Cheap Chic

Susannah Kennedy

Given that Vancouver is a city in which the sun may shine for two whole months or just two shorthours, that cute little sundress may not be getting the exposure worth the $150 it cost you. An alternative? Pick up a great sundress at one of the many consignment stores around Vancouver.

Unlike a thrift store, each item in a consignment store is hand-picked by a purchaser, and the best part is that many consignment stores carry both new and used items. This makes it much easier to realize that the great vintage feather boa may not actually be the best addition to your new fashion-forward wide leg jeans. See what sort of one of a kind outfits you can put together at some of the consignment stores listed below.

Madison on Main: www.madisononmain.ca, 3728 Main St, Vancouver
Peaking in the windows of the store looks like an upscale boutique; inside the only thing reminding you that you are not on Madison Ave, NY, are the price tags.

Front and Company: 3772 Main St, Vancouver
This consignment store is not just clothes and accessories; it has a whole area devoted to housewares, antiques, and collectibles.

Mintage: www.mintagevintage.com, 1714 Commercial / 320 W Cordova, Vancouver
What more could you want than a store with rows of cowboy boots, random dresses, as well as the odd $5 per bag back alley sale.