The day I found the t-shirt that said, “Talk Nerdy To Me” with an image of thick, sturdy glasses so like my own, I experienced that sweet feeling of victory so familiar to people who shop for used clothing.

I’ve always loved the treasure hunt of shopping for previously enjoyed clothing – especially when the people admiring my cute black dress would never guess that it hadn’t fallen into my arms directly off the rack at Holt Renfrew (or let’s be honest, The Bay).

Besides the fashion fun and the money saved by purchasing some of your clothing used, there are also planet-friendly reasons. Lindsay Coulter, “Queen of Green” for the David Suzuki Foundation, says that our wardrobe choices “can make an impact that is often overlooked.”

Buying your clothing used can reduce the post-consumer waste of things like wool sweaters leaking methane gas in the landfill, and the pre-consumer process of manufacturing the new clothes we would have bought otherwise.

“The materials have already been extracted,” explains Lindsay.“ The resources have already been tapped for that t-shirt, instead of sourcing something new, you are able to buy something already produced and used.”

Add in the fact that 80 percent of the textiles thrown away still have 75 percent of their wearability left, and that textile wastes accounts for more than four percent of what lies lingering in Canada’s landfills, and the argument for buying used clothing just got even stronger.

And it’s never been easier to shop for used clothing right here in Port Perry.
Deja Vu Clothiers is an upscale women’s clothing and accessories store, tucked away on Casimir Street. Janet Brooks runs the place, along with Yankee, her beloved golden doodle who will probably greet you at the door.

For those who think buying used means purchasing someone else’s castaways, you need to know that consignment may not mean used at all. “Consignment means I’m selling it for someone else. Consigners sell new and gently worn items that have been looked over. The items are laundered and cleaned,” explains Janet.

Janet can spot a consignment shop newbie the minute she walks in the door of her funky shop by the uncertain look on her face. And, “she sniffs to see if the shop smells,” laughs Janet.

New customers are pleasantly surprised by what they find. “I love to see them get hooked on consignment. My best customers are educated, they know their labels and they know what it costs at the mall.”

Savvy shoppers drop in frequently, knowing that high-quality items come in all the time, and garments gradually decrease in price as their two-month shelf life reaches an end.
If a shopper has never tried buying used clothing before, Janet suggests starting with a pair of jeans. “They’re broken in already.”

Once you’re hooked, check back often, and don’t be afraid to tell Janet if you are looking for a particular item. She’ll jot it in the notebook she keeps behind her counter and give you a call if that Ralph Lauren suit shows up. And experience tells Janet that it probably will eventually.

Karen Staniland, owner of the Kid’s Cupboard, sells lightly used clothing,
accessories and toys at her popular store on Queen St., Port Perry.
Photos by J. Peter Hvidsten

The Kid’s Cupboard on Queen Street offers much more than kid’s clothing, although it has that in abundance, with approximately 2,500 fresh items added to the racks of the bright, friendly store each month.

Buying used clothing, says owner Karen Staniland, “is a great choice for people who want to spend their money on other things. People buy used cars, used houses, used sports equipment, why not buy used clothing?” Especially, says Karen, when you are trying to outfit kids who seem to stretch into new sizes almost overnight.

Affordable used clothing can also scratch that grown-up itch to buy one – or five – splashy tops for spring, or whatever it will take to refresh a weary wardrobe.
“We get tired of a style, we need a change. This type of shopping allows you to trade in your old wardrobe and get a new one without breaking the bank,” says Karen.

In fact, your bank account will hardly notice it at all if you find a treasure at Camille’s Closet on Perry Street, a used clothing and house-wares store run by the Port Perry Hospital Auxiliary, with all profits going to purchase equipment for the hospital.
On the day I visit, I leave clutching a brand new pair of tan pumps ($1) and a little ball of envy that I missed the brand new Burberry purse snatched up by one of the volunteers – for $2.

“When it’s good, it goes very quickly,” explains volunteer Kathi Catton. The women see all kinds of shoppers come in the door of the small shop, including those who know a Burberry when they see one. “I don’t think the stigma about buying used things is there anymore,” says volunteer Carol Mairs. “People have gotten smarter.”

Back over at Deja Vu, Janet confirms it. “I mean, who are the smart people?” Janet asks. “You can pay $300 for a cocktail dress at the mall, or you can pay $25 here. It’s about a good deal for the consigner, for me, and for the customer.” Throw in the benefit to the environment, and shopping for used clothing in Port Perry has never been as enticing.

Tips for buying used clothing
• A good consignment store means the clothing has been vetted by the owner. You can worry less about whether there is a stain, and more about whether it’s your style.
• If you are purchasing used clothing at a “lower-end” store, examine it in good light, checking the seams, buttons, zippers and look for hard-to-spot stains.
• Understand that low prices can lead to impulse buying. The faux-fur purple swing coat I bought for only $14 – and actually wore to an event at the high school – was an embarrassment to my family that I am still apologizing for. Bring an honest friend along to maximize the fun and minimize the folly.

Tips for new consigners
• Consignment boutiques are often by appointment only. It’s normally a 60/40 split, with you, the consignee, taking home 40 percent of the sale price of the clothing.
• Consignees need to be prepared to watch someone inspect each item of clothing and perhaps reject a few as icky or not stylish enough. “Don’t take it personally,” laughs Janet Brooks. Of course, this is almost impossible, but a few moments of squirming is worth the money you can make selling your clothing by consignment.
• Stores like Camille’s Closet or Treasures Just for You at the bottom of Queen Street (with profits going to Scugog Christian School), will accept clothing donations of any sort (Treasures accepts in store drop offs on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Camille’s, anytime the store is open), but clean, current clothing is always best.

By Karen Stiller
Focus on Scugog