If you have a teenager who's looking for “retro” clothing, or if you're interested in finding a classic Coach bag for yourself, D.C.'s consignment shops and thrift stores are gold mines.

Clothes Encounters of a Second Kind 202-546-4004

This is a great consignment shop where you can find bags and shoes and designer suits for a fraction of their original cost. The shop is located across the street from the Eastern Market and is accessible from the Eastern Market Metro station (Orange or Blue Line). Hours are Tuesday to Friday, 11 A.M. to 7 P.M.; Saturday, 10 A.M. to 6 P.M.; Sunday, noon to 5 P.M.

Funk & Junk www.funkandjunk.com

This store has an amazing assortment of collectibles of every kind. There are thousands of pieces of men's and women's vintage clothing alone — jeans, shirts, shoes, coats. They also have action figures, collectible toys, you name it. Funk & Junk is located in Alexandria, but you can reach it via the Metro (King Street station on the Yellow or Blue Line). Open Thursday to Saturday, 1 P.M. to 6 P.M.; Sunday, 1 P.M. to 6 P.M.

Secondi Consignment Clothing 202-667-1122

Secondi is a store that specializes in secondhand designer clothing, shoes, and accessories. It's open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, 11 A.M. to 6 P.M.; Wednesday and Friday to 7 P.M.; Sunday, 1 P.M. to 5 P.M.