a handful of new slinky tanks and mini-dresses for when you are in the mood to rock out.

2727 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, 612-871-9115

gh2

At gh2, high style doesn’t come with a high price. The shop accepts only designer labels in pristine condition. Bemused shoppers (including this style editor) may be overheard saying—to no one in particular—this can’t be right. This being a Tory Burch trench for 80 percent off retail, or red-bottomed Louboutins minus the three-digit price tag. Gh2 also serves as the outlet for its sister store Grethen House, which hands over last season’s Comme des Garçon and Miu Miu, and for other local retailers like Covered, which contributes marked-down premium denim.

318 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, 612-378-0509

Second Début

Although it’s not technically consignment, Second Début is at the top of our list for gently used clothing and accessories. All of the men and women’s merchandise here represents the highest-quality donations that Goodwill/Easter Seals receives. The store, which is more boutique-like than Goodwill-like, is organized by clothing type and color for easy navigation. Peruse deeply discounted designer racks with a clear conscience: All revenues support Goodwill’s education, workforce development, and employment services for people with disabilities.

4300 W. 36 1/2 St., St. Louis Park, 952-922-9640