Consignment shopping is the best-kept secret of smart dressers. Why? Because the same brands you'd pay full retail for at the mall are sitting on consignment racks at 60-80% off — in great condition, often barely worn, sometimes brand new with tags still attached.
But not all brands hold their value equally in the consignment market. If you want to shop smart at Louisville consignment stores, here's your guide to the brands worth watching for — and what makes each one a consignment win.
Why Certain Brands Dominate Consignment
A brand performs well at consignment when it hits three marks:
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Quality construction — pieces hold up, stay in rotation
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Recognizable style — shoppers know and want the label
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Timeless appeal — doesn't look dated two years later
The brands below all deliver on those three. At Margaret's Fine Consignments on Frankfort Avenue, these are the labels we see most — and the ones our shoppers specifically ask for.
The Consignment All-Stars
Lilly Pulitzer
Original retail: $150–$300 for dresses Consignment price: $40–$90 Why it's a win: The ultimate Derby and Oaks brand in Louisville. Bright prints, playful silhouettes, and unmistakable style. Lilly holds its value exceptionally well — some vintage prints are collector's items.
Anthropologie
Original retail: $80–$250 per piece Consignment price: $25–$70 Why it's a win: Bohemian-meets-polished with a devoted following. Anthropologie pieces are well-made and distinctive. One of the most-requested brands at Louisville consignment shops.
Ann Taylor / LOFT
Original retail: $80–$200 per piece Consignment price: $15–$45 Why it's a win: Workwear staples that never really go out of style. Blazers, dresses, and separates perfect for professional wardrobes. Affordable new, amazing value consigned.
Banana Republic
Original retail: $90–$200 per piece Consignment price: $20–$50 Why it's a win: Quality basics and polished casual wear. Great for building a classic wardrobe without the retail price.
J.Crew
Original retail: $80–$250 per piece Consignment price: $20–$60 Why it's a win: Preppy-modern staples that stay in style. Classic dresses, cashmere sweaters, well-cut blazers, and excellent denim.
Kate Spade
Original retail: $200–$500 for bags Consignment price: $50–$200 Why it's a win: Colorful, cheerful, instantly recognizable. Kate Spade handbags are consignment gold — especially classic silhouettes in good condition.
Tory Burch
Original retail: $200–$600 per item Consignment price: $60–$250 Why it's a win: The Reva flat is a consignment icon. Tory's shoes, handbags, and tunics hold their value and sell fast.
Michael Kors
Original retail: $100–$400 per item Consignment price: $30–$150 Why it's a win: Ubiquitous enough that there's always selection, but luxe enough to feel special. Handbags especially.
Eileen Fisher
Original retail: $150–$400 per piece Consignment price: $40–$120 Why it's a win: Minimalist, beautifully made, and increasingly hard to find new. The consignment market is where Eileen Fisher lives on.
Lululemon
Original retail: $80–$150 per piece Consignment price: $25–$60 Why it's a win: Quality athletic wear that holds up. Current styles sell fast at consignment prices.
Trina Turk
Original retail: $200–$500 per dress Consignment price: $50–$150 Why it's a win: Bold prints and California glamour. Great for Derby parties and summer events.
Vineyard Vines
Original retail: $80–$200 per piece Consignment price: $20–$50 Why it's a win: Preppy classics with that signature whale. Louisville loves preppy. These move.
The Bonus Round: Labels to Grab If You See Them
These don't show up as often, but when they do, buy immediately:
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Theory — minimalist tailoring
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Tadashi Shoji — formal and evening gowns
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Diane von Furstenberg (DVF) — iconic wrap dresses
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Tuckernuck — increasingly popular
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Johnny Was — beautiful bohemian pieces
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Longchamp — the Le Pliage tote is a classic
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Coach (vintage styles especially)
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Cole Haan — quality footwear
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Burberry — anything
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Stuart Weitzman — shoes
How to Spot a Great Consignment Find
When you're browsing a consignment rack, here's what separates a steal from a skip:
1. Check the tag carefully. Is it a recognizable brand? In good condition? Country of origin still visible?
2. Feel the fabric. Quality pieces have weight and structure. Cheap pieces feel thin and flimsy.
3. Look at construction. Examine seams, linings, and buttons. Quality brands use real buttons, fully lined garments, and reinforced stitching.
4. Inspect for damage. Stains, pilling, loose threads, missing buttons. Natural light is your friend here.
5. Try it on. Brand sizing varies wildly. Always try.
Designer Consignment Myths (That Aren't True)
Myth: "Consignment clothing is low-quality." Truth: Good consignment stores reject low-quality items. Everything on our floor passed a quality check.
Myth: "It's all out of style." Truth: Most items at quality consignment shops are from the last 2-3 years.
Myth: "You won't find your size." Truth: Inventory rotates constantly. A consignment store that visited 4 times had different selection each time.
Myth: "It takes forever to find anything good." Truth: Well-curated stores (like us) do the filtering for you. You're shopping a selected collection, not digging through piles.
Where to Shop Designer Consignment in Louisville
Margaret's Fine Consignments — our two-story shop at 2700 Frankfort Avenue has one of Louisville's largest selections of designer consignment. New arrivals daily, both in-store and online.
Other Louisville consignment shops specialize in different niches — Sassy Fox for upscale designer, A Class Act for bridal. Shop around, but make sure Margaret's is on your list.
Start Your Designer Hunt
Visit Margaret's at 2700 Frankfort Avenue or shop our current collection online at margaretsconsignment.com. New designer pieces added daily. Your wardrobe (and wallet) will thank you.
