Julia D.
Yelp
Today I went here for the second time this weekend and I pretty much decided I'm never shopping retail again. Common Sort is definitely a valuable addition to the array of vintage options in the city. They want things to *move* off the racks here, and they tend to select pieces from known retailers (i.e. Banana Republic, Gap, Club Monaco, Reiss, etc and higher end designers) that are on-trend and on-season, vs. other more vintage-esque stores which have often a smaller selection of highly curated pieces that are very much examples of their era. It's packed full of product. I love coming here because I find it really reasonably priced cf. to retail and I can always find things to wear to the office or daily life as opposed to just unique pieces that need to be grounded in more run of the mill Winners/mall items. It also happens to be less than five minutes from my house.
I've been shopping here since they opened on Queen East. The owner is lovely though I rarely see her anymore. The fashionable ladies there running things are selective about what they buy and because they price items so reasonably, you don't get a ton of credit for the goods you sell, but it does go a long way.
The most I ever got for a piece was for an original St. Laurent/Bergdorf Goodman rattleskin/leather burgundy midi skirt from the 70s. They even asked me did I really want to sell it, it was so lovely and they knew I could get more for it on eBay or designer focused consignment...but who has the time? Someone, I hope, with a tinier waist than mine, was happy to buy that.
They have a LOT of quality pieces and brands here. You do need to be attentive to the condition of the item and don't forget it's credit only (no refunds). And don't get carried away (or maybe that's what I need to tell myself).
While the shoe selection is good, I've never bought or sold any here.
They also have a smattering of new things: cheap & trendy sunglasses, jewelry, nylons/tights and slips.
Today I traded for credit a lovely faux fur jacket (too large for me), a velvety Urban Outfitters party dress (too youthful for me), a beautiful purple Kimono that I brought back from Japan and have never worn, a very vintage minidress, a Calvin Klein grey knit sweater that didn't quite fit.... I walked out pleased as punch with a beautiful chartreuse floral silk dress ($65), a very unique but very much weathered Kenzo wool jacket from the 80s (made in Japan!) ($65), a Brooks Brothers navy dress ($42!!!!!), a sweet 80s-esque black leather purse with gold chains ($32), a couple of cashmere sweaters/ wool turtlenecks...yesterday I picked up a gold-flecked Aritzia blazer, a multicoloured silk skirt & a loud leopard print skirt with a slit up the side.
I did not buy a beautiful red quilted Escada skirt because it was too large but oh...my...God. Someone who is a size 6 should go and buy that!! Go!! I also did not buy a smashingly red wool BR jacket for only $34. But someone should.
It's still about the hunt here but it's definitely not as much work as the racks @ Value Village (though from time to time I go there too when I have 5-6 hours to kill).
I'm a seasoned vintage shopper & a very typical size (size S/2/4/Euro 38) so as with anything, YMMV.
Dear Common Sort,
Please continue to buy my clothes & offer your amazing range of clothes in amazing prices & I will shop with you forever.
Signed, a loyal & happy customer.