Fresh Frocks and Damn Good Prices: LAB Consignment

Out with the new and in with the old…consignment is the new black, people! LAB Consignment has officially gone physical with the launch of their new store located in the back of Silver Falls Vintage (15 Ossington Ave).

LAB Consignment is your golden ticket if you are looking to purchase gently used vintage & designer women’s clothing, shoes and handbags. The true beauty of LAB Consignment is that they truly have something for everyone: affordable vintage pieces for those thrifty fashionistas (can I get a hell ya!) – as well as designer labels for the less price sensitive stylistas out there.

If there is one variable that differentiates LAB Consignment from its competitors, it is LAB’s focus on what is hot in fashion today, a.k.a they’re trend-centric. We’re talking bandage dresses, blazers, oxfords, rompers and of course scrunchies – to name a select few. Rest assured LAB’s merchandise bares no resemblance to the more-than-sometimes smelly & sweat-ridden Mariposa tanks you may find at your local thrift shop.

This certified StylistaFashionsita was lucky enough to have the opportunity to interview the founder of LAB Consignment, Ms. Lauren Baker, about the ins & outs of her hit consignment shop:

Stylista Fashionista: Where do you get your inventory?

Lauren Baker: All of my merchandise is consigned from friends of mine who are actors, musicians, stylists and designers – or from friends of friends.

Stylista Fashionista: Who is the typical LAB Consignment customer? Your target market?

Lauren Baker: It’s pretty vast actually. My customers range from the vintage shopper to the fashionista who wants to be able to afford designer labels but cant necessarily pay Holt Renfrew prices – Instead they will but it here. I really aim to please everyone and it seems to be working! I feel that I have something for everybody.

Stylista Fashionista: What designer labels do you carry?

Lauren Baker: Marc Jacobs, Herve Leger, Vanessa Bruno, Dian Von Furstenbrg, Chanel. We also carry designer denim labels such as Habitual, J Brand, Acne, APC and Robert Rodriguez.

Stylista Fashionista: How often do you replenish your inventory?

Lauren Baker: It really varies as I accept inventory on a strictly seasonal basis. On average I get new items in weekly or sometimes a few times a week. For example, last week I had a consigner bring in 150 pieces ranging from shoes to denim – so at this point I am not accepting any more summer items. However, I will begin accepting Fall merchandise in August.

Stylista Fashionista: Do your items ever go on sale?

Lauren Baker: LAB Consignment doesn’t hold traditional sales. The way it works is once an item hits the floor it is stamped with a date. After 30 days, the item’s price will be reduced by 20% and then after 60 days it will be reduced by 40%. So basically things are almost always on sale.

Stylista Fashionista: I understand you do not currently carry menswear. Is there a possibility of expanding into menswear?

Lauren Baker: Oh yes absolutely! Bringing in menswear is definitely part of the long term plan down the road when I have a bigger space.