Brace yourself, the back-to-school advertisements, sales and crowds are only a matter of weeks away, not to mention the highly-anticipated changing of the seasons in the world of fashion. While we all love to shop, this can be a hectic and expensive time of year. So, try something new this season; clean out your closet and hit a consignment shop or resale boutique before making the routine mall haul. Here are our top five reasons to shop consignment shops and resale boutiques:

1. Turning in your wardrobe items, shoes, jewelry and handbags could lead to cash in your pocket or store trade (not to mention the extra closet space you will gain).

2. Buying from locally owned and operated retailers puts the money you spend back into the local economy. Many of these retailers donate to other local causes, so your money could potentially help out twice.

3. Employees of these shops are very familiar with seasonal styles and trends so there is a good chance you will find your favorite brands, designers and signature looks.

4. You will be able to buy more items and experiment more with your style for a lot less.

5. Resale, Reuse, Recycle. It’s the greenest way to be green.

Here is a list of our favorite Valley consignment shops and resale boutiques:

My Sister’s Closet (and My Sister’s Attic), Scottsdale, Phoenix and Chandler: “We not only have been giving back to the community because we are thankful for our good fortune, but because we see it as our ongoing obligation … our stores contribute unsold goods and revenue to help protect our environment and support abused women.  We also are passionately committed to ending the euthanasia of unwanted dogs and cats.”

Maggie’s Thrift, Central Phoenix: ”Maggie’s thrift is a social enterprise project owned and operated by Maggie’s Place, a community that provides houses of hospitality for expectant women. The store advances the mission of Maggie’s Place by creating job training for our guests, revenue for our programs and an outlet for distributing excess donations to into the community.”

Flo’s on 7th, Central Phoenix: “When you shop Flo’s on 7th’s upscale resale, you get more than great brands and great selection at great prices – you get that great feeling that comes from knowing you’re doing a good deed too! 100% of net proceeds from Flo’s on 7th directly support Florence Crittenton’s life-changing programs for at-risk youth and their families.”

Poor Little Rich Girl, Uptown and Arcadia: “Our goal is to make resale shopping and consigning fun by giving our stores a boutique feel, keeping our stores small, and being an active part of our community … we are a locally owned, small business and we like to work with others to encourage shopping locally.”

Buffalo Exchange, Phoenix and Tempe: It is the purpose of Buffalo Exchange to lead the resale fashion industry, provide a livelihood for its employees, a fair return to its owners and achieve sustainable profitability by functioning in a socially responsible manner.

Plato’s Closet, Scottsdale, Chandler and Glendale: “We’re not your typical secondhand clothing store … typically we buy items that have been in the retail stores within the past 12 to 18 months and are current styles still seen in the mall.”

Smarty Pants Consignment, Phoenix: “Smarty Pants Consignment is a family owned consignment store … Smarty Pants is committed to providing a friendly, honest, safe place for consignors to sell their goods and for customers to purchase clean, quality clothing and home furnishings at a fraction of the retail price.”

Celebrity Encore, Scottsdale: “Celebrity Encore is one of Arizona’s top upscale designer consignment clothing shops and offers world-class service. Celebrity Encore carries a wide range of the finest European and American designers, fashion accessories and shoes.”

Switch Consignment, North and South Scottsdale: “Our inventory continually changes daily, so you will always discover something new for inspiration and at great prices too!”

Regal rags, Scottsdale: Voted Best of Arizona – Resale Clothing and Best of Scottsdale 2009. Founder, Lizz Burnette, prides herself in helping clients “identify the colors and styles best suited for their individual look.”

Dolcexchange, Gilbert: “Everyday deal on fabulous recycled women’s fashions.”