Now this is the kind of gambling the ever-thrifty Thrifty Snicker is willing to do! Browse a bright and clean store with upscale, designer and couture apparel, take your fashionable finds into one of the store’s roomy and cheerful dressing rooms, then look at the tag and see the date of the next markdown. Buy it now or take a chance of getting it for less? Welcome to Second Time Around, a delightful upscale consignment store at the corner of Burnet and Hancock – one of several thrifty destinations along the Burnet corridor. Established in 1974, this fashion mecca tags its clothes with date of arrival and the dates of each 30-day markdown along with the price now and after markdown. Your Bargain Blogger has June 1 circled on her date book for the Ralph Lauren jeans that will be priced at just $12.99 and fit like a dream. Will she miss out at the hands of a more impatient fashionista? Only time will tell!
Located at 5100 Burnet Road, Second Time Around sports a perky pink awning and shares space with Bus Stop Shop – a haven for cowgirl couture. In fact, depending on when you visit, the Bus Stop’s remodeled school bus may be parked right out front. STA’s narrow entry way surrounds you with shoes, gowns and eveningwear but when you can drag yourself away from those riches, a few more steps takes you to the main part of the store where clothes are divided by type and size. Racks are clearly marked by size, saving time and effort and the store gets an “A” in dressing rooms – large rooms with curtained drapes, cute signage and overhead windows that let in plenty of natural light.
“Thrifty” means something different to everyone so know before you go that this is discounted upscale clothing. The Snicker’s best buy, a Chico’s skirt for $8.99, represents the low end of their stock. You may find a DVF frock for $80 or, as was there on a recent visit, a Sound of Music-style Gucci straw hat for $150. The store’s current masterpiece-for-sale is a breathtaking YFA Makino gown, size 6, marked now at $750. Eat your heart out, Alicia Keys! And if you already have an addiction to designer handbags, consider yourself warned…you’ll need a 12-step program! A small room in the far corner houses the store’s vintage collection – much of it definitely vintage although some pieces were just dated. Whether or not you’re in the market for such apparel, be sure to take a look.
Some 10,000 consignees help keep Austin in discounted designer duds and you’re welcome to join their ranks if you’d like. Store employees will be happy to look at your items – clothes, shoes, accessories and jewelry – between 10:00 a.m. and noon on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Although not necessary, The Thriftstress recommends you call first to let them know you’re coming by so that they can be ready for you. Consignees get 40% of the sale unless the item is worth more than $200, in which case it’s a 50/50 split. Keep in mind that many things dictate what gets accepted for resale so don’t get your Journelle’s in a wad if they decline your current, upscale items. There’s always eBay!
The Diva of Discount has enjoyed every shopping experience at Second Time Around although a few online reviews have been a wee bit critical of less-than-friendly sales staff. Indeed, on two recent occasions sales staff seated at a work table just a few feet away failed to say hello or in any way acknowledge the Thrifty Snicker. A “hello” and “let me know if you have any questions” would go a long way toward Austin-friendly. However, a phone visit with the store manager couldn’t have gone better and Xochitl looks forward to welcoming you to Second Time Around where she started working at just 19. After leaving the store’s employ to go back to school, the lucky confluence of her graduation and the departure of the store’s current manager enabled her to return.
Give your wardrobe an upgrade to first class without breaking the bank this summer at Second Time Around. Open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., all major credit cards are accepted. Give them a call at 512.451.6845 or visit their website at http://www.secondtimearoundatx.com
and tell them you read about them on The Thrifty Snicker.
As much as it pains the Discount Diva to admit it, she doesn’t know everything thrift. What are your favorite places and best bargains?
Until the next find!
The Thrifty Snicker
The Thrifty Snicker 
Thank you, Thrifty! I sometimes forget you can find very upscale couture clothes second hand. It’s the only way I could ever own some of those things without getting a loan! Lol!