Capital Consignment: AMHstyle

Stepping into AMH Style is like stepping into the closet of your most fashionable friend. All the enviable, personality pieces she’s been sporting? She found them here.

The women behind this cream of the crop consignment shop are sisters Alison and Joanna Hughes. Citing experience in the fashion industry as a contributing factor to their expert styling and selling skills, they have secured a lasting spot in the hearts of many of Ottawa’s fashion aficionados.

Upbeat music welcomed me as I first entered the bright, expansive store. My first thought was of its resemblance to an outlet you may find at the Rideau Centre, owing to its much appreciated organization and peppy atmosphere. Within seconds of arriving, I was greeted warmly and had already spotted several highly coveted items of this fall’s fashions. Think big coats, ladylike midiskirts and textures galore.

The prices are not unlike that of an average retail store. So, if you’re on a tight budget, AMH Style might not be the stop for you. However, if you’re dying to upgrade your closet with higher-end, on-trend pieces, the prices will certainly impress you and your bank account as they are much discounted from their original cost.

The collection of clothing and accessories is tremendous and covers all fashion bases. It includes basics, like plain t-shirts and office-friendly cardigans, alongside formal and funkier offerings. Skimming through the dresses I found more than one I’d wear if I ever figure out how to go back in time and change my prom outfit. Especially convenient is the section exclusively for the universal wardrobe staple, the black blazer–plain, fitted, collarless, embellished; you name it, they have it.

With the dropping temperatures, AMH Style is worthy of a visit if not only for the rousing selection of coats and jackets. Joe Fresh and Zara were common names among many other familiar faces, such as French Connection and Forever 21. You can certainly see the oversized and robe coat trends reflected, and at only a fraction of their original selling price. A long dark purple coat from Joe Fresh was labeled at $40, whereas winter coats on their website now start at approximately $60. This is a significant saving!

Not only does shopping at AMH Style save you money, it can make you money. It is a consignment store, so you may give your unwanted items to them and receive 40 per cent of the AMH selling price when it is sold. Be prepared to not have all your pieces accepted though, as they are strict with the quality of their offerings and relevance to current popular styles.

For the most eager of fashion fiends, follow their Facebook page for frequent updates on store happenings and hot new arrivals.