Imagine that you would like to purchase an authentic Chanel handbag or any other designer handbag from Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Fendi or Dior and you want the real deal.

When you find that dream handbag, one of the first questions you will most likely ask… “Is the handbag authentic?” Unfortunately 99% of designer handbags in the marketplace are replicas or knock-offs with the vast majority coming out of China. While it’s not illegal to buy or own replica handbags doing so technically supports a business that’s breaking copyright laws. Consigning Women does not want to support this activity and will not consign any fake designer handbags.

Always purchase your designer handbag from a trusted source. If you do not want to spend the huge price tag that comes with a luxury purchase, you may want to consider checking with consignment shops or specialty internet sites to find your dream handbag. Always do your homework and know the brand that you are thinking of buying.

If you are planning to pay a street vendor for that designer handbag then it’s definitely not an ‘authentic’ designer handbag. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. You will never find an authentic designer handbag at a sample sale or outlet. The design houses simply do not make samples and they have been known to destroy their goods if they are not up to par in terms of quality.

Determining authenticity can be a little tricky because some of the fakes are very good copies. Where possible, Consigning Women will provide the original sales receipts which details the price and where the bag was purchased. If there is no receipt, we look at a number of different ways to authenticate the handbag such as monogram/logo placement, stitching, age, country of origin, serial numbers, fonts, dust bags, to name a few.
To price the handbags we look at several factors including condition, market value, rarity, and current trends.

If you are thinking about selling your luxury handbag(s) please consider using Consigning Women. We have state-of-the-art software to enable a wish list for our customers and the wish list for designer handbags is growing.

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Vivid Prints
Bright, bold florals including colour block florals, stripes, geometric prints, and photo realistic landscapes. Not into an entire print outfit, try a bold floral dress paired with solid coloured accessories.

Tribal Prints
Rich prints in earth tones that include tribal patterns and ethic shapes. Texture plays an important part in tribal so try mixing it up with beads, woods or metallics such as a bracelet or necklace. African batiks, crochet and knitted raffia give it a tribal feel as well.

Leather
This is one trend that doesn’t seem to go away. Think summer leather like short shorts, skirts, mini dress, leather sheath and vests. The latter works extremely with just about anything.

Bold Pastels
It’s all about light, bright, neon and tropical hues. These shades are intense so choose pieces that have clean lines and balance with solids. Stay away from neutrals as a base but definitely use them for accessorizing.

Pleats, Folds & Draping
Texture is created by detailing light weight fabrics with pleating, folds, draping, ruffles, and ruching. Using lighter fabrics add volume without bulk. This feminine detailing especially accordion and delicate plisse is being shown in dresses, skirts and tops.

1920′s
Return to femininity with flapper inspired pieces; from floral patterns to elegant silhouettes. Fringed embellishments, drop waists, beading, sequins, silks, feather headbands or clips, and layers of long pearl necklaces can achieve this romantic look.

Additional Trends for Spring
Black and white for spring… you can never go wrong with this traditional combination.
Pastel separates in sorbet hues.
Lace is being incorporated into ready to wear, shoes, handbags as well as evening wear.
One shoulder look with asymmetrical draping.
Peplums on jackets, tops, skirts, jumpsuits and dresses.
Summer suits that include shorts.
The pencil skirt gets a little more interesting with draped ruffles, folds, and ruching.
Cropped tops that include everything from tees to tanks.
Mesh fabrics with athletic trims and detail.
Creamy neutrals.
Short shorts a.k.a. hot pants.
Lots of sparkle… iridescents, metallics, and pearls.
White in all forms including shoes.
Transparent vinyl in everything from booties to high heels.

Consigning Women follows the current trends when selecting merchandise for the store.

Provocative Tangerine Tango, an enticing juicy orange, is a vivacious and appealing refresher to enliven anyone’s outlook this spring.

Providing a jolt of energy, Solar Power radiates warmth and cheer. Solar Power is best paired with Sodalite Blue. For a safer bet, add a natural neutral like Starfish to the mix.

Fanciful Bellflower, a distinct ornamental purple, exudes uniqueness and creativity. For an ultra-bold vibrant look this spring, try mixing this colour with Tangerine Tango and Cabaret.

Scintillating and sexy, Cabaret is a sensual and intense rosy-red — an excellent choice for summer clothing and cosmetics.

Sodalite Blue, a classic maritime hue, brings order and calmness to mind. Like an anchor to a ship, this dependable shade works with every colour in the palette. 

Cockatoo, a tactile blue-green, is sure to make your spirits soar. This unusual hue adds a whimsical touch to the palette and will surely make a statement this spring.

Margarita, a piquant yellow-green, lifts spirits with its refreshing and stimulating glow. For a subtle look try mixing with Sweet Lilac and Cockatoo or combine Margarita with Sweet Lilac and Driftwood for a more practical variation.  

Reminiscent of a blossoming garden on an early spring morning, fragrant Sweet Lilacevokes the fresh scents of summer. This delicate pinkish lilac adds a touch of romance to any wardrobe.

Natural versatile neutrals add practicality to this season’s brights. Driftwood, an adaptable blend of beige and gray with a slightly weathered feel. 

Starfish, a perfect warm summer neutral, complement all colours featured in this season’s top 10.

Pantone, Inc. is the world re-nowned authority on colour and provider of colour systems. Each season Pantone surveys the designers of New York Fashion Week to collect feedback on collection colours, colour inspiration and colour philosophy. This information is used to create the Pantone Fashion Colour Report, which serves as a reference tool throughout the year for fashion.

This is one outfit that should be chosen carefully. If you want your black dress to carry you from season to season, then avoid buying high-fashion styles that will date quicker.  Too much black for your liking, then black can be made less black with a touch of white or cream in the dress, often at the collar.

Through the years, the little black dress has undergone hemline, shoulder, strap and fabric variations and this season is no different. The little black dress continues to work its charms on women from 16 to 60. No other wardrobe item is as chic & versatile, or as timeless.

Tips
Always in style: a knee length (right above, at or below) sleeveless sheath.
Keep legs bare or in very sheer hose for the dressiest looks.
Feel free to embellish the look with sparkly earrings, a bold bracelet, bag and cover-up because the simple black dress carries accessories well.
For women with a more challenging body type, the little black dress should be unstructured and of a fabric that does not drape or contain lycra. The dress shape should be accented with individualized tailoring details, according to each woman’s body shape.

Sweet and demure or bold and brash, no matter what your style is there’s a little black dress that speaks to you. Why pay full retail when you can shop consignment!

Black dress labels currently in store:
Anna Sui, Vivienne Tam, Milly, Laundry by Shelli Segal, Rachel Pally, Bailey 44, Ann Taylor, Samantha Treacy, Sweet Chemise, Weston Wear, Votrenom, Cartise, Joseph Ribkoff, Nicole Miller, Brenda Beddome, BCBG Maxazria and more.

Misconceptions about Consignment Stores

HUGE Public Misconception: all of the goods in a consignment store are “used”.
Consignment does not mean “used”. According to Webster’s on-line dictionary the word consignment means: “Consignment is the act of consigning, which is placing a person or thing in the hand of another, but retaining ownership until the goods are sold or person is transferred. This may done for shipping, transfer of prisoners, or for sale in a store (e.g. a Consignment Shop). In the context of sale it is usually understood that the consignee (the party which dispatches goods) pays the consignor (the party to which the goods are consigned) only after the sale, from its proceeds.”

Some of our consignment partners are high-end boutiques outside of the city. We bring in last season’s brand new merchandise to sell below regular retail prices. In addition, we receive a lot of items with tags from our consignors that have never been worn.

Consignment Stores are Dirty & Smelly
Unfortunately there are consignment stores that have an odour when you walk through the door. This odour is the direct result of items that are not clean. There is no reason that consignment stores need to smell.

At Consigning Women we take special care to ensure that the items come in freshly laundered or dry cleaned. If we find several pieces that someone has brought in that are not clean we assume that the rest of the items are not clean as well and will not take in any.

It’s too hard to find Things in a Consignment Store.
Not true! Items at Consigning Women are well organized and displayed by type. Because of this sizes may be intermixed on the racks. Just ask us if you need assistance. We consigned the merchandise so we know what’s here.

Consignment Stores Have No Dressing Rooms.
Well… sometimes that’s true but not at Consigning Women. We have two well-lit change rooms with mirrors so there is no reason you cannot try items on. In fact, we encourage you to do so because we do not take returns.

All the Clothes in Consignment Shops are out of Style
Consigning Women stays on top of all the current trends and only take in items that are no older than a couple of years. In fact, we get items sometimes that are so current you can still find them in the regular retail outlets. When this happens you will find that our items are cheaper! Let’s not forget that some styles are classic. There are many well known fashionable people in this world who shop consignment and/or vintage.

Clothes in Consignment Shops are Worn Out
Absolutely not true at Consigning Women because consignment does not mean “used”. We consign with high-end boutiques outside the city to bring in brand new merchandise to sell at amazing prices.
We take great care to make sure that all gently-used items consigned with us are of top quality and CLEAN.

Clothes in Consignment Shops are Ugly – That’s why People Got Rid of Them!
There are many reasons why clothing ends up in consignment shops. People gain weight, lose weight, change their style, wrong colour, downsize before moving, purchased in error or just get tired of them.

Consignment Stores are for Halloween
Sure, there are some stores that have extremely cheap and wacky merchandise. But that is not all that consignment stores are good for. We are here to provide you with designer resale fashion at prices that are sizzling!
Drop by Consigning Women and see for yourself!

Consignment Stores Have No High-End Merchandise & That’s What I’m Looking For
Consigning Women is here to provide you with designer resale fashion at amazing prices. Your choice of either: new boutique merchandise or high-end gently used clothing, shoes & accessories. Clothes conscious, money-smart women will be proud to be part of this economically savvy, eco-friendly fashion experience.

Reptile Skins
Reptile skins are very fashionable this season with the emphasis on snakeskin rather than crocodile. Either a genuine python, a snake print embossed leather or a printed python fabric is a definite must-have to add to your wardrobe this fall/winter.

Patent Leather
This type of leather is less versatile than ordinary leather but fact is that patent leather is gorgeous! Whether you choose patent leather boots or shoes be sure that you get them in the latest dark hues. Try colour block combinations such as navy & burgundy, chocolate & beige or stick to the traditional black & white for a classic look.

Suede
From kitten heel pumps to thigh high boots, suede is very trendy and is available in a selection of eye popping colours that demand attention.

Satin
Luxurious, feminine and elegant, satin shoes give your outfit a classy edge. Can be worn daily, however, looks best with evening wear. Available in a variety of beautiful colours.

Buckles
The use of buckles gives shoes or boots an eye-catching edge. Either feminine or chunky, footwear with buckles is a hot trend this season.

Laces
Instead of the delicate trend from spring, lacing for fall is sexier and more aggressive this season. Trending in shoes, ankle boots and winter boots.

Spike Heel
Chunky heels are comfortable but will never be as stylish as spike heels. Woman love stilleto heels because they love looking sexy. One thing for sure, whichever style of shoes you choose make sure you have a pair of spike heels in your closet this winter because they are the ultimate shoe trend this season!

Platform & Wedges
This trend has been carried over into the fall season, however, the designs are more modest and elegant.

Chunky Heels
Chunky heels provide comfort and confidence during the colder seasons. The chunky heel is appearing on all kinds of shoes from the classic pump to rocker boots.

Socks in Shoes
Most women don’t like wearing their pumps with socks. For a more elegant look try a pair of tights instead.

Consigning Women stays on top of the latest fashion trends so we can fill the store with all the things you love and want to wear!

Hot Bold Colours
This season the collections come in happy hues and the bolder-the-better brights. The surprise of the season were the unexpected combinations: pink, orange and deep purple; teal and mustard hues; crimson (the hottest hue) and cobalt blue. The colour block trend is still going strong for fall! Kick off the new season in bold style by adding vibrant hues to your wardrobe. For a calculated risk, pair bright colors with neutrals, such as black. For a bolder move, combine with complementary colors such as plum, fuchsia, or canary.

Polka Dots
Fall’ s most valuable print is appearing on dresses, tops, hats, jackets and even tights. If the head-to-toe patterned look isn’t your thing, try a polka dot blouse or scarf to put a playful and trendy spin on your everyday outfit. Supersized dots have a built-in wow factor so limit yourself to just one polka-dotted piece.

Menswear
Very masculine yet very feminine, the modern double breasted coats and slouchy pants. The look is at it’s sexiest when it’s a little rumpled up. Choose an oxford shoe or brogue to compliment the look.

Plaids
Wear it the modern way and sport it just one plaid at a time. Keep your checks in check by pairing it with clothing or accessories in matching hues.

Lace
This trend is all about the details, the delicate, netted fabric is revealing yet exciting.

The Maxi
Go long. That was the directive for fall, floor-sweeping skirts paired with cozy sweaters.

The ’60′s
Designers looked to the ’60′s specifically the decade’s Mod styles with dropped-waist tunics and brocade bell bottoms. The era’s hallmarks, from Peter Pan collars to patent shifts and double-breasted peacoats hit the mark.

Embellishment
The feeling of opulence emerged in the form of feathers, beading, sequins, paillettes, gems and lace appliques. Decorative details dial up your look around the clock. A sprinkling of sequins can spice up any outfit at the office while pretty plumes are perfect for the cocktail hour.

Python
While leopard has run wild the past few seasons, snakes have taken a bigger bite out of fall. Whether as a second-skin dress or accessory, reptile is a wardrobe essential. Neutral toned accessories are a classic way to tame the exotic edge of python. Try wearing it in hot jolts of colours as a topper or skirt – just one skin per outfit.

Leather
Yet another season of leather dominance for this high fashion staple.

We have state-of-the-art software to enable your wish list. All you need to do is come into the store and provide us with your contact information, your wishes and the system will flag us when something that matches your item(s) is received in the store. If there is a match we will call you right away to let you know.

Recent wish list matches:

• Juicy Couture handbag
• J Brand designer jeans
• Kathy Van Zeeland handbag
• Linda Lundstrom
• Two piece suit
• Kate Spade shoes

Set up a wish list today and bring your wishes a step closer to reality.

Find it. Love it. Own it.

Bamboo, a surprising fall hue, brings a warm, exotic flavour to the season. A standout yellow with a subtle green undertone. This colour will pair dramatically with several of the top 10, including Phlox, Teal and Honeysuckle.

Emberglow, a traditional autumn tone, emanates the warmth of a glowing fire. Combine this colour with Coffee Liqueur for a classical look, or with Honeysuckle for a retro look. Accessories in this colour will look great with Phlox or Deep Teal.

Colour of the year Honeysuckle works well with any other colour in the fall palette especially Coffee Liqueur and Nougat. To add some intensity, pair it with Bamboo.

Phlox, a magical, deep purple with a hint of mystery. This colour is great on it’s own or pair it with this season’s neutrals.

Cedar, is a versatile, mid-tone neutral green. It’s a natural with Deep Teal and timeless with Phlox or Orchid Hush.

Deep Teal, a strong, blue-toned green. Looks great with Cedar and Honeysuckle.

A rich, decadent Coffee Liqueur and savory alternative to black brings a sence of elegance to fall.

Nougat a deliciously warm camel tan works well with Phlox, Emberglow or Honeysuckle.

Orchid Hush, a unique tone of gray with orchid undertones, blends well with any other colour in the palette.

Quarry, a reliable medium gray, remains a practical and dependable staple.

Pantone, Inc. is the world re-nowned authority on colour and provider of colour systems. Each season Pantone surveys the designers of New York Fashion Week to collect feedback on collection colours, colour inspiration and colour philosophy. This information is used to create the Pantone Fashion Colour Report, which serves as a reference tool throughout the year for fashion.