1. Ampersand Boutique

Laura Armstrong opened Larchmont Avenue’s Ampersand Boutique 5½ years ago. “We have a curated selection of high/low products, designer brands plus unique pieces,” she says. Women’s offerings are showcased by color and type of clothing; sizing runs small, medium, and large. “For us, we love pairing vintage and modern; we deal with timeless beautiful pieces from every era,” she says. More than 2,000 sellers confidentially consign at the well-organized shop. Dresses are the bestsellers. Her No. 1 tip for resale shoppers: “If you find something you love, buy it there and then, as it will likely be gone if you come back for it.”

ampersandboutique.com

2. Decades

“All six of the ‘Charlie’s Angels’ [stars] have consigned with us,” says Christos Garkinos, co-owner of Decades, the Melrose Avenue boutique specializing in gently used or never worn contemporary haute couture and coveted vintage pieces. Garkinos and partner Cameron Silver shop the world for finds; Garkinos says he personally looks at more than 100,000 pieces a year, culled from 5,000 registered consigners, to select the store’s revolving 8,000-item inventory. “Divorce, moving, weight gain, or weight loss are nirvana for me,” he adds. Chanel is the biggest seller. Holiday season will see the addition of such giftable fashion items as Versace plates and Louis Vuitton trunks. There are plans to re-launch the men’s department in November. “It’s a treasure hunt for people,” Garkinos says of his customers, who include costume designers from “Notorious,” “Suits,” as well as Emmy-winner Sarah Paulson.

decadesinc.com

3. Great Labels

“There are so many women in Los Angeles with so many clothes that don’t get used or worn — that works in the shopper’s favor,” says owner Andrea Waters. She says resale “is definitely a buyer’s market.” At her large Santa Monica store, she regularly carries 6,000 pieces of clothing, plus more than 100 pairs of shoes and 150 handbags. ”Everything is priced to move: if doesn’t sell, it’s out in 90 days,” she explains of the greatly discounted designer duds. “It’s like shopping at Barneys at 90% off.” She’s always looking for seasonal clothes in pristine condition that are two to five years old. Many things still have their original tags. “Customers are getting incredible quality for the price,” she adds.

greatlabels.com

4. Recess

Check Instagram for Recess’ latest finds. Owner Marie Monsod sells a mix of all periods and price points. “We’re at the intersection of affordability, street wear, and high end,” she says of the resale store. Items from such contemporary designers as Miu Miu, Fendi, and Prada are on the racks along with standout vintage pieces from favorites including YSL and Pucci. “Cool pieces hold their value.” With so much inventory now available, and with customers open to mixing patterns and eras, “we fill a need in the great melting pot of fashion.”

recessla.com

5. 3020 Designer Resale

The 8-year-old, 600-square-foot 3020 Designer Resale reflects the tastes of its often high-profile Brentwood Village customers, says owner Gina Buccola, a former stylist and costume designer for television. “My store is more a boutique; I’m very picky about items I take in,” she says of her revolving stock that features deeply discounted items from upscale brands like Chanel, Burberry, Gucci, and Nanette Lepore. She’s a go-to source for costume designers and event dressing.

3020designers.com