If your favorite words are Louis, Prada, Chanel and Manolo, then there’s one spot in town you must visit frequently: Secondi Consignment. The upstairs neighbor to Starbucks in Dupont Circle, Secondi has been a DC institution since 1986. True DC insiders know that when it comes to shopping in the city, a short trip (or even a delayed one) on the Red Line to Secondi to scout out great deals on gently-used women’s designer fashions, shoes, accessories, jewelry and eyewear is always worth the effort.

Among others, brands regularly found at Secondi include a fantastic mix of designer and department store staples: Theory, Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, DVF, Rock & Republic, J.Crew, Banana Republic, Louis Vuitton, Club Monaco, Prada, Eileen Fisher, Marc Jacobs, St. John and Vince.

Perched right above Connecticut Avenue in a bright space with wrap-around windows and well-spaced racks, Secondi is what every consignment store should be. Clothes and shoes are elegantly sorted and displayed both by type (pants, tops, sweaters, dresses, jeans, etc.) and by size, making browsing not only a pleasure, but on a rare quiet afternoon—a snap. Often racks are arranged according to color, as well—even further adding to the charm and allure of this fashion oasis. Secondi understands that sometimes, shopping with men who don’t like to shop happens, and they have arranged a seating area to accommodate the significant other who finds himself abandoned soon after climbing the stairs to the salon.

Items at Secondi hit the floor at an initial sales price—always well below retail. Then, after one month, the price is lowered by 20 percent. After two months, by 40 percent, and if after 90 days the item hasn’t sold, it is donated to charity. So if you see something you love, but aren’t quite ready for the price—be sure to check the tag for when it will lower, and set a reminder in your iPhone to return. It’s a risk, but if you get lucky (as I have on several occasions), you can snag the item a few weeks after you first see it for significantly less cash.

Although Secondi carries a generous selection of clothing and shoes suited to every occasion, I have always been particularly impressed by the suiting and dress racks, where Calvin Klein suits and Diane Von Furstenberg dresses are not uncommon. A selection of designer shoes is displayed prominently at the top of the stairs when you first enter the store, but don’t forget to head to the back and dig through the shelves next to the dressing room. They may not be Choos or Louboutins, but shoes in this area—like everything else in the store—are always worth a browse and often in-style, on-trend and in good condition, key to purchasing used footwear.

Two items for consideration: the store tends to be warm so dress in layers, and when you are ready to start trying, be sure to get the attention of a staff member who will either start a fitting room for you, or put your name on the waitlist, which can get long on weekends. Secondi is just a short walk from the Dupont Circle metro station. Interested in consigning? First time consigners should schedule an appointment to go over the policy and review potential items with a staff member, and thereafter may drop off items as desired. Clothing items accepted include gently-used women’s clothing (casual, dressy, office and formal), shoes, belts, handbags, accessories, sunglasses and jewelry.

Secondi Consignment
1702 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
For more information or to schedule an appointment to consign, visit their website at: www.secondi.com, or call 202-667-1122.
Open on Monday, Tuesday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.