You’ve heard it before. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. If you’re rethinking your current shopping habits, it’s never been easier for eco-savvy Seattle & Eastside mamas to shop for great deals on gently-used clothes. From thrift shops for die-hard bargain hunters (Value Village and Goodwill) to the vintage racks at neighborhood shops (Retroactive Kids and Pop Tots) there are loads of options for the eco (and price) conscious shopper.

One of the best ways to clean up and clean house is through the bevy of beautiful consignment stores that have cropped up around town. Most of the items sold in these modern boutiques are in such pristine condition, you’d never believe you were shopping for second-hand goods. Following are our picks for the best consignment stores for maternity, baby and children’s clothes.

Bonus: Bring your closet full of clothing, toys and gear and pay it forward (and earn some $$ to boot).
Tip: The policies differ from store to store, so it’s a good idea to call before bringing your goods in.

Bootyland
Capitol Hill
1317 E Pine St
Seattle WA 98122
206-328-0636
www.bootylandkids.com
This Capitol Hill alternative kiddie boutique takes green living seriously. In addition to the generous selection of gently-used toys and clothing, shoppers can find new organic clothing lines (eight3one, Kate Quinn Organics), hemp and naturally made goods, nursing gear, baby wraps and significant space dedicated their collection of wooden toys.

Buggy
Beacon Hill
3315 Beacon Ave. S
www.buggybeacon.com
206.325.5999
This hip Beacon Hill boutique offers quality items at affordable prices in a stylish, un-cluttered space. A nice mix of gently-used items and new accessories including shoes from Livie & Luca, onesies from Nest and eight3one, and “Flower Children Handknits,” hand-knit sweaters that have been rescued and refreshed (many are embellished or have wonderful new buttons). Don’t miss the onesie bucket, where everything is priced from $3.00 to $10.00. Buggy is ultra family-friendly, with a play area complete with a couch, toys, and lots of books to keep Little One busy.

Bump Urban Maternity
Ravenna
920 NE 64th Street
Seattle, WA 98115
206.522.BUMP
www.bumptobaby.net
Already the forerunner in organic, sustainable clothing lines for pregnant women (Shone, Leighlani,, Nuka, Kina, Ida J) Bump Urban Maternity store has recently begun carrying a select offering of consignment clothes. Store owner Nyro Murphy is now receiving appointments to bring in gently-used maternity clothes. The clothes must be beautiful, in near-perfect condition, and something that is not currently being sold new in the store (they do not have to be clothes originally purchased from Bump). Please call ahead.

Cruzin’ Kidz Boutique & Consignment
Woodinville
13400 NE 175th St
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.939.0418
www.cruzinkidz.com
This Woodinville resale store is well-organized and the clothes are in nearly-new condition. Even the itty-bitty baby hats are neatly displayed on individual hangers. Among the resale items, we spied a nice supply of Gymboree, Hanna Andersson (after all this is HA territory with the outlet right up the street), and Baby Lulu too. On any given day, you may also find gently used “gear” (the big stuff), toys, books, monitors, and more. Also check out the brand new offerings from BabyLegs, Bobux shoes and the most requested baby carrier in town, the Ergo. Cruzin’ Kidz also sells custom children’s furniture by a local designer - everything from step stools to custom play kitchens.

Le Petit Shoppe
Near University Village
3432 N.E. 45th St.
Seattle, WA 98105
206.525.0619
This is not truly a “consignment” store but a re-sale store; they buy your goods outright and then resell them. Nestled in this small strip mall, you’ll find high end clothing (think Hanna, Henri and Flora, Boden, boutique), shoes, and gear (strollers, bedding, furniture, some toys). Maternity clothing also sold. Most toys are organic or wooden. They also sell handmade apron dresses, bibs, and other local wares as well as Hanky Panky panties (new) for a steal. Kids are welcome with a play area in the back.

Rising Stars
Phinney Ridge
7404 Greenwood Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98103
206.781.0138
www.rising-stars.biz
This children’s consignment store houses a wonderful variety of everything kiddo. They sell many new items (See Kai Run, children’s books, an adorable pot and pan set, blankets, Moby Wraps, etc) and a large variety of gently used clothing for kids. Just a few short minutes north of the zoo. Kids are welcome and there is a small space for them to play while you shop.

smallclothes
West Seattle
3236 California Ave.SW
206.923.2222
www.smallclothes.info
This cozy West Seattle consignment shop carries quality brands in a clean, easy-to-browse environment. Mom-and-daughter team Ruth and Stephanie Hargrave have done all the zipper-and-button checking so all the items are ready to wear. You can also find stuffed animals, toys, greeting cards, and a shelf of hand-selected books. Mingling with the resale items are new items from popular brands — See Kai Run shoes, Babylegs, IMPWEAR fleece (made by a Seattle mom), Speesees organic cotton onesies and Jack & Lily booties.

Sugar Lump
Madison Valley
2709 E. Madison St.
Seattle, WA 98112
206.860.5083
www.sugarlumpshop.com
In the smallest space imaginable you’ll find a treasure-trove of gently used children’s clothing, shoes, maternity, books, small toys, and some new wares (See Kai Run). We love the “This is Paris” book (they also have London, New York , etc). Baby Legs and Putumayo CD’s round out this store. As a consignment store, you need to make an appointment, take in your clean, in great shape clothing, and you get 60 days to sell.

Treehouse
Redmond
15742 Redmond Way
Redmond, WA 98052
425.885.1145‎
This Redmond fave is chock full of designer duds, toys (both new and used), and dance gear. Browse for a new-to-you outfit, keep the kids busy in the toy section, or pick out a great gift from the new section. The tulle halos are divine for any little princess on your list. They also sell scouting gear.

Honorable Mention:
Labels
7212 Greenwood Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103
206.781.1194

Me ‘n Moms
Ballard, Issaquah, Lynnwood
www.menmoms.com

Sweet Pea’s
Columbia City
4820 Rainer Ave So.
Seattle, WA 98118
206-722-1031

Two Timing Tams
North Bend
209 Main Avenue South
Suite 111
North Bend WA, 98045
www.twotimingtams.com

July 29th, 2008 Other Comments (none)