Second Time Around

By Lisa Arnett
August 2024 View more Discover

Sell your own designer clothing or pick up some new threads at these consignment boutiques

Stitch Switch Men’s Consignment

124 N. Main St., Wheaton
310 Campbell St., Geneva

As one of seven children in his family, David Herda discovered as a teen that he could liven up his hand-me-down wardrobe on the cheap with thrift-store finds. “I would get so many compliments on my outfits, but you would never tell someone you bought clothes secondhand. There was a stigma, then,” says Herda, who lives in St. Charles. “Now it’s accepted and celebrated…but while there are tons of consignment stores for women, I noticed there were never any just for men around.” Looking to make a career switch after 25 years as a criminal justice research director at University of Chicago, Herda opened his first store in Geneva in 2020, specializing in mid- to high-end designer menswear. It became so popular that he opened a second location in Wheaton last summer. “We carry J.Crew on up,” he says. “Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Burberry down to middle high-end, like Tommy Bahama, Bugatchi, Robert Graham, Peter Millar.” The most thrilling item ever brought in to consign? “A Cartier Roadster men’s watch,” he says. “That was pretty cool.”
Good to Know: In addition to like-new secondhand clothing and accessories, Herda’s consignors often bring in items that have never been worn. “We have a significant amount of clothing that’s new with tags and shoes that are new in box,” he says.

The Ladies Room & ThomKat Boutique

410 S. Main St. and 1 N. Main St., Lombard

These two consignment boutiques owned by longtime Villa Park resident Catrina Kagel are about a 10-minute walk from one another along Main Street in Lombard. “The Ladies Room is our everyday boutique,” Kagel says. “That’s where you can find casual pieces and hidden gems.” Inventory runs the gamut from Cole Haan heels and Coach purses to Boden and Betsey Johnson dresses to a Patagonia fleece pullover. Up the street, ThomKat is all about special-occasion gowns. Homecoming and prom gowns are carried seasonally, while party dresses and mother-of-the-bride ensembles are in stock year-round in sizes 00 to 26. If gowns don’t sell after a certain amount of time and the consignor doesn’t want them back, Kagel donates them to students in need or upcycles them through her nonprofit, Project Repurpose the Runway, which teaches kids and teens how to transform used clothing into new looks.
Good to know: Put the finishing touches on your formal look by booking a makeup session or hairstyling service at Drytini, a beauty bar adjacent to ThomKat.

Kelsey Resale Boutique

49 S. Washington St., Hinsdale

Upscale resale is the name of the game at this white-and-pink storefront in downtown Hinsdale. Most days, you’ll find the shop’s namesake, Kelsey Moran, behind the counter. When her mother, Beverly Volenec, first started the business in Glen Ellyn back in 2011, Moran often worked there after school. These days, she manages the store and continues to be inspired by her mother’s fashion savvy and ability to score resale treasures. “She’s always been the best fashion icon in my life,” Moran says. “She is incredible at resale shopping, and when I was a kid, I remember going to resale shops all over with her. Elite Repeat, Serendipity in Naperville…we would travel miles and miles to go to resale stores.” The racks here are filled with contemporary everyday clothing, shoes, and outerwear from luxury designers such as Gucci, the Row, and Christian Louboutin, plus midtier labels such as Veronica Beard, Montcler, Canada Goose, and See by Chloe. If you’re coveting a designer accessory but can’t afford retail, you might find what you’re looking for here, whether it’s a Gucci Double-G logo belt, Chanel quilted flap bag, or a Bottega Veneta clutch.
Good to know: Check out the activewear section featuring higher-end athleisure brands such as Lululemon and Alo Yoga.

What is Consignment?

A consignment boutique displays your items and splits the profit with you if and when they sell. The percentage of profit you get and how long the store keeps your items can vary, so be sure to ask about those terms in the consignor contract.

More Designer Bags

Looking for an option to sell your gently used designer bag in downtown Naperville? The Apartment by Costello Jewelry Company (33 W. Jefferson Ave.) accepts wallets and handbags from brands such as Chanel, Prada, Dior, YSL, and Louis Vuitton on consignment.

Photos: Stich Switch; ThomKat; Erin Konrath (Kelsey)