Fashion & Beauty

Frugal Fun – Fraser Valley Consignment Stores

Monday, May 7th, 2012

So, as I find myself seven months pregnant and in need of a whole new summer wardrobe (or so it seems), I have been introduced to the wonderful world of consignment stores. Although I’m always up for a good deal, I had never really taken the time to explore all the great consignment shops that are right in my own backyard! These great bargain boutiques have both the potential to find amazing clothes at hugely discounted prices and the opportunity for you to consign your own clothing, accessories and shoes when you’re done with them (provided they are in good, clean, resellable condition). A win for all involved!

Below is a list of a few consignment stores in the Fraser Valley. Some of these carry children’s or men’s clothes too, but for this feature I’ve focused on women’s clothing. I’m pretty sure you’ll be seeing a children’s consignment store post from yours truly in the future!

Fraser Valley Women's Expo - Unika

1. DD Booski
106 – 23343 Mavis Avenue, Fort Langley

I’ve been shopping at d.d. booski for years now. This is not just a consignment store, though, they also carry lots of new items at affordable prices. How? Much of it is department store overstocks and the such. It’s a great place to visit, whether you are in need of something special or just fancy a browse. And, heck, it’s a trip to Fort Langley which is always fun! Click here to learn more about their consignment policy.

2. Unika
102 – 5658 Vedder Road, Chilliwack

Unika – a lifestyle company is a really, really neat store. They describe their store as a modern blend of new, almost new and vintage clothing, accessories, jewelry and home decor. If you are the type of person who likes to have that one-of-a-kind shirt/dress/outfit that everybody adores and nobody else has, Unika is for you. Click here to learn more about their consignment policy.

3. Clothesline Consignment
5685 176 Street, Surrey (Cloverdale)

Cloverdale’s Clothesline Consignment was the first consignment store I ever visited – and it set the bar high. The store is packed from wall to wall with fashions for women of all ages, great accessories – even shoes! And it’s all at a fraction of what you would have paid for the garments when they were new. The store is merchandised nicely and though it’s not a huge store, you’ll be in there for quite some time looking through racks and racks of great finds. Click here to learn more about their consignment policy.

4. Crazy About Clothes
11952 228 Street, Maple Ridge

Maple Ridge’s Crazy About Clothes boasts an ‘upscale’ consignment collection, and it didn’t disappoint. Designer fashions, like-new brand name handbags – they have it all. The store is stocked full of awesome fashions and they host regular events that look like lots of fun. Click here to learn more about their consignment policy.

5. Klassy Katz Consignment
10 – 32904 Ventura Avenue, Abbotsford

Klassy Katz’ mission statement is “To offer impeccable quality, name brand apparel in an assortment of sizes and styles to accommodate all varying body styles and shapes while providing the best shopping experience available in the world of consignment clothing”. And they have succeeded in their mission, if you ask me. I’ve only just discovered this store but the staff were super helpful, the collection of clothing was diverse and I found some awesome deals! Click here to learn more about their consignment policy.

Bonus #6 – Cashmere & Cupcakes
21594 48 Avenue, Langley

This designer consignment boutique caught my eye recently. Local fashionistas will love this adorable boutique stocked with brand name clothing, jewellery and other accessories.  We’re talking Coach, Gucci, Chanel – real, quality designer finds.

Every week I’m finding more good ones scattered throughout the Fraser Valley. Where is your favourite local consignment store?




Triple Flip Opening at Morgan Crossing

Monday, August 22nd, 2011

This Wednesday, August 24, 2011 Canadian retailer Triple Flip will open in South Surrey’s Morgan Crossing.

Triple Flip is a Canadian retailer with seven locations across the nation. The store caters exclusively to pre-teen girls with clothes that are stylish, comfortable, age-appropriate, based on ‘real’ girl sizes (as opposed to women’s sizes). 

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Star Wars & Laser Hair Removal

Sunday, April 10th, 2011

I am not a huge Star Wars fanatic, but I have to admit, I’ve felt a closeness to one of it’s characters many times before.  Remember Chewbacca, the fur covered beast who was tall and seemed ferocious but was actually quite nice and helpful?  Yep, that could also sum me up pretty quickly too.

Body hair has been a long standing rival of mine and it wasn’t until recently that I got the feeling that there may be hope for me and my “Star Wars problem”.  I had heard of laser hair removal before, but I was curious and hesitant to see if I could actually have the long term results it promises.

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Out Damn’d Spot! Out I Say!

Sunday, March 6th, 2011

Old and wrinkly is not something that anyone really aspires to “be” in the early stages of their life.  We all know that aging is inevitable and yet we seem to fight it, kicking and screaming, until one day it just hits you in the face and you realize that you’ve gotten older, and it shows.

If your skin was to tell its story to a dermatologist, would it say something like this?  “I’m mourning the loss of my youth, but I didn’t get this way overnight. There’s more to me than just the age spots and sagging skin you see in front of you.  Between smoking, suntanning and occasionally getting washed with a bar of soap, it’s no wonder I’m damaged deep below the surface.  I feel hurt from years of neglect.”  Kinda sad, isn’t it?

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To Thread or Not To Thread…

Monday, January 17th, 2011

Let’s be honest with each other.  There is nothing enjoyable about removing hair from our bodies.  No matter how painless some people claim it is, it still hurts.  In general, I think most women deserve a Wonder Woman award just for the amazing things they do in their daily lives.  Have a successful job?  Check!  Raise a family? Check!  Juggle schedules, cook, clean and maintain close friendships?  Quadruple check!   I also think that women deserve a beauty grooming award for the time, money and most of all, pain that they endure for some beauty treatments.

I’ll admit, I had heard of threading from a number of friends prior to my adventure into a salon to actually get it done.  I was scared, hesitant and curious all at once.  

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Quick and Easy Holiday Glamour

Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010

The holiday season is definitely here and with it comes a multitude of soirees, galas and work parties to dress up for.  It’s sad how few occasions we get to go “all out” with our hair, makeup, and clothing.  Christmas, however, is definitely one of those times.

When it comes to adding a little extra oomph to your makeup for a night out, try one of these quick and easy add-ons for creating a look that is extra glam.

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A Manicure That Goes The Distance

Monday, November 8th, 2010

CONGRATULATIONS TO TARA M! THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

When was the last time you got a manicure at a salon and managed to have it last more than 2 or 3 days without chipping, cracking or peeling, regardless of how careful you may have been once the manicure was done?  Can’t remember when or if that’s ever happened  to you?  Me neither.  Until now!

Gone are the days of needing to have artificial nails applied in order to have a manicure that goes the distance.   Colored gel nail polish can be applied to your own natural nails and can provide up to 14 days of wear, chip free!  

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South Surrey Welcomes Noir Lash Lounge

Friday, October 29th, 2010

South Surrey’s Morgan Crossing welcomes Noir Lash Lounge, set to open its doors to the public on Saturday, October 30, 2010. The opening event will include Blo On The Go from Noir’s neighbours Blo Blow Dry Bar (11AM- 1PM) and Bombshell Brows from Bombay Brow Bar (1PM – 3PM. Danielle Gardner from So You Think You Can Dance Canada will also be on site to celebrate.

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Simple Face Painting Ideas

Monday, October 25th, 2010

Halloween is just around the corner and while many kids are over-the-top excited for it, many adults cringe at the thought of finding and purchasing or making a costume for their kids or themselves.  It doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming and can be as simple as a closet assembled outfit and some clever face painting.

The great news is that you don’t have to be a professional artist to pull off some of these simple face painting ideas.  You may want to purchase some non-toxic, water based body or face paints but can also use eye and lip pencils from yours (or your partner’s) makeup collection at home.  

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5 Trends in 5 Days

Monday, October 18th, 2010

Have you ever seen a new fashion or makeup trend on the runway or in a magazine and while you love the look, are scared of trying it yourself?  Luckily for you, I’ve decided to be your guinea pig for some of fall’s hottest trends.  From greige nails to a “nearly nude” makeup look, here are 5 trends in 5 days, with a fresh faced picture of me, before the trend mayhem begins!

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