There are so many reasons to love resale! As a mom, I am always trying to save two dollars for every single I spend. I’m also not able to justify paying full price for things I want if there’s not a big enough budget to first accommodate the family-wide wish list.
I hesitated to write this post because the details on how to find these incredible deals are actually highly-coveted secrets.
San Diego moms are in on this wild adventure of raising babies right along with me, so I can’t think of anyone better to dish with. As you are all members of our mom tribe, I couldn’t be happier to share my favorite places to find designer duds! I hope you treat yourself to a carefree afternoon with a close friend; scouring for something that helps you accentuate how wonderful you already are!
Carolyn’s Designer Resale, Del Mar
The singular point of success at a designer consignment store, (or really any store for that matter), is its ability to source a wide selection of things people actually want. In addition to finding sought-after items, in the designer consignment space, they need to be in like-new condition, seasonally appropriate, and well priced.
A buyer like me only wants to score something that looks fresh off the rack, or a vintage classic. To achieve all of this without wholesale accounts to purchase from, you need a magic wand. OK, not really, but you do need a solid network to procure pieces from and a curator with a fantastic eye.
Lucky for us ladies, Carolyn’s has all of the above. I can confidently say they had at least one item, (in my size even), from every label I love to collect and then some. There’s a certain Herve Leger bandage dress that caught my eye and I can’t stop thinking about it. It reminds me of a black one I wore everywhere in my glory days. If you love labels like Roberto Cavalli, St. John, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Chanel and Dolce & Gabbana, this place might be your new go-to.
You can pre-shop their Instagram feed prior to arrival. The only downside is finding parking on Camino Del Mar. Once you have a spot, you might as well make a day of it and enjoy the delights of Old Del Mar!
Pro tip: Come to Camino Del Mar for the outfit at Carolyn’s, then stay for a slice from Del Mar Pizza and experience the sunset at nearby Powerhouse Beach.
- Carolyn’s Designer Resale
- @carolynsdesignerresale
- 1310 A Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014
- www.carolynsdesignerresaleboutique.com
The Studio by Pink Lagoon, Solana Beach
Speaking of having an eye for exceptional things; come to The Studio by Pink Lagoon for curated luxury accessories!
This place will make you feel so cool! I’m not joking. The ladies are nice and the decor is adorable. As a lover of history, I was so happy to hear the backstory of the former life of a brightly colored jacket I tried on by Dolce & Gabbana. Not only is it a rare runway piece, it was beloved by the one and only Whitney Houston!
If you are looking for a pair of Christian Louboutins or Manolo Blaniks, chances are, they’ve got you covered. Need some sunnies to pair with that hot new swim suit? I mean this is San Diego, right mama? The accessories case in The Studio will likely have something you can’t live without. For those of you that have never been to Pink Lagoon, it is a boutique full of everything from luxury athleisure to the spring dress of your most vivid flower field dreams! That being said, there’s an upside to consigning here… You can opt to receive payment OR a higher value of in store credit to apply toward the purchase of something new.
Pro tip: Make an appointment and let the stylists have their way with your wardrobe selections, then take a stroll down the stylish Cedros Avenue Design District.
- The Studio by Pink Lagoon
- @pinklagoon
- 143 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075
- www.pinklagoon.com
EDIT Consignment Boutique, Rancho Santa Fe
When you visit EDIT Consignment Boutique you will quickly forget that these are pre-loved items. There’s so much to be said for ambiance in the shopping experience, and they have nailed it. Many of the items for sale are limited editions and the art of displaying them as such is not lost.
This place is unique in that it seems to defy its own description; it feels more like a shiny new luxury spot sans the painful price points. You can find labels like Chanel, Hermes, Valentino, Tory Burch, Jimmy Choo, Gucci and Balmain on a regular basis. This is as real as it gets, my lovelies! Take a moment to peruse their Facebook page in advance of your visit to find your personal favorites. With a wide selection of shoes, handbags, gowns, accessories and so on, there’s no telling what you might find. It’s well worth the visit.
Pro tip: Come on a Sunday so you can also enjoy the Rancho Santa Fe Farmer’s Market, which boasts both live music and delicious food from around the world.
- EDIT Consignment Boutique
- 16087 San Dieguito Road Ste D2, Rancho Santa Fe, California 92067
- www.editrsf.com
Helen Woodward Animal Center: Orphaned Objects Resale Shop, Rancho Santa Fe
Few things make people feel as good as giving back.
Each time you make a purchase from the Helen Woodward Animal Center Orphaned Objects Resale Shop, you can be sure that you are feeding an animal in need and supporting something worthwhile. This store has produced some serious gems! I have twice found one of a kind custom made samples from luxury designers of the highest quality. It’s the craftsmanship that usually derives the value of luxury goods and draws people to them. In this case, I not only found something incredibly well made, but it thrilled me to know that I was literally the only person who had this particular one. Custom designed pieces are very appealing. Suffice to say there is no shortage of beautiful things in Rancho Santa Fe, and the things that fill the shelves in this store are no exception. In addition to the clothing, take a peek at the art, silver, jewelry, and housewares.
Pro tip: Take your time and explore the consignment shop, then walk across to the animal center to pet a goat, hang out with a horse, kiss a kitten or pet a puppy. Your kids will love it.
- Helen Woodward Animal Center, Orphaned Objects Resale Shop
- @hwac
- 6265 Helen Woodward Way, Ste. B, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
- www.animalcenter.org/shopping/orphaned-objects-resale-shop
Flashbacks, Encinitas
This place has something for everyone! Those of you that hang out on the 101 in Encinitas are probably a bit confused by this one. Isn’t that the place I head to when I’m looking for something super funky? Yeah, yeah, yeah, that’s true too.
The majority of the fashion in this vibrant store is either designed by Rainbow Brite or a 70’s throwback. But it’s DELIGHTFUL! Pick up a wig and a tutu on your way to their designer wall. This is where they hide the luxury items! You will find a small and eclectic but exquisite selection of coats and shoes. As if you didn’t already love the sequin tube tops and the metallic bodysuits!
Pro tip: Take a sensational trip down memory lane and be a kid playing dress up again for a brief moment before you grab a freshly-brewed beverage at Better Buzz.
- Flashbacks
- @flashbackssd
- 576 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
- www.facebook.com/flashbackssandiego
Fashionphile, Carlsbad
In all my years shopping luxury showrooms and designer department stores, I’ve never quite encountered this level of exclusivity. The place feels more like Fort Knox than a friendly retail establishment.
When you approach their showroom you will find a giant metal fence and a gate guard to verify you are supposed to be there before you park in a space designating you as VIP. It’s quite an experience. Once inside, you’re met by a very stylish reception room and you better hope you have an appointment. So, don’t show up unannounced. Instead, create an account on their website and pre-select the pieces you want to view in person. A consultant will pull all of your pieces in advance of your visit and you can feel impossibly posh while determining if any of them are worth the investment. I can’t say this is the most welcoming place to shop in the luxury resale space, but if done right, it can be a fun place to feel bougie with your favorite babe squad. Which, if I’m being honest, could be a well-deserved departure from the spit-ups and sippy cups that come with the territory when you #momsohard.
Pro tip: Call ahead!
- Fashionphile
- @fashionphile
- 6359 Paseo Del Lago, Carlsbad, CA 92011
- www.fashionphile.com
My Sister’s Closet, Encinitas & La Jolla
There are two My Sister’s Closet locations to serve your style needs in North San Diego County. Although, your favorite way to shop this place may very well be from the comfort of your own couch. Kudos to whoever designed the website, as they have built something super organized and user-friendly. I love that I can search through the inventory by store.
The site is a serious time saver, but it’s still worth the drive to see if there’s something you love that hasn’t been listed. A few of the labels currently in stock include: Helmut Lang, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Armani, Tom Ford, Versace, and Fendi!
Pro tip: With two locations, there’s sure to be something amazing; make a list of what you’re looking for so you don’t overdo it!
- My Sister’s Closet
- @mysistersclosetdotcom
- 146 N El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA 92024 & 8610 Genesee Ave., San Diego, CA 92122
- www.mysisterscloset.com
If you don’t have a fashionista to experience these shops with, join our Facebook group or hit me up.
Shout out to the Lady Bosses that run these businesses; well done! Thank you for helping us be both fabulous and financially fit.
Tell us what you found on your last treasure hunt and where it’s from in the comments below!
