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Lanvin pumps at Second Time Around: 176 Newbury, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152000243809439&amp;set=pb.188206969438.-2207520000.1382550556.&amp;type=3&amp;theater">$259</a>
Lanvin pumps at Second Time Around: 176 Newbury, $259

Here Is Your Essential Guide to Consigning in Greater Boston

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Lanvin pumps at Second Time Around: 176 Newbury, $259

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Changes in taste, size, and season leave many a Bostonian in need of a good place to unload and earn a buck (in some cases, recoup from a regretful splurge). Understanding the consignment game is hard, and sometimes, a donation is just not financially sound. Should you have an alarming quantity of shoes or need to get an extra lamp off your hands, these ten boutiques will ensure your castoffs sell fast and for a fair deal. Without further ado, here is your roadmap to the best local consignment options. (What we can't help you with is deciding whether or not to keep those Manolos...)

If you'd prefer to consign online, luxury website The Real Real and charitable start-up Fashion Project both operate locally.


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Two Little Monkeys

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Trend-conscious adults unloading last season's wares aren't the only people who want to sell off their closet. Consider Two Little Monkeys a home for baby clothes and kids' gear that the little ones have outgrown. No appointment is necessary; simply drop off items and within a couple days receive a quote on pricing. Expect 50% in store credit or 30% if you opt for cash. Current needs include strollers, clothing up to 24 months, umbrellas, and winter shoes and outerwear.

Poor Little Rich Girl

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At PLRG the focus is on quirky, eclectic contemporary wears and 25+ year old vintage. Having served thousands of consignors over more than a decade, it's no surprise the boutique has won multiple "Best Of" titles. Don't bring anything over three seasons of age to your appointment-only meeting, unless it's vintage (25+ years). Items are kept for 60 days and once your balance reaches $50, they'll cut a check; otherwise, it's store credit with a 20% discount. There is a 25 piece maximum.

The Garment District

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Dubbed "An Alternative Department Store," this Cambridge spot is loaded to the brim with contemporary clothing, vintage from the 50s-90s, a costume floor, and "by the pound" shopping for men, women, and children. The Garment District is open for purchasing on a walk-in basis from Wednesday to Saturday, 12-7 pm (25 piece maximum). Get 30% of the suggested retail price in cash or 60% in store credit. They are currently seeking clothing and handbags from the last five years, 60s and 70s originated items, and band tees—but aren't buying until November 6, 2013.

Skinner Auction

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From antique furniture to artwork, clothing and beyond, Skinner auction house is on hand to get your item up for bidding. Fine jewelry is based in Boston, so if you have some diamonds to spare, set up an appointment with an appraiser and begin the consignment process. Feel free to submit photos online as well for an auction evaluation.

The Closet

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Its motto is "gently worn, gently priced," so if you dream of vintage Lanvin and Chanel tweed, this is your new favorite store. A hefty 50/50 split (mailed monthly) on consignment gives love back to sellers too. Assuming any of the seasonal, 1-2 year old items you bring in make the cut, there could be a significant payment in the mail upon selling. Make an appointment for a 15-20 piece haul.

Second Time Around

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Second Time Around makes the consignment process easy peasy—and with 11 Massachusetts stores you can even be a bit strategic about where to drop off what. Send the Chanel bag to the swanky flagship at 176 Newbury, but bring those trendy L.A.M.B. shoes to this subterranean shop at the lower end of the street. Whatever (and wherever) you're delivering, be sure to make an appointment in advance and fold items neatly into bags. There is a three piece minimum to start an account, and once set up, it is wildly easy to check which items of yours are selling and at what price when you log into their website. Payment by check yields 40% of the selling price, while accepting your earnings in store credit results in 50%. Checks are cut monthly, so the delay between drop-off and receiving cash is minimal. Insider tip: If your item is new with tags, it will be priced at 50% of the price listed on the tag, the highest percentage offered on original retail price.

Buffalo Exchange

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The Allston Rock City outpost of national chain Buffalo Exchange carries all the affordable style that hipsters and students crave. When that same crowd needs beer money, last year's clothes can be sold here for immediate cash. Buffalo is buy/sell/trade, meaning you can leave with cash in hand or a higher value in store credit. Before you drop into either the 180 Harvard Avenue storefront in Allston or the 238 Elm Street one in Davis Square, make sure to call and see what kind of gear is in demand.

Garage Sale

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This consignment store has a broad selection of furniture and decor that is always changing. If you have pretty good stuff to unload due to a move, they could prove a better option than throwing it on Craigslist. Call them to schedule a pick up or drop off, then your items will be consigned for 90 days with a 50% split on the selling price. Feel free to reclaim unsold items after the 90 days or donate them to a selected nonprofit as a charitable contribution.

Closet Connection

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Closet Connection is Southie's spot for dropping off high-end items to consign (think Manolo Blahnik, Herve Leger, Balenciaga), and they're currently asking for holiday wear and outerwear. You'll receive 40% of the selling price, with a 90 day consignment period, paid quarterly. They ask for a 4 piece minimum to make an appointment.

REDRESS Boston

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This award-winner is a neighborhood consignment shop in Brookline Village, on the hunt for pieces from trendy classics like J.Crew and Kate Spade. They don't just want contemporary labels though—include luxe houses like Tod's and Hermes as well. To sell, make an appointment from Tuesday through Saturday, 11am to 5:30pm, or drop-off on Sundays.

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Two Little Monkeys

Trend-conscious adults unloading last season's wares aren't the only people who want to sell off their closet. Consider Two Little Monkeys a home for baby clothes and kids' gear that the little ones have outgrown. No appointment is necessary; simply drop off items and within a couple days receive a quote on pricing. Expect 50% in store credit or 30% if you opt for cash. Current needs include strollers, clothing up to 24 months, umbrellas, and winter shoes and outerwear.

Poor Little Rich Girl

At PLRG the focus is on quirky, eclectic contemporary wears and 25+ year old vintage. Having served thousands of consignors over more than a decade, it's no surprise the boutique has won multiple "Best Of" titles. Don't bring anything over three seasons of age to your appointment-only meeting, unless it's vintage (25+ years). Items are kept for 60 days and once your balance reaches $50, they'll cut a check; otherwise, it's store credit with a 20% discount. There is a 25 piece maximum.

The Garment District

Dubbed "An Alternative Department Store," this Cambridge spot is loaded to the brim with contemporary clothing, vintage from the 50s-90s, a costume floor, and "by the pound" shopping for men, women, and children. The Garment District is open for purchasing on a walk-in basis from Wednesday to Saturday, 12-7 pm (25 piece maximum). Get 30% of the suggested retail price in cash or 60% in store credit. They are currently seeking clothing and handbags from the last five years, 60s and 70s originated items, and band tees—but aren't buying until November 6, 2013.

Skinner Auction

From antique furniture to artwork, clothing and beyond, Skinner auction house is on hand to get your item up for bidding. Fine jewelry is based in Boston, so if you have some diamonds to spare, set up an appointment with an appraiser and begin the consignment process. Feel free to submit photos online as well for an auction evaluation.

The Closet

Its motto is "gently worn, gently priced," so if you dream of vintage Lanvin and Chanel tweed, this is your new favorite store. A hefty 50/50 split (mailed monthly) on consignment gives love back to sellers too. Assuming any of the seasonal, 1-2 year old items you bring in make the cut, there could be a significant payment in the mail upon selling. Make an appointment for a 15-20 piece haul.

Second Time Around

Second Time Around makes the consignment process easy peasy—and with 11 Massachusetts stores you can even be a bit strategic about where to drop off what. Send the Chanel bag to the swanky flagship at 176 Newbury, but bring those trendy L.A.M.B. shoes to this subterranean shop at the lower end of the street. Whatever (and wherever) you're delivering, be sure to make an appointment in advance and fold items neatly into bags. There is a three piece minimum to start an account, and once set up, it is wildly easy to check which items of yours are selling and at what price when you log into their website. Payment by check yields 40% of the selling price, while accepting your earnings in store credit results in 50%. Checks are cut monthly, so the delay between drop-off and receiving cash is minimal. Insider tip: If your item is new with tags, it will be priced at 50% of the price listed on the tag, the highest percentage offered on original retail price.

Buffalo Exchange

The Allston Rock City outpost of national chain Buffalo Exchange carries all the affordable style that hipsters and students crave. When that same crowd needs beer money, last year's clothes can be sold here for immediate cash. Buffalo is buy/sell/trade, meaning you can leave with cash in hand or a higher value in store credit. Before you drop into either the 180 Harvard Avenue storefront in Allston or the 238 Elm Street one in Davis Square, make sure to call and see what kind of gear is in demand.

Garage Sale

This consignment store has a broad selection of furniture and decor that is always changing. If you have pretty good stuff to unload due to a move, they could prove a better option than throwing it on Craigslist. Call them to schedule a pick up or drop off, then your items will be consigned for 90 days with a 50% split on the selling price. Feel free to reclaim unsold items after the 90 days or donate them to a selected nonprofit as a charitable contribution.

Closet Connection

Closet Connection is Southie's spot for dropping off high-end items to consign (think Manolo Blahnik, Herve Leger, Balenciaga), and they're currently asking for holiday wear and outerwear. You'll receive 40% of the selling price, with a 90 day consignment period, paid quarterly. They ask for a 4 piece minimum to make an appointment.

REDRESS Boston

This award-winner is a neighborhood consignment shop in Brookline Village, on the hunt for pieces from trendy classics like J.Crew and Kate Spade. They don't just want contemporary labels though—include luxe houses like Tod's and Hermes as well. To sell, make an appointment from Tuesday through Saturday, 11am to 5:30pm, or drop-off on Sundays.