As soon as I moved into the Central District a month and a half ago, my new housemates encouraged me to check out Two Big Blondes not far away, and they were correct. This consignment store distinguishes itself from your average trendy resale boutique in Seattle in a number of ways: 1. The sizes. Two Big Blondes carries clothing in size 14 and up. The "Big" in the name is not whimsy or false advertising; the Blondes are dedicated to making sure people whose size shuts them out of glamorous attire in most places have a source of beautiful things. The shoes are also size 8 and up, which is a happy thing for those of us (male, female, or anything in between) who do not have dainty feet but still wish to wear gorgeous shoes. On the off chance a customer does have a slim build and small feet, there are still some wonderful accessories and jewelry pieces available for browsing. 2. The selection. Especially given the particular sizes they carry, Two Big Blondes does a remarkable job of curating a wonderful array of interesting, unusual, and beautiful clothing. 3. The quality of service. Everyone employed at the Blondes carries with them an air of comfort and amiability, as if they know they are working at a good independent business that treats both employees and customers well (my conclusion: they are in fact doing this). They engage with customers respectfully and helpfully, being neither uselessly aloof nor excessively attentive. 4. The reasonable prices. Two Big Blondes is not by nature a discount or thrift shop, but I have frequently found quality items (from jewelry to bags to jackets) here for shockingly affordable prices, both on and off the sales and clearance racks. 5. The tagging system: this store has an employee dedicated to making sure all items for sale are tagged with detailed, accurate, useful information far above and beyond what I have seen any other store in this town provide. But above and beyond all these reasons to recommend Two Big Blondes, I offer you another one: 6. This store is deeply engaged with the community. It has been here in the Central District for some 25 years, and everyone loves it for a reason. In addition to general consignment items, the Blondes sell products by local artists and craftspeople while making available information about these independent artisans near their products. They also regularly offer free supplies such as a variety of quality coat hangers, and at times they host coat and clothing drives for those in need. Two Big Blondes is a rare thing in our modern brutally capitalist society: a source of both beautiful, fairly-priced products and a kindly sense of community. read more