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I love designer threads as much as the next fashion fanatic, but I wouldn’t know style without having the art of thrifting. It’s that look that makes Mary Kate and Ashley’s high-low look, and major fashion designers regularly cull inspiration from street style sites like Lookbook that feature young, otherwise strapped-for-cash style makers that make a look out of the thrifty.

Mary Kate & Ashley work it in vintage threads

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So when it comes to thrifting and consignment shopping, St. Paul has always been my go-to shopping destination. It’s hard to say exactly why thrifting in St. Paul is so great. While Minneapolis is home to many boutiques, thrift stores are rare in the city, and most of the area’s consignment stores are located in the outerlying suburbs. It could just be that St. Paul happens to have a little bit of everything, which is really the beauty of our capital city.

St. Paul Consignment and Resale Stores

Among the offerings at Elite Repeat: Nanette Lepore

When it comes to consignment stores (which purchase previously-owned, gently-worn merchandise from individuals), you’ve got a few options. On the higher end of things is Elite Repeat in the Highland/Randolph area, which carries upper-scale designer lines like Ralph Lauren, Ann Taylor, St. John, and Nanette Lepore. The store’s also loaded with great accessories and jewelry. (1336 Randolph Ave., St. Paul. 651-699-2315.)

My longtime favorite consignment shop, My Sister’s Closet, doubles as a vintage boutique. Housed in a historic Victorian-style house on Grand Avenue, the sister-owned shop includes modern name brands (i.e., Express, Ann Taylor, Talbots) alongside its vintage selection. I never pass up a chance to check out their well-stocked selection of vintage and designer jewelry, handbags, shoes, hats and sunglasses. (1136 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-222-2819.)

The display window at Everyday People

You’ll score even bigger deals at the newly-opened Selby & Snelling location of Everyday People, a locally-owned resale chain that got its start in Dinkytown. Personally, I favor it over the national chain Buffalo Exchange – better selection, better prices. Think brands found at Urban Outfitters, plus Express, H&M, Delia’s, and more alongside quirky vintage selections. (1599 Selby Ave., St. Paul. 651-644-4410.)

St. Paul Thrift Stores

An all-thrifted look via The Minneapoline

Thrifting isn’t for the weak of heart. You have to love the thrill of the hunt, and thrive amongst the eclectic characters thrift shops tend to bring out. Of the St. Paul thrift stores I’ve frequented, my favorite has to be Unique Thrift Store on Rice & Larpenteur. Of all the Unique Thrift Stores, I think this location is the best. The prices are decently cheap, and you can find everything from vintage clothing, to VHS tapes of movies you can’t find on DVD, to retro-chic furniture. And instead of forking up lots of cash for early-‘90s styled threads – yeah, I’m talking to you in those high-waisted American Apparel jean shorts – go for the real deal for dirt cheap. (1657 Rice St., St. Paul. 651-489-5083.)

True thrifters will know all about Diggers, Goodwill’s cheap-junk-by-the-pound outlet. It’s like a discount outlet for thrift stores. Remember, when it comes to thrifting, it’s not always junk – I once discovered a gold and black brocade vintage jacket in one of the bins that is still in my wardrobe to this day. (2505 University Ave. W., St. Paul. 651-603-1544.)

More St. Paul consignment and thrift stores:

Encore Boutique: 242 Hamline Ave. S., St. Paul. 651-699-7522.
St. Vincent de Paul: 461 7th St. W., St. Paul. 651-227-1332.
Valu Thrift: Sun Ray Mall, 2145 Old Hudson Rd., St. Paul. 651-702-5920. (Tip: Every Monday, everything in the store is 25% off!)
Salvation Army: Unidale Mall, 572 University Ave. W., St. Paul. 651-224-4316.

Wondering how to put it all together? Get real-people inspiration from local street style blog The Minneapoline and my daily go-to, national style blog The Sartorialist.