Sifting through T-shirts with mysterious stains and interesting odors at the local thrift store is one way of finding that designer fashion gem.
Some of the Valley's consignment shops are an alternative option for those that don't want to pick through someone's messy leftovers.
The term "consignment shop" has been loosely used to describe just about any resale shop. However, a true consignment shop is one that takes high-quality clothing from consignors and sells the clothing at a discounted rate.
The shop then gives a portion of the sale to the consignor at the time the piece of clothing sells, says Tempe's Back to the Rack owner Karlene Ochoa.
Consignment shops are known for having a very high standard for the clothing they take from consignors.
"Clothes have to be cleaned, pressed, on hangers, nothing [can be] over two years old, and better labels are appreciated," Ochoa says.
A Second Look in Phoenix also requires that its clothing come from more upscale stores, and doesn't accept inexpensive pieces from lower-end stores.
My Sister's Closet in Phoenix sells recycled designer apparel and gives its consignors 55 percent of the sale in store credit or 45 percent in cash, assistant manager Jamie Guildig says.
There are 11 locations of the My Sister's Closet chain all over the Valley, including the home-furnishings store My Sister's Attic, the children's clothing, toy and furniture store Small Change, and the men's store Well-Suited.
The larger consignment stores like A Second Look carry everything from designer jeans to baby clothes and furniture.
Stores like My Sister's Closet appease a more specific audience, and carry more eclectic and fashion-forward designs because of it. The store's target audience includes teenagers and young adults who want designer labels, Guildig says.
Rinda Romney, an undeclared sophomore, says she often sees labels like Diesel, Banana Republic and Gucci in consignment and thrift stores across the Valley.
"I can buy stuff that I know is going to be high quality," Romney says. "I might pay a little more [than at a thrift shop], but I would rather buy things that I know are well-made. It's like a champagne taste on a beer budget."
My Sister's Closet is currently accepting spring and summer pieces in current styles, Guildig says. Current styles include designer jeans, capris and shorts, polos, sun dresses, and tank tops.
The store carries many designer handbags, including Coach purses for as low as $89.99, Guildig says. Designer handbags in current styles generally sell for $245, she says.
Although the store concentrates on designer labels, the price of everyday clothing starts at $5, Guildig says.
A Second Look is one of the largest clothing, houseware and furniture consignment stores in the world, according to its Web site.
"We are so large that we cater to all ages," Watson says. "We have lots of brand names that would cater to the college student. We have a whole section that is nothing but designer items and a large selection of designer jeans."
The store generally prices items 40 percent less than retail value, Watson says. However, the more expensive the piece of clothing originally costs, the less the store sticks to pricing it at a 40 percent discount.
The store has more than 24,000 consignors and gives them 40 percent of the sale, Watson says.
"The benefit of consigning is that of course, you're recycling," Watson says. "It's good for the environment. It's also a good way to make some extra money."
Many consignment shops, like My Sister's Closet, donate the clothes if they don't sell, and then give the consignor a tax receipt.
Back to the Rack owner Ochoa says consigning is a win-win situation.
"You get rid of stuff and you make money with it," Ochoa says. "You can also buy really inexpensively and reasonably."
