Reduce, reuse, recycle - and consign

Now that the kids are back in school (Is that a collective cheer I hear?), I've started a closet-by-closet purge of clothing that is no longer being worn. The reasons are typical: Pants and sleeves are too short, shirts and sweaters are too tight, dresses and jackets are out of style or stained or torn.

There is the odd piece that makes me cry, "What was I thinking when I bought that???" and the suits my husband refuses to let go of. Yes, honey, those lapels are a little wide. No, honey, shiny fabrics are not making a comeback.

Heather has written about community organizations that accept donations, which I will probably contact when I'm ready to give away stuff that I've unearthed.

But I've come across some clothing that would be ideal to sell at a consignment store or online. The Ralph Lauren sweater that I bought for my son to wear to a wedding or other fancy occasion, but never got worn because we were never invited to any fancy occasions. The cute sweater dress I got for my daughter that fit her only when she was in her no-dresses-will-touch-my-body phase. The sheer and chic blouse I had hoped to wear on a date night sometime. Alas, it's way too sheer, I'm way too opposite-of-chic and date nights have been few and far between

Anybody know of any good consignment stores for very gently worn or brand new clothes for adults and children? Have you had success selling clothing on Craigslist or ebay? Is anybody interested in a size 42 sharkskin suit?

Comments

[Heather]

I've never tried selling clothes on craigslist or ebay, but I do take my good condition kid clothes to Hoot-n-Annie in SW. http://www.hoot-n-annie.com/ We also shop at Katelyn's Closet in Multnomah (both kid and women's clothing) and Baby to Baby on SW Canyon (up to kid size 8). http://www.babytobabyresale.com/

I did just discover an upscale women's consignment store called Seams to Fit off of NW 23rd. http://seamstofit.com/ They carry hip, upscale gently-worn women's clothing. Here We Go Again is another women's shop with stores in John's Landing and Irvington, but I've never been to either. http://www.hwga.com/

I'm going to pass on the sharkskin suit, however. But, thanks!

[Erin]

Have you heard of Just Between Friends? It's a twice a year sale at Oaks Park where people bring childrens clothing, toys, accessories to sell. www.jbfsale.com. The next sale is in a couple of weeks.

[Alia]

Katelyn's Closet now carries mens clothes as well.

[ES]

Pass It On is coming up, too. www.passitonsales.com

[KarenP]

I love Katelyn's closet for both me and the kids. Great stuff, great staff. Easy to consign. They're taking up-front trades now as well.

I also like Consigning Women in Lake Oswego for women's stuff. Great prices--especially love their sale rack. They have about a bazillion pairs of shoes. Nice selection of clothes, many upscale brands but not overpriced. Each item has multiple prices on the price tag as the price drops the longer it's in the shop. You can find some great deals if you can find something that's been there for a month or two. http://www.consigningwomyn.com/

[Mandy]

Small Wonders is a new children's and maternity consignment store in SE Portland. It is at 7979 SE Foster Rd next to Fred Meyer. They also take toys, baby gear, books, movies, games, etc. And they have tons of cool big toys, too!

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