Fast fashion is kind of like fast food: mass produced, cheap and with questionable ethical practices. As concerns about the environmental and social impacts of fast fashion intensify, the call for sustainable fashion grows louder. The sustainable or “slow fashion” movement encourages consumers to make mindful choices by opting for high-quality, long-lasting garments rather than cheap, disposable clothing.
One easy solution can be thrifting and shopping at consignment stores. By purchasing secondhand items from local shops, shoppers actively reduce waste, lessen demand for resource-heavy or unethical production, and support their community’s economy.
“We can each do our part for the environment and for human dignity simply by not participating in fast fashion,” says Peri Bolts, owner of Eclectic Co and Circa. “Shopping vintage and secondhand, repairing or repurposing our things, or swapping clothes with friends are all awesome ways to reduce our resource footprint.”
Shopping locally reduces the environmental impact of shipping, manufacturing and waste, and it can foster personal connections with business owners, leading to better service and a stronger sense of community. According to the Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs, for every $100 spent at a locally owned shop or restaurant, $70 stays in the community, supporting our neighbors and vital services such as schools, parks and roads.
So where can local shoppers find sustainable styles and secondhand fashion?
Here are 10 of the best consignment shops in Colorado Springs.
Ashley’s Attic
708 N. Weber St.
A cozy Victorian home downtown houses this mother-daughter-run shop, offering a thoughtfully curated selection of women’s clothing, shoes and handbags and jewelry. Be sure to follow on Facebook for ensemble ideas.
ashleysatticcos.com
Between Friends Consignment
6608 Delmonico Dr.
This Rockrimmon neighborhood consignment shop offers a wide range of accessories, clothing, boots, shoes, purses and more. You can find well-known brands like Kate Spade and Coach here.
betweenfriendsconsignmentco.com
Circa
2502 W. Colorado Ave.
The Old Colorado City boutique Circa offers a funky mix of vintage clothing, handmade goods and upcycled items, all from over 50 creative vendors. Circa is Eclectic CO’s hip little sister.
Eclectic CO
214 1/2 N. Tejon St.
2518 W Colorado Ave
With locations downtown and in Old Colorado City, Eclectic CO is home to vintage vendors and makers. The popular vintage boutique features upcycled jewelry, accessories and repurposed materials.
Eve’s Revolution
1312 W. Colorado Ave.
Located in a beautiful Victorian on the historic Westside, Eve’s Revolution was named the most beautiful independent store in Colorado by Architectural Digest in 2018. What opened as a consignment store in 2000 has transitioned to a retail boutique featuring women’s apparel as well as unique accessories and gifts. Eve’s hosts parties throughout the year including two consignment pop-ups in January and July.
Luna’s Sustainable Fashion Boutique
328 1/2 N. Nevada Ave.
With a focus on sustainability and affordability, Luna’s Sustainable Fashion Boutique is a must-visit for secondhand fashion lovers in downtown Colorado Springs. The boutique, now in the space formerly occupied by Coralun Vintage, features a carefully curated selection of pre-loved clothing and accessories.
Men’s Xchange
4651 Centennial Blvd.
Men’s Xchange combines upscale secondhand menswear with a community-focused program that outfits one man free of charge for every nine men dressed. Men’s suits, jackets, dress shirts, shoes, ties and locally handmade pocket squares create outfits from casual to formal. Owner James Proby provides custom fittings and offers in-house tailoring at his shop that recently moved from downtown to the Westside.
Once Upon a Child
6948 N. Academy Blvd.
Looking for an excellent consignment store in Colorado Springs for the kids? Stop in at Once Upon a Child at Academy and Woodmen for gently used children’s clothing, shoes, toys and baby gear.
Redoux Consignment Boutique
119 E. Bijou St.
You’ll need to set aside a couple of hours to explore this downtown boutique, there are hidden treasures in every nook and cranny. From midcentury modern to couture and contemporary, Redoux has an extensive collection of high-end jewelry, clothing, shoes, art and furniture.
redouxboutiquecoloradosprings.com
Savour Clothing
Online
This locally owned online consignment boutique features dresses, jackets, swim, athletic wear, shoes, accessories, bags, wallets and kids wear.
Vintage and Vinyl
514 S. Tejon St.
Located inside COATI Uprise, the hip Vintage and Vinyl focuses on Y2K vintage fashion and upcycled pieces, band tees and vinyl records.
