Crowded Closet

This place sucks. I used to shop @ Crowded Closet years ago when they had two locations. I was in the area and decided to stop by. The place is really crowded and unorganized. The items for sale were not current either. I was disappointed and will not return however I do appreciate the sales associate helping me avoid a parking ticket. Thanks!

Mixed feelings. On the one hand, nice clothes, of much higher quality than other thrift stores. On the other hand, the prices are higher to accommodate it.
I find their organization incredibly confusing. It was very hard to tell what’s where — sometimes things were organized by color, sometimes by size.
One small dressing room and no mirror in the dressing room. There is a mirror outside, but I found myself getting self conscious about constantly stepping out and checking myself in the mirror in front of everyone else.
The hours are quite limited. Closed Sundays and Mondays, only open until 4 pm T-​R and until 5 F-​S.
I think they only take cash if your purchase is under a certain amount — I saw a card reader on the counter but was told that my $ 13 purchase was «cash only.»
Finally — and I say this only hesitantly, since I’m a pretty tolerant and laid back person — the few times I’ve been in I’ve felt really in edge. I find the staff disconcerting. They’re all older women, and they seem to be friends with many of the customers, but they could be more welcoming to those of us they don’t know. I felt very uncomfortable the whole time I was there, like I didn’t understand the system and I might be scolded.
On the whole, I don’t think I’ll be going back, since the prices aren’t low enough to make up for the limited selection/​uncomfortable atmosphere.

My mom and I poked around The Crowded Closet after eating at Weiner and Still Champion (check them out!). We quickly spotted a few items for my mom to try on (St. John, Eileen Fisher), and they were labeled at very reasonable prices. The store wasn’t superbly organized (are any consignment/​thrift stores?), but there seemed to be a lot of promise. I wish the «high-​end» bags were more accessible instead of on a high shelf behind the cash register, but I understand the need for some sort of security measure. My mom settled on two St John sets, but we noticed that one of the dresses had 2 small holes in it. We asked one of the ladies if we could get a discount, and although she said that the price already accounted for the damage, she reduced the price a bit for us. We really appreciated that. The check out process was a bit painful as they have no computer, have to hand write the receipt, and use a calculator to calc the tax.
My mom was extremely happy with her purchase (she is SO hard to shop for, and only high-​end clothing seems to look good on her) so I know she will be back!

Definitely a lot of items, many of them designer, and most (save the shoes) in excellent condition. The stock, however, is for a more mature crowd – lots of dress suits and stiff dresses.

Although this store was fun to peruse (and true to its name – I don’t think they could fit another scarf in there, let alone the full box of recently-​acquired items that the workers were sorting through) I was very surprised by the high prices and the somewhat pretentious 20 dollar limit for credit cards. As a recent college grad who relies on consignment and thrift stores to find appropriate yet reasonably priced clothes for important and necessary events like job interviews (my reason for going there today), I realized quickly that this particular store is one I will not be returning to. Of course it was clear that this store specializes in second-​hand expensive designer clothes. Which is awesome! And I’m sure an excellent find for those who can afford it. I however, really just needed a plain white button down shirt, and couldn’t find one in my size that I liked for less than $ 24. (Maybe I’m used to Salvation Army and Goodwill prices, but yikes!) I finally settled on a somewhat ill-​fitting one that was on sale for $ 12.
My experience was further tainted by the somewhat rude demeanor of the staff. I was not greeted with a hello or a smile when I entered, but instead a curt request that I leave my bag at the counter. While I shopped they made no effort to hush their gossiping, the subjects of which included frequent patrons of their shop. I can understand and accept that the prices might be high, but as a shopper I find the lack of customer service and general interpersonal grace to be unforgivable.
My last gripe is superficial compared to the above, but I was also a little uncomfortable with the dressing room set up: it’s in the middle of the store and is just a poorly-​concealing curtain with no mirror inside to determine if the clothes suit your needs. While trying on dress pants I was aware that I could be seen through the curtain, and felt embarrassed to check out the fit the pants in the mirror that was OUTSIDE the dressing room.
In short, this store has a lot of interesting, albeit expensive, pieces that could certainly suit many a woman’s wardrobe. The customer service is something to be desired, so much so that I will probably not return.

Ok I usually don’t reveal my «hidden treasure» finds on resale shops but this shop is a must stop for consignment aficionados.

I really enjoy visiting this store. Sometimes I leave without buying anything, but if you enjoy the treasure hunt of shopping consignment, this store has some high-​end labels and reasonable prices. Sometimes it is very busy, and I do wish there was more privacy when trying on clothing.. .but have found some excellent bargains here, and the sales are spectacular. Check out the jewelry near the front door – there is always something really nice!

I have been and will continue to be a faithful customer to this shop, because they always have just what I need at incredible price. The clothes they put out are unique, always clean and do not look used. The store selection is updated regularly, and sales actually hold value.

This place is awesome! It’s hard to tell from the window displays, but they have an amazing range of designer clothes, shoes, etc.
The prices are solid for what you get.

Overpriced consignment items! Perhaps I would have felt more compelled to purchase if the customer service was at least decent. I went to the store this morning, there were two older women working who were crabby and pretentious. The entire time I was there they were complaining and gossiping. When I asked them a question about an item they didn’t even have the decency to turn around to speak to me. They are Incredibly rude women. However there was another woman named Lupe who was working, who was very sweet and kind– too bad the other two ladies weren’t like her. The other redeeming quality was that the merchandise was well organized by size.

Wow they sure do have a lot of clothes, but I wasn’t too impressed by the organization and customer service. The owner didn’t say one word to me while I was in the shop (I was there for 20 minutes) even though I was the only customer in there! However, I would definitely recommend checking out the store because they do have a lot to choose from. Just be prepared to search for a while.

I was here over the weekend and was incredified (is that a word? My computer says no but my heart says yes) at some of the shoes available. Louboutin for $ 178. Gucci for $ 160. Balenciaga for $ 128. What? Amazing. Plus, they were having a 20% off all shoes and handbags sale (I also spotted a Louis Vuitton bowler for $ 50).
Definitely check this place out!

This amazing little place is a hidden treasure! Off the beaten path of other Evanston shopping destinations, Crowded Closet is full of vintage and thrift goodness without the pretentiousness of other area resale stores. Run by a hilarious set of women, you can always find some fantastic old jewelry (or belts) or just a giggle over some of the new things they just got in.

I am impressed with the different labels I saw at Crowded Closet (Burberry trench, Coach purses, Prada and Manolo Blahnik shoes, Andrew Marc jacket, et cetera). They offer conservative and classic clothing along with many accessories at prices higher than your usual thrift store. Crowded Closet may not appeal to younger, trendier women but it wouldn’t hurt to stop by and browse through their appropriately named store (it was somewhat busy when I went). Unfortunately, they do not have any men’s apparel, so I recommend Classy Closets for more complete collections.