Second Time Around
Rating: 4 out of 5 starts
1728 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 988-9903
www.secondtimearound.net
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Second Time Around is a consignment shop which is part of a national chain with 33 locations in 13 states. The shop is filled with womenswear and very little menswear. You can find anything from vintage clothing to name brands to accessories, as well as new merchandise.
Mother Nature has obviously given us a reality check this week. Swat somehow went from a wondrous magical garden in the middle of nowhere to a blistering cold foggy swamp, still in the middle of nowhere. Let’s be real. You are not prepared. You thought those plaid shorts and that SWARTMORE COLLEGE pullover would be enough for your 9:30 a.m. class, but by the time you left McCabe at 1:30 a.m., you were wishing for a warm cup of Bavarian Wild Berry Black Tea and an electric blanket. However, here’s the problem. A sweater and thick jacket cost about five times more than a tank top and a pair of jean shorts. But I am here to remind you of the beauty and affordability that available from second hand clothing.
At Second Time Around in Center City, racks of clothing and accessories are ready to bundle you up. You are greeted by an abundant amount of clothing as soon as you enter. All racks are carefully categorized to facilitate the process of finding exactly what you need. Like any consignment store, you are required to go on a wild goose chase if you want to find something in your size that you actually like. Nevertheless, after noticing the wide selection, you are drawn in to search for more goods.
Although the womenswear section offers a large variety of merchandise, there was very little for men. It was quite disappointing to see that Second Time Around did not prove to have the same potential for a men’s section as it did for a women’s section.
Additionally, the shoe section did very little to hold itself up. It might be the fact that the store is still buying for fall, but I was not impressed.
Despite this, the designer and vintage section of the shop is a splendid couple of racks. To my surprise, there was a lot of variety and very little to complain about. I loved what I saw. Different brands like Marc by Marc Jacobs and Single were among vintage finds that were up to date with this season’s trends. This section was also in perfect proportion to the rest of the store. It was not too expansive to make this location unaffordable, or too small to keep you from finding a timeless piece.
The sale section does not disappoint. It’s a hidden treasure in the back of the store. In comparison to the rest of Second Time Around, the prices are much lower, to say the least. A lot of the clothing here are not essentials. They are add-ons to your wardrobe that you would spend money on if you have any left to spare.
Anyone looking for something to cover up with for the cold weather ahead should not hesitate to visit this conveniently located consignment shop.
