Not quite a vintage boutique, not quite a thrift store: Chic clothes on these racks are the coolest castoffs around.

by Contributor

In Short
The first Buffalo Exchange opened in 1974 in Tucson, Arizona, and has since become a famous-label junkie's delight. The eclectic inventory is built by loyal customers who bring in former favorites from their own closets to sell or trade. A constant turnaround of lightly worn men's and women's clothing and accessories keeps the bargain-hunting ground fertile for finds from the likes of Kate Spade, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci and others.

03/13/07

a diamond on Valencia Street!

by madamebijoux

Lady and Gems... forget the other consignment stores. This location is a lot less picked over, and it's clean too! The staff here is really nice, and the manager- the cute asian guy- is the best buyer. I sold him some of my vintage stuff and I made off with a cute new dress and a pair of shoes, and still had 18 dollars leftover.

• Pros: clean, good prices, ever-changing merchandise
• Cons: warm insde- almost stuffy

02/26/07

Less crowded and cheaper than the one in the Haight

by sonyacrowley

I love this store! The other locations have good clothing finds, but they are far more crowded and full of tourists. The one in the Mission is easier to navigate, has more bargains b/c it isn't so picked over, and has employees who will eventually know you if you go in regularly. My favorite is the sweet boy with a partially shaved head and bright red hair... he'll comment on my choices and offer opinions that are right on track.

Avoid new items they have multiples of- they're overpriced and will be trendy in a couple months. It's worth picking through!

• Pros: lots of street parking, good selection.
• Cons: an excess of new stuff that is not particularly well-made.