Consignment makeover challenge!

The time for consignment shopping is anything but long past. With extra cash in short supply for everybody these days, consignment and resale stores are some of the few remaining places for people to feed their hunger for style without having to literally go hungry. Visiting a few stores across the Valley, it becomes clear that there really is a consignment/resale store for everyone.

Our Secret Upscale Resale 5207 N Mccoll Rd. McAllen, TX

What to expect: If there's one thing that this McAllen staple isn't missing, it's clothes. With a backroom full of merchandise ready to move, finding an outfit to wear is easy. It's a sprawling store, but with so many items, shopping is a bit cramped. If browsing space isn't an issue for you, the selection is worth stopping by for.

How long it's been around: over 20 years

Owners: Teresa Hinojosa and Rosie Maldonado

What they have: Women, men, designer clothing, formal clothes, home furnishings and a bargain area - where items go for $1 to $3.

At your style service

• Name: Mayra Saldana
• Age: 28
• Position: Sales associate at Our Secret
• How long she's been there: a little over one year
• Style: Laid back, casual. "I'm more into the vintage 70s."
• Style motto: "As long as they're comfortable, wear it."
• Last place she shopped: Our Secret

>>The challenge: Create an outfit for a Saturday night in ten minutes

Up to the test: Vanessa Hinojosa, sales associate

Just five minutes into the challenge, Hinojosa was in the dressing room narrowing her choices. "That's the good thing about knowing your inventory," she said.

The outfit: $94.50

Shoes by Gianni Bini - $10

Jeans by Citizens of Humanity - $45

Top by BCBG - $14

Tank by BCBG - $14

Earrings and bracelet (set) - $10.50

Bows and Britches 2421 Griffin Pky. Mission, Texas 956- 585-0551

What to expect: On one of the main streets in Mission, this store feels more like an average retail shop than a resale. It's clean, organized and has a play area for children. Owner Michelle Striowski, a mother of four, says she was intent on making her store browse friendly and plans to do the same when she open her adult, upscale resale store, which she hopes to do by the end of the year.

How long it's been around: about a month

What they have: Children's clothes (newborn to 12 years) and maternity. Brands include Baby Guess, Oshkosh, Carter's and Pea and the Pod.

>>At your style service

• Name: Michelle Striowski
• Position: Owner
• Style: "Get quality, brand name clothes for an affordable price."
• Maternity and overall style icon: Angelina Jolie
• Last place she shopped: Caché

>>The challenge: Create an outfit for an afternoon at the park in ten minutes

Model: 4-year-old daughter Heather

Dressing a toddler isn't easy in the mornings, much less in multiple outfits in ten minutes, but Striowski came in just under the ten minute mark.

The outfit: $10.98

1. Shoes by Smart Fit - $3.99

2. Skirt and top set by Baby Guess - $6.99

Just Between Friends 2421 Griffin Pky. Mission, Texas 956- 585-0551

Owner Rosie Romero is a clothing and style connoisseur. She spent years working at Sylvia's in McAllen and then did a stint at Foley's in the beauty department. Her experience is evident in her eye for taking vintage items and giving them a modern touch; it's a style that she carries on to her store's quaint décor. There's a little bit of everything, from furniture to old canisters and picture frames. At first it seems like the store can't decide what to sell, but after a bit of browsing, it feels like a hunt through a stylish grandma's attic. Some items are so endearing that you want them, even if you're not sure what their use will be quite yet. Oh, and they have a side tea room, which added to the confusion at first. But after the experience, it will be hard to imagine shopping without a glass of peach iced tea in the other hand.

How long it's been around: 8 years

What they have: Women's clothes, female teen, a small selection of children's clothes, furniture, household items and a side tea room for parties and baby and bridal showers

>>At your style service

• Name: Rosie Romero
• Position: Owner
• Style motto: "Dress casual, but not too casual; I want to still look presentable," she said.
• Last place she shopped: Just Between Friends

>>The challenge: Create an outfit for a Saturday running errands

The outfit: $114.50

1. Shoes by Anne Michelle - $14

2. Skirt by George - $14

3. Beige top by Bandolino - $12.50

4. Brown tank top by Old Navy - $6

5. Necklace - $10

6. Purse by Coach - $58