As with interior design, some of fashion’s best elements are repurposed. 

As a stylist, I take pieces from seasons or eras past, and work them into my current wardrobe to give a fresh take on today’s street styles. I love new fashions, but I definitely don’t love to look like a walking billboard for one store or another, or to be caught wearing the same outfit as anyone else. To create a look all my own, I’m a huge fan of shopping consignment; not only am I able to find unique pieces, but designer names can be scored for a steal. 

When I work with wardrobe clients, they often ask how they can achieve a runway-worthy image yet keep a realistic outlook on budget. Many people see fabulous designer fashions gracing the pages of glossy magazines and, although they are inspired and covet what they see, they often dismiss the idea that these items could be a part of their own attire due to cost. One of my most  favourite parts of my job is showing clients how they can achieve the look for a fraction of the cost. 

I take many clients (and friends!) to the fab roster of consignment boutiques we have here in Vancouver. It seems as though almost every neighbourhood has a hidden gem for gently used designer garments, a seemingly exclusive spot for locals in the know. Kerrisdale has Dragon & Phoenix, which is definitely my first stop when scoping out second hand designer handbags; Main Street’s claim to fame for consignment is the consignment-meets-new hotspot, Front & Company. Main Street also just landed a new location of Turnabout (in the old blockbuster video building) and it offers perhaps one of the largest selections for consignment fashions in the city.

I recently spent some time chatting (over a serious peruse through delicious finds – which ultimately led to scoring my new fall jacket for this year!) with Azura Cook, owner of one of my fave stops for high-end consignment fashions: Timeline Boutique. She filled me in on all the fun surrounding her shop, her style and how it all got started. 

Tell me a little bit about your shop and how it all began.

I began Timeline Boutique for the love of a great deal, the love of all types of clothing, and the love of recycling! We have such a broad product range of designer women’s consignment, from Forever 21 to Chanel. Our clients love that they can pop in to consign with no appointment necessary and I offer cash up front.

What do you love about your location?

We are excited to be at the corner of Davie and Seymour in Yaletown – there are so many people walking by with Emery Barnes Park right across the street! Plus I love that my friend has the What’s Shaken milkshake, smoothies, green drinks, protein shake bar next door. 

Finish this sentence: the average person who walks through the door is…

Surprised that the prices are so good, or that it’s consignment at all! There are many items on the floor from businesses or people who bring in new items with the tags for consignment. We’ve had Chanel with the tags on many times.

What would you say is your most popular item?

Party dresses and great heels! 

What colour best describes your personality?

Purple! And if it can be a sequin, that’ll sum it up. 

If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?

Designing shoes is on my life list. 

What are some style trends we can expect to see in 2014?

Tassels, fringe, and I’d like to predict stirrup pants. They just have to come back!  

http://www.westender.com/lifestyles/a-good-chick-to-know/street-style-time-to-consign-1.1311581#sthash.nLX058TX.dpuf