Melissa M. Dunn 
Why are so many people walking around with designer bags? We know.
Have you ever wondered how all those 20-somethings run around Vancouver with designer handbags? This town seems to be home to hot young It Girls in their fancy finery.
Well, we know his secret. This is a luxury shipment.
Vancouver is democratizing access to high-end designers through online and in-store retailers that offer second-hand, pre-owned and consignment luxury goods at various price points. Some specialize in vintage or rare pieces and some stock items that are in like-new condition but sell for $1,000 less than market price. Because we have so many stores to choose from, it’s possible for anyone who wants to own a luxury piece to be able to do so.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but we’ve rounded up our favorite places to shop in-store and online for returnable luxury.
Mine, yours
Mine & Yours has two boutiques downtown and stocks clothes, shoes and accessories from the top of the luxury pyramid, such as Chanel, Dior, Fendi, Prada, Gucci, Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Valentino. Clothing is widely affordable with many pieces under $100 and for larger items like bags, prices range from $125 for a Burberry tote to $22,500.00 for a Berkin.
Address: 25 Howe Street and 418 Davie Street
U-turn
Turbanout is one of the biggest pre-loved luxury sellers in Vancouver with eight locations around BC Turnabout Luxe on Granville is exclusively dedicated to high-end designer clothing and accessories, but the other locations have a mix of mid-range brands like Aritzia and Lululemon, too.
Address: 3109 rue Granville; 3135 Granville Street; 3112 West Broadway, 1003 Commercial Dr; 2929 Main Street; and 4180 Fraser Street
collective will
Hidden away in the historic Dominion Building, Collective Will is one of three secret stores that have transformed the studio’s office space into a fashion treasure trove. The curated collection of luxury vintage items has new arrivals all the time and is among the most surprising and inventive collections on this list.
Address: 804 – 207 West Hastings Street
The research workshop
The Find Studio offers handbags and shoes with casual accessories like Hermes Twilly scarves and that Gucci belt you see all over Instagram (it sells for $295). They have a few clothes but nothing compared to the other entrants on this list, their extensive collection of clutches in great condition and under $500 is the real reason to check them out.
Address: Online only
Faulkner
This appointment-only studio is located in Gastown, but people can shop Faulkner’s collection of niche archival pieces online. Faulkner focuses on more contemporary streetwear and modern luxury brands like Issey Miyake and Dries Van Noten, so most of their pieces you won’t be able to find anywhere else, even new.
Address: 307 – 314 W Cordova St and online
model
Modaselle is located downtown and specializes in accessories like handbags, jewelry, watches and belts from the biggest names in luxury and every day they have an online flash sale at noon where they lower prices already lower than retail by some $100. Jewels range from Tiffany to Cartier and are mostly 14-18K with diamonds.
Address: 943 Seymour St.
I love sewing
J’adore Couture is another online-only consignor that sells designer bags in near-perfect condition, but it’s the shoes that set them apart. Their collection is extensive and the price is almost unbeatable, with many of them costing less than $500. These stunning white Gucci loafers are $450.
Address: Online only
