On The Go Chicago

Check out my other Go Green posts: Chicago Area Earth Day Celebrations, Where to buy used children’s’ books and Do you want to be greener on the go?

As part of my Go Green series, I did a bit of research on resale shops that sell maternity and kids clothes.  Not only can you find some high-end designer kids clothes for a fraction of the cost (I found 2T Lucky Jeans for less than $10), you can also make a buck or two selling your old maternity and kids clothes.

I recommend calling the stores prior to brining in any clothes you hope to sell.  They usually purchase clothes by season, and sometimes are only excepting specific sizes.  If you plan to sell them furniture or gear (strollers, etc.), I recommend checking Craig’s List first to ensure you are not getting significantly less than you could sell them for privately.

Many of the stores also keep lists of wanted items.  For example, I was looking for a Maclaren umbrealla stroller last summer.  Once Upon A Child took my name and number, and called me about a month later when one came in.

I wanted to provide a complete listing of Chicago resale shops, so I utilized the descriptions from their websites for the stores I have not visited.

Kids Clothes

• The Second Child (954 W. Armitage Ave.) - Second Child is an upscale children’s and maternity wear resale boutique.  They regularly have designer children’s clothes by Oilily, Jacadi, Cakewalk, Lilly Pulitzer, and Baby Lulu. I’ve visited this boutique a couple of times, and found some really cute stuff for my girls.  They also carry some baby gear.
• Pish Posh (3950 N. Southport Ave.) – Pish Posh carries certified pre-owned children’s clothing and accessories.  If you are looking for something special or if you have something special you would like to consign, you’ve found the right place.
• Jordan’s Closet (106 E. 51st St.) - Jordan’s Closets is a resale boutique that caters to little girls newborn to size 16. They carry lovingly cared for clothing, accessories, shoes, and outerwear. Their clothing is freshly laundered and carefully inspected to insure to that they are free from stains rips or excessive fading. They offer brand name clothing such as Carter’s, Osh Kosh B’Gosh, The Children’s Place, Guess, Little Me, Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger just to name a few.
• All New To Me (4546 N. Western Ave.) – This store recently opened in the old Thrifty Baby location.  I have not visited it yet, but have read some favorable reviews. They do not have a website, so I could not include a description.
• Once Upon A Child (7246 W. Foster Ave., plus multiple suburban locations) -They buy and sell gently used clothes, furniture, equipment and more. Once Upon A Child carries all of the fashionable brands-new and gently used Tyco, Baby Gap, Graco and more. I have sold and purchased clothes at this location.  I’ve found some great deals on clothes (Lucky Jeans, Ralph Lauren dress, gap shirt, etc.), but was disappointed with what they offered me for an umbrella stroller I was selling.
• My Sister’s Closet (5413 W. Devon Ave.) -My Sister’s Closet carries women’s, some men’s, children’s and a small selection of maternity clothes.  They also carry books, toys and shoes.

Maternity

• The Second Child (954 W. Armitage Ave.) - Second Child is an upscale children’s and maternity wear resale boutique.  Their inventory of maternity clothing is carefully selected to ensure that the styles are current and the condition is excellent. You’ll find everything from casual to business to black tie apparel. Inventory can include Citizens for Humanity, Michael Stars, Japanese Weekend, 3dot and Mimi.
• McShane’s Exchange (815 W. Armitage Ave.)  - Since 1988, McShane’s Exchange has set the stage with their premier shops in Lincoln Park.  “If You Can’t Afford Your Own Designer Wardrobe, Buy Someone Else’s.”  There’s a certain sophistication that comes with a $1,800 Armani Jacket.  But if you can’t (or simply won’t) part with that kind of money, McShane’s is the boutique you’re looking for.
• My Sister’s Closet (5413 W. Devon Ave.) -My Sister’s Closet carries women’s, some men’s, children’s and a small selection of maternity clothes.  They also carry books, toys and shoes.