Last week while traveling in Colorado, I picked up this fun Cynthia Steffe dress at an amazing consignment shop (it was a mere $38 on sale).

If you make it to Denver, be sure to stop by Common Threads on Pearl street. They have one of the best selections of designers I've seen at great prices.

The experience made think of all the wonderful consignment shops we have in San Francisco. Great fashion is always in style and it's even sweeter when it's a bargain.

At Canvas we each have our favorite spots to shop. So we thought we would share the best vintage and consignment shops in San Francisco--according to our team. As a plus, I've included a few tips to ensure your next shopping trip is a success.

Stay Stylish,

K+M+D

Keep Your Expectations In Check

The key to a great consignment/vintage experience is having no expectations. It really is the luck of the draw and I've been to plenty of the below shops and walked out empty handed. Make sure you get on a store's mailing list so you know when sales start and inventory is fresh.

Know Your Brands

One thing that can make a consignment shopping trip more successful is to know your brands. Having a baseline knowledge of the top current brands and best designer brands will help you quickly determine the value of a piece. Look at the label, check for wear and tear, and ask yourself how you'll wear it. If you are unsure on the price do a quick brand search online or ask a sales person for help.

Only Buy What Fits (or can be easily altered)

Beyond knowing the best quality designer brands, it's important to know what ones work well for your body type. Sizing is not consistent from brand to brand so I often look at racks a size above and below my normal number.

The Best Consignment Boutiques in San Francisco

1. Sui Generis, 2147 Union St, SF

This Cow Hollow consignment shop carries designer clothes, bags and accessories for women. All of the pieces are in never-worn or almost pristine condition and the staff could not be more friendly or knowledgeable. For menswear, check out their Castro location.

2. Real Real

Ok this technically isn't located in SF, but they definitely deserve a mention. Megan's scored everything from a Chloe boyfriend cardigan to a DVF silk blouse both for under $100. It takes some time to sort through the site and items only stay in your cart for 10 minutes, but it's worth it for the amazing finds, current trends and awesome prices.

3. Crossroads (Fillmore location) 1901 Fillmore St, SF

This Fillmore street location is a diamond in the rough. The buyers are fierce and the shop has started carrying more designer pieces and a few direct from vendor goods. Kim loves their denim collection and has picked up AG jeans for $34 here.

4. Goodbyes, 3464 Sacramento St, SF

Upmarket pre-owned designer duds for men, including suits, accessories & shoes, all rolled into a tiny shop. We love the old world charm of this place for guys and appreciate that the women's store is just across the street.

5. Cris, 2056 Polk St, SF

Kimberly loves this spot for their unique items with European flair. The windows are always dressed with beautiful curated looks that are a reason alone to stop in. Check out both sides of the shop for designer pieces or contemporary styles.

6. Polk-a-Dot Consignment, 553 Polk St, SF

Tucked away on Polk St., hidden among the restaurants and bars, Polk-a-Dot Consignment offers high end pieces at amazing prices. Since lower Polk is not a typical shopping street, Devon scouted this great find for deals on quality goods. When the ladies of Nob Hill and Pacific Heights say goodbye to their luxury wears, this is where they go.