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Categories: Jewelry, Used, Vintage & Consignment [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Lincoln Square, RavenswoodWestern (Brown)
"Being a personal stylist is dangerous because it's easy to find yourself doing double takes and head turners while driving to check out...…" read more »
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Everyone says to skip the clothes and go for the accessories. I strongly disagree. Though the accessories are cute, I think they're SILLY overpriced. I once asked to look at a necklace, and it felt super cheap. It should have cost 5 bucks instead of 20. I tend to never buy new things at consignment stores, because that's not really they're specialty.
However, I do stroll through here almost every weekend, simply because it's a good stop on my way home from Cafeneo. The clothes are mainly Ann Taylor, Banana Republic---those kinds of things. And they don't have a big selection. But if you carefully fish through each piece of clothing, you will definitely find some cool stuff. I almost always buy at least one thing. Many items are overpriced. As a consignment pro, my rule of thumb is a used piece of clothing needs to be at least half of what you'd get at the store, and it has to be in perfect condition. (exceptions for vintage, designer pieces) They don't always agree with my rule of thumb.
But you should still go because the employees are truly delightful, and it's such a damn cute little store.
Once in a long while I find something I like but most of the time I feel like I've wasted my time here. It is sometimes very hot and cramped, too. I also do not know if the sizes are always correctly labelled.
The shoes and accessories are nicer than the clothes.
Some of the clothes look over-washed and faded and are not in the best condition. The prices are a little high and their hours aren't as convenient as I'd like.
Accessories are really the strong point here at A Secret Closet. First, there was an entire wall of bags and clutches I'd love to call my own. Further in is a display of sunglasses all delightfully large and reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast at Tiffanys" (idol worship, anyone?). There was also a decent selection of jewelry to the right of the register.
Clothing selection - limited but items were from recognizable brands (Banana Republic, Ann Taylor) and in good condition.
The changing rooms were separated from the main store with linen sheets. I'm not particularly modest, but I had mental images of my underwear-clad self being exposed to other shoppers. All clothing try-ons were thus purposefully brief.
I was wavering between three and four stars, and ended up with three for a few reasons. First, there was a vintage dress in the window a few months back and when I first went in to try it on, I was told it was one price, a few days later I overheard a sales clerk tell someone else something about $20 higher, and after that it was sold (while I was there) for an even higher price. I don't really take kindly to stores raising prices in that manner -- set a price and sell it for that regardless of how much interest there is, or go sell your clothes on eBay.
That being said, this store is a regular font of fashion for me. The accessories are stylish and reasonably priced, and the resale clothing tends to be decent quality. This does tend to be more "Ann Taylor" than hipster, but a decent resale shoppers knows how to see past the surface and find the gems. I've found $10 Chinese Laundry stilettos here, as well as other great deals, and I hop in at least once a week after working/drinking coffee at The Grind to see what's new. Also: the owner is friendly and helpful, and if you're looking for something in particular and ask, she'll keep an eye out for you. Yay!
Accessories abound! Skip the clothing racks, as it seems much of the stock here is more dowdy than hip. Instead, head straight for the glass jewelry counter, stocked with unique silver/gold/glass bead pieces not at all unlike their more expensive look-alikes at some other neighborhood boutiques. I have bought several pairs of earrings and two necklaces here that I wear with everything, and a sweet pair of vintage green sunglasses.
Most recently found a gorgeous little black clutch and, right next to it, a selection of old, multicolored brooches. A little combination innovation landed me with a stellar, one-of-a-kind, day-to-night piece at an exceptionally modest price.
Hopefully A Secret Closet's clothing racks catch on to what's going on behind that glass counter. When that happens, perfection.
I present for you a short summary of my one and only experience at A Secret Closet:
Clerk staring at me without a hint of smile or welcome from behind the counter through black-framed, probably non-prescription hipster glasses? Check.
Weird pricing that includes crappy Express t-shirts for twice what they would cost brand new? Check.
Small selection of mostly size small clothing? Check.
Clerk who spends the whole time I'm in the store gossiping to friends and bitching that she gets a lot of customers but no one ever buys anything? Check.
Chances I'll ever return to A Secret Closet? Zero. This store is everything I dislike about vintage shopping - lots of attitude and a poor selection.
I have gotten lucky every time I've been here -- found a gorgeous vintage dress straight off the set of Mad Men, and several wardrobe staples like a Faconable skirt, and a great BR shirt. For a small shop, it's well laid out. Stuff is in good condition and more sophisticated than your average re-sale shop. Lots of accessories - the scarves are beautiful!
This place is well organized and its basically a boutique with second hand clothing mixed with new items. I love the items there. they are just so pretty. The only thing i dont approve are the prices. I would see shirts for 20 30 maybe 40 dollars. I feel like for a second hand stores its over priced and i wouldnt really buy anything from there unless i really really like it. its really hard to find a deal in that place since everything is not reasonably price.
They have a charming Pink tweed Marc Jacobs suit hanging near the door. Very Carla Bruni meets Jackie Kennedy. Waaaay cheaper than Cindy McCain's ghastly ensemble. She should shop here (more chic less cryptkeeper).
D@mn, I only wish I were a size 6.
Get up there and wisk it away from my temptation! I am trying to rationalize having it tailored down to a size 4... and this is really bad because I do not "NEED" more clothes. Really. (Who am I kidding? I have no willpower. You'll see me there Saturday...)
Sometimes I go in and "wow- a discounted Diane Von Furstenburg dress!" or a super-cheap clutch purse… Read more »
Every time I walk in, the music is so different, soothing, and not overwhelming. The ladies behind the counter always strike up a conversation and recommend the cutest things. And i feel like I am in a secret closet lost in my thoughts and eager to see what pretty thing I will find.
I love their jewelry and the accessories - like bags, belts and wallets.
I bought a wallet here a year ago, and it is still going strong and no one else has it - that I have seen at least.
I love earrings and necklaces and all that in between - my bathroom is full of the little or big unique pieces of jewelry that I can wear to my office job or out with friends. I especially like the hand made ones that they carry. The pieces are like no other and are not overpriced.
I also bought presents here for friends that are super hard to shop for ;-) and they actually did not return their presents.
The clothes - not so much. I can never find anything in my size but either way, this little secret shop always gets me to stop by to see what little secrets I will find.
I always leave happy even if I didn't buy anything. All the staff I've encountered here are so nice and friendly and "hands off" when you want them to be...I love shopping at a place where people know when to butt out and when to help out.
They are carrying a few more new clothing items lately, I've noticed. The clothes are hit or miss (for me, at least, but I think that's the case with any consignment-type store). There are some out-dated clothes in here at times, but it's excellent browsing, and the gems I've found here far make up for the time it took to find them...among them a gorgeous flowing unique yellow/grey silk skirt that I always got compliments on!
Accessories are the name of the game here, really, though. Cute purses and jewelry, all reasonably priced.
And yes, I lied in this review. I never leave here without buying something.
This place is a girl's dream -- it feels like you're rummaging through your sophisticated friend/older sister/mom's closet, and you never know what gems you will find. Secret Closet carries higher end secondhand blouses, skirts, dresses, and pants, as well as used shoes and bags. They also have a couple counters with jewelry and some truly fantastic handbags on display. Make sure you look through the drawers, too, that's where they keep the silky scarves and gloves and the like.
I've found quite a few great quality pieces of clothing here. Sometimes I find a whole armful, and sometimes I walk out with nothing. Inventory seems to turn over very quickly. I question the high prices on some items, but they do have frequent sales and you might be able to talk the price down on used items.
Really cute! Hardly ever happens that I walk into a store and find many things as appealing. It usually only happens at fabric stores and Powell"s Books.
Lots of unique, yet tasteful jewelry, accessories for very good price. The clothing is cute, but mostly fairly tiny. The store itself is nice and well organized, I love the mid-century furniture that the items are displayed. The person working (owner?) was nice, but not in my face.
I did not buy anything, but planning on returning for a little Christmas shopping. Finally a cool store, where have I been all this time?
Great store - great finds and pricing, with friendly people who work there and organization that rivals non-consignment shops. I have gotten many tops and sweaters here: Weston Wear, Lux, Banana Republic, Sweet Pea, and Eileen Fisher (for my mom), among others (sorry I can't help out with more brands, I'm not a brand person).
I definitely should check out the furniture at some point (there's not a lot, but it's there). The jewelry is really cute as well and the selection always changes.
My newest discovery though is the awesome selection of purses (I do wish they had more to choose from, but I guess they can't over-buy and have a surplus or else prices would not be so reasonable). The purses are all adorable and super-inexpensive. They have a range of leather and fabric and patterns and sizes.
I definitely recommend checking it out, although that means there may be less left for me....
First and foremost, thanks to Julia A. for reminding me of the name so I could review! I love this little consignment shop in Lincoln Square. They usually have some great finds, even if some days require more digging than others! The bags and accessories are also super cute and they seem to change their stock up quite a bit! If you are in the market for furniture, look here for some great antique items.
Prices are very reasonable, so before you buy that pricey dress down at the Dressing Room, so if you can grab something similar here for about half the price. Staff is pretty great too and will join you in the digging if you are looking for something specific.
Two stars for the location as well as the friendly staff; however, their selection is not much. Some cute bags can be seen, but a bit pricey - it is a consignment shop afterall. A cute place to stop by to mosey around, but nothing more.
If Una Mae's is my favorite clothing store in Wicker Park, this is certainly my favorite in Lincoln Square. They have great accessories, and very nice used clothing that is reasonably priced. The style isn't as vintage as Una Mae's, but that's okay. It's here where I look for work digs rather than a night out at the bar.
Cute, funky accessories! Good prices! I have bought 1 shirt and 2 sweaters in excellent condition here so far.
My only suggestion for improvement is to carry some larger sizes. I wear a large on top, and am plus size on bottom. I can wear some of the tops, if they are not cut too slim. But the bottoms - forget it.
I really enjoy the presentation of accessories around the perimeter of the store - bright bags, scarves, gloves, etc.
I also appreciate the way that tops are arranged by color. It's attractive, and it helps me compare items and decide if I really want another brown or black sweater (of course I do!). That choice makes it seem different than the average second-hand/vintage store - more organized and more boutique-like, as opposed to sorting through rack after rack of chaos.
They are choosy - and it shows! (in a good way)
Only given 4 stars because the closet I had when I grew up was bigger then this place, I guess that kinda explains the name. Last weekend I went in to take a look around, was amazed at how cute everything is and am a fan of vintage and unique items. The jewelry is also very cute, but I am a jewelry designer so I never buy jewelry, I just make it!! Anyway... Bought a cute top for 50% off , practically felt like I was stealing. The owner is Super nice and friendly, but also let's you browse at leisure w/out being bothered. A refreshing change of pace since I had just came from The Dressing Room , where everything is $100 or more and looks like the same stuff as Forever 21, and you can find better stuff for a fraction at Forever 21-or...Secret Closet.
The items here are wonderful! I wish this was my second closet with the funky jewelry and all the cute hand bags, shoes, and clothes!!! I bought two things when I stopped by here because I couldn' t believe how reasonably priced these items were...Love this place!
I always come back to this place. A great mix of new and used clothing accessories and furniture - merchandise changes over pretty frequently. Eventually everyone can find a great deal for themselves here. If you don't find what you are looking for the first time, try again later. Check out the blog: http://www.asecretclos...
My wardrobe consists of mostly vintage clothes. And any vintage shopper knows that finding the good stuff is a hit or miss endeavor. I missed at Secret Closet. There were some cute things, mostly in sizes that did not fit me, but in the time I looked around, there wasn't really anything that popped out at me. Maybe I went on a bad day - maybe their stock rotates a bit, but I wasn't very impressed.
I have found some ridiculously amazing used clothes and shoes here. The prices are fair (especially compared with some other consignment stores) and the selection seems carefully thought out and cared for (again, Secret Closet beats a lot of other resale joints where the merchandise is crumpled, disorganized and smelly!). Always a fun, relaxing shopping experience. Love it!
One of my favorite places on the Lincoln Square strip. I've never actually looked through the clothes, but they always have a nice inventory of jewelry, purses, and accessories at very reasonable prices. The staff is always fun and will engage in a fun game of jewelry dress up at your request. Definitely stop there if you're in the area!
Lovely little resale boutique. Very conveniently located. Near a lot of neat bars and restaurants. The inventory is always fresh and one of a kind and the staff is pleasant to chat with. A must if you happen to be in the area.
I love, love, love, love this place. I come in every other week or so (it seems) and always find stuff I like. The salesgirl I always see is so helpful and friendly, which I appreciate in a place like this. I do agree that they could expand their sizing options, but I like the diversity of pieces they offer.
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