After President Obama’s State of the Union Address, I find myself suffering from buyer’s remorse for choosing Fuji over Dasani. Fortunately, there’s no reason to feel guilty while purchasing designer clothing and high end shoes, not with amazing independently owned resale shops and thrift stores scattered across the city. Today’s thrift finds are brought to you by my first love: Trends in Oak Park. Here are five reasons why Trends is sure to quickly become your favorite treasure chest for second hand designer apparel and accessories:
- Trends is a consignment store. More than resale shops, consignment stores tend to be stocked with high quality, in-fashion clothing. This is because the original owner is hoping to earn some profit by selling the garment. The Givenchy gown that sadly no longer fits? Consignment store. The Ann Taylor Loft skirt that you’re sick of looking at? Goodwill.
- All items must be clean and hung on hangers prior to consignment. No one wants to smell like grandma’s closet. To avoid the aroma of moth balls, Trends requires each item it accepts to be dry-cleaned, hung neatly, and ready for sale.
- Men’s suits ain’t cheap. Since men’s suits are often meticulously tailored, few consignment stores carry them. Trends offers clothing, accessories, shoes, and, yes, suits for both sexes.
- Only high quality brands (think J. Crew and above) are sold. So you shouldn’t have to work too hard to find a bargain worth your time searching for.
- 24 hour return policy. Purchased something on impulse only to regret it the moment you arrived home? No worries. Trends accepts all returns within 24 hours of purchase. No questions asked. Refunds are provided in the same form with which payment was received.
If you’re not a thriftier, expect some frustration visiting any resale store for the first time. Digging for treasure isn’t easy, and requires a lot of patience. Still, it’s worth the work knowing your leather jacket valued at $500 only cost you $75. No buyer’s remorse here. How responsible of you!
Trends 810 North Boulevard, Oak Park, IL 60301 (708) 434.0801 www.trendsoakpark.com