I'm not one to be modest about my closet or my wardrobe that comes from it. I'm one of those people who will fool you with my $4 Forever 21 bracelet but pair it with a Stella McCartney dress and Prada heels. Don't get me wrong, I do love shopping sales, but I would never in a million years buy used clothes. I always thought vintage shops were interesting, but in an old, dirty kind of way.

Corona del Mar is known for its high-end trendy fashion, and its consignment stores. During this holiday season and this unstable economy, fashionistas are digging into their closest to see what they can sell and get extra cash and perhaps even make room for new purchases. I decided to check to see what all the fuss was about and, hopefully, get over my fear of the worn and the beautiful.

My first stop was Recycled Rags. From the name, I was expecting offerings from Little Orphan Annie's closet.  However, my ignorance was soon shot down as I walked into a palace of couture. Labels such as Chanel, Prada, Alexander McQueen, Chloe, Lanvin and Balenciaga were screaming out at me. Recycled Rags has been in business for 41 years, and it definitely shows: They know their couture and their customers. Each consigned item is handpicked for authenticity and quality. Items are either new with the tags still on them or very lightly worn, and are seasonal, no more than a year old. Owner Audrey Patterson also sells divine hats and jewelry that are new and perfect for a day at the races. The shoe selection is perfect, with Dolce & Gabbana boots and Christian Louboutin heels, all in mint condition. 

The Deal: Recycled Rags will take your item in at one third to half of the retail price and give you 40 percent once it sells. Items are looked at by appointment only. 

What's Different? Recycled Rags sells men's clothes too. Some of their most loyal customers are, in fact, men. The last Sunday of every month, Recycled Rags holds a parking lot sale where items that have been on the racks more than 45 days are sold at 40 percent off. It serves hot dogs and lemonade, and the line is around the store to get first pick. 

On Que Style is like watching the show MTV Cribs—the one where Mariah Carey shows you her closet with her breathtaking shoe collection. That's how the store is set up, so it's like shopping from someone's closet. From Chanel to Valentino to Tory Burch to Diane Von Furstenburg, there is something for every age and style here. Owner Kristin Prosser knows a thing or two about style. She is a stylist herself and has worked with the crème de la crème of Newport Beach for years. Now her eye for fashion is your new best friend, as you can find deals on designer sunglasses, jewelry, furs, shoes and apparel. 

The Deal: Pieces are consigned for 90 days and will appear on the boutique's blog, e-shopping site and Ebay store, as well as in the store. Sellers will receive 40 percent of the selling price in the form of a check once it is sold, or 60 percent in the form of a store credit. If you have a desirable handbag (think Chanel or Hermes), On Que Style will make you a deal to buy it straight from you—instant money. 

What's Different? On Que Style is geared to a more contemporary client but has a wide selection for any age and style. Lots of bright colors in this store make it a fun shopping experience. 

Bellissima Couture Resale Boutique has been offering couture clothing for 15 years, and owner Adriana Spitzer knows a thing or two about couture. She worked for St. John for more than 16 years. Her boutique is bursting with Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Dolce & Gabbana. Half of the store is preserved for St. John Knits, which is the top seller and considered Bellissima's niche in the market. The boutique caters to an older higher-end clientele: think doctor's wives, attorneys, and CEOs.

The Deal: Consignments are by appointment only, Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.  to  3 p.m. Designer labels only, and there is a 50/50 split on your return. Items must be in current season, and no more than 2 years old. Items must be dry-cleaned and on hangers. All transactions are strictly confidential. 

What's Different? The large selection of St. John Knits, men's suiting from Versace and Canali, jewelry from David Yurman and hard to find Chanel pieces. Spitzer is very picky about what shoes she selects and will consign only those that are brand new or look as though they have been worn only  once. 

After getting a taste of the consignment world, I am now excited to shop in someone else's closet. After all, if I can snag a Chanel bag for a fraction of the retail price, then why not? Besides, aren't we suppose to be saving the environment? Reduce, reuse and recycle your wardrobe, I say!