Consignment shops ( from left ) Swellegant Vintage , The RealReal and Fashionphile offer high-end and unique pieces that may be hard to find while also giving new life to clothing that would otherwise end up in landfills .
REDUCEREUSE RESELL
Newport Beach ’ s secondhand stores combat unsustainable fashion , deterring items from ending up in landfills , while providing an assortment of notable styles .
BY IZZY DE LEON
WALKING INTO THE REALREAL , a spacious shop at Lido Marina Village , distinct sections offer an array of men ’ s and women ’ s clothing , fine jewelry , watches , handbags , shoes and accessories . To help shoppers navigate the hundreds of pieces available for purchase , readyto-wear racks styled by season and fashion trend line the walls : Weekend Getaway , Quiet Luxury , Vintage Now , Outer Layers , and Chanel , Dior & More . A consignment desk for drop-offs as well as offices for fine jewelry and handbag valuations also enhance the experience .
The RealReal is just one of several high-end consignment and thrift stores found in Newport Beach . The secondhand nature of these stores helps to encourage sustainability , especially as the fashion industry contributes to pollution and so many fast-fashion pieces end up in landfills because these low-quality garments wear out quickly and the trends they represent are fleeting .
According to Action for the Climate Emergency , an organization that ’ s passionate about fighting climate change and inspiring youth , fashion manufacturing accounts for the annual release of approximately 1.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere . Other studies have found textile production creates an estimated 42 million tons of plastic waste globally per year including some microplastics that make their way into oceans and waterways .
As more people choose used clothing — not only for the vintage and unique style options , but also for the eco-friendly factor — consumer demand slowly begins to make an impact on the industry and spur changes .
“ There is no doubt that the rise in secondhand shopping has encouraged retailers to pay attention to the life cycle of their brand ,” says Sarah Davis , president and founder of Fashionphile , which has a selling studio in Neiman Marcus at Fashion Island .
THE ART OF CONSIGNING When it comes to treasure hunting for pre-owned fashions , Newport Beach is the perfect place to start . Boasting numerous secondhand stores , shoppers can find items that no one else will have .
Some long-standing resale designer stores in Corona del Mar include Recycled Rags , OnQueStyle and Bellissima Consignment Boutique . Opened in 1969 , Recycled Rags utilizes in-house stylists to help personalize the shopping experience for its
FROM LEFT : COURTESY OF SWELLEGANT VINTAGE ; JOYCE LEE ; OPPOSITE PAGE : COURTESY OF FASHIONPHILE
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