Once upon a time, it wasn’t cool to admit you wore used jeans or got your curtains at a secondhand store.

Lucky for me, those days are long gone. I’m a fiend for previously loved treasures. I want my shoes to be broken in, my furniture to have a history, my shopping bags to be “upcycled” into something new and fabulous. It’s the ultimate form of green shopping, and I totally dig it.

There’s no shortage of shopping for Bend visitors with a fondness for goodies with a past. One of my favorite clothing hot-spots is Rescue Moderne Consignment. They’ve always got a fabulous selection of designer denim, ultra-cool accessories, and even local labels.

No visit to Bend is complete unless you go home with a pair of hot cowboy boots. Cowgirl Cash in downtown Bend specializes in vintage and pre-owned western boots, apparel, and accessories. The instant you slip your feet into a pair of previously-loved boots, you’ll understand what the fuss is about. Check out the video clip at the end to hear Cowgirl Cash owner Rebecca dishing about what makes vintage boots so special.

While you’re in the downtown area, be sure to hit Feather’s Edge Finery. The shop is an eclectic mix of handmade goods – including oodles of things made from eco-friendly materials – along with quirky salvaged items like vintage suitcases, rickety ladders, and funky old doors.

My favorite spot for antiques and furniture doesn’t have a website and can be a bit tricky to find. Iron Horse is one of Bend’s best kept secrets, with an eclectic inventory that seems to change daily. The owner, Eddie, is always eager to chat and make you a deal if you find something you can’t live without (like the funky Mexican chair I snagged almost ten years ago and still adore!)

Other great hotspots for used furniture, antiques, and one-of-a-kind household goodies include Redeux, Déjà vu, Pomegranate Home & Garden, and Casarama.

If you’re really craving a unique gift with a history, check out Sara Bella Upcycled. Located in The Old Mill District, this quirky shop features a wide array of materials made from recycled plastic bags and banners. Aprons, tote bags, wallets, belts – you name it, they probably make it, and out of trash no less. Now that’s green shopping!

Be sure to check out Visit Bend’s listing of thrift stores and consignment shops at this link. You can also read more about going green in Bend right here.

Do you have a favorite secondhand store or consignment shop in Bend? Please share!