Sharewear

Seller beware.
I took two winter coats to be consigned… in the winter. And the coats sold (of course, I only learned that they sold when I called to inquire). Then I asked to have my check mailed to me. Several times. So now it’s July and I still have yet to receive my money for my two coats.
I usually just donate my clothes to the Salvation Army… and from here on out, that’s what I’ll do. At least then I’ll feel good about my donation helping those who need it instead of supporting some shady business.

As far as consignment shops go, I wasn’t overly-​impressed with this one. The clothing they did have (as it’s a ve-​ery small store) wasn’t exactly my style — it seemed more representative of the late 90s (sequins, lace, etc). Maybe it was just the selection that was out at the time I went in.
The prices weren’t so consignment-​bargain that I’d be running back. What might bring me back is that they appear to have a consignor who is size 10 in shoes — it’s hard to find cute shoes for these feet that don’t cost a fortune, since many stores will only carry like one pair of shoes in this size. They had some cute purses too.

I was so disappointed by this store! I had read reviews and decided to check it out but sadly, the tiny store had barely any selection and was lacking in designer clothes (I saw a lot of Banana Republic, Nine West-​esque items… not my cup of tea). After determinedly searching for 20 minutes, I found a few nice pieces that were horribly overpriced (i.e. a pair of pumps by a no-​name designer for $ 60). They also only had about 10 pairs of shoes when I went so I was forced to leave empty handed :(
Despite everything, the sales lady was super nice and she really tried to be helpful even though she couldn’t offer me much to choose from.

This place seems like a nice little establishment, and the reviewers are right that the staff is very friendly. However I’m very small and there’s really nothing in my size. They have «XS» sections on the rack, but the clothes in these sections are at the smallest size 4, and I wear a 0 or a 2. I’ve been there about 6 times and only found something good once; a cute Luly K strapless cotton dress for $ 35. I didn’t know anything about luly k at the time, though – I just looked the brand up and her stuff isn’t very expensive so this was a bit overpriced considering that. Anyway, my point is the selection is pretty poor for smaller sizes, they don’t have the emphasis on nice fabrics that stores like Elliott Consignment have, and the prices really are not that great. I really only shop here because I live nearby.

Edit ³⁄₃₁: I took about 40 items here. They told me they did not sell one. Obviously, won’t be takin’ my stuff back here! Not impressed…
October 2007: Great little store… very small, they are very strict about what they’ll accept to sell (I know, I’m a consignor!). Which, works out for everyone, as you know that all of the items are top notch!
I’ll be back in, it’s a great place to shop and to consign clothes that either don’t fit or you don’t wear… make a little extra back on them, probably funnel it right back into the shop knowing me ;)
Plus, cute little ‘hood, right off the Damen Brown Line stop… parking is not too bad, either.

I was suckered in when I walked past, after being let out by the Damen el train: I saw a pair of monster rainboots in my niece’s size in the window. Complete with goofy googly eyes, I could not resist, I was mezmerized… once inside i was told it was Doggy Day! Yay! Doggie Appreciation! Cute baby clothes, more clothes and shoes for me and there are puppies too!?! I was doomed! Here, take my credit card smiling saleslady, as I will soon have it maxxed anyway!
But I was wrong– you see– though the items are numerous and appealing– ALL are all at dangerously low, discounted prices. I have no idea how they stay in business, They must be quite stringent about what they accept to sell– some great stuff: I saw Express, Nine West, Aldo, JCrew, Ann Taylor, to start.
I bought a gorgeously feminine vintage skirt with tulle lining, an edgy, skinny black leather belt, a new extravagant white-​on-​white striped designer wrap blouse AND a fitted black linen suit jacket, single-​button with three quarter length sleeves– for about $ 40.00.
That’s right. Breathe. Retrieve Card. Thank the smiling saleslady. Seriously debate more shopping… I see some Talbots suiting and a BCBG trench/​raincoat…
The staff was friendly, really outgoing and genuinely made me enjoy my selections, down to the typically dreaded process of trying-​on. Outstanding service, fun to visit, and I love a bargain, don’t you?
Can’t wait to go home, bring my Princess by for the many homemade treats, and come back for more shopping— and possibly one of the many vintage leather Coach purses that still look magically stylish, yet are priced far less than on Ebay!!!

The staff here is very friendly. They have a good selection of high-​quality items, and their window displays always make me want to come in.

Sharewear is tucked away on the corner of Damen and Leland. It’s one of those if you blinked you may have missed it store fronts. With the expansion of that area: The Rail, condos, a new CVS, coffee shops and other restaurants I hope that people swing by Sharewear so it doesn’t disappear like so many other great stores in that area– where did the yoga place go?!
Sharewear is basically your typical consignment store, however I find the selection and quality of clothes to be excellent and at very reasonable prices. I never buy shoes used but I bought the cutest pair there because I swear they had never been worn. The store is very small but has a surprisingly large selection– or maybe it appeared that way because I thought everything was so damn cute. It carries both men’s and women’s clothing, accessories and shoes. And of course, there is no shortage of parking in that area– yet.
If you are looking to go consignment shopping I think the trip to Ravenswood is worth it. It is far more reasonably priced with I think a better quality selection than it’s Lincoln Park and Bucktown competitors. I should mention I don’t go there often so selections could vary but every time I have been there I have enjoyed my experience.