WATERLOO -- A new face in fashion sashayed down the runway at Blessed Sacrament's spring style show earlier this month.

Although consignment clothing stores have long been a part of the Cedar Valley's business community, the recession has a growing number of shoppers taking a second look at secondhand.

"Everybody's trying to stretch their dollar and save wherever they can," event organizer Donna Burton told the crowd. "If you haven't shopped consignment yet, it's worth checking out."

Cheap is now chic, as model Markie Burke proved, strutting across the stage in a black strapless dress from Second Impressions. The frock -- along with high heels, a necklace, hat, sunglasses and a clutch -- cost $70.

"You can fit yourself from head to toe with everything in our shop," said owner Jan Schulte. "You can find it all."

Second Impressions, 1421 W. Third St., accepts gently worn, seasonal clothing and accessories that are 2 years old or younger. When the piece is sold, the item's owner splits the profit with the shop.

Because the inventory is secondhand, customers save roughly 75 percent off retail prices, said Schulte, noting that consignment shops also offer more variety than traditional outlets.

"People tell me they go to the mall and they see the same things over and over," she said. "We have a lot of people who bring in boutique clothes, so there's always something unique in the shop."

Consignment stores typically carry top lines, including Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Nike, said Linda Heimbuck, owner of Kidstuff. The secondhand stop, which specializes in children's clothing, is located next to Second Impressions in Waterloo.

"We have a lot of brand-name stuff at reduced prices," she said. "You're not going to get it cheaper anywhere else."

Business is booming for the entrepreneur, who opened her doors in April. Heimbuck thinks the recession has spurred sales, but hopes consumers continue to shop consignment after the economy recovers.

Lisa Haugen, a Second Impression devotee, is no fair-weather fan. She's browsed consignment store shelves her whole life and doesn't intend to stop bargain hunting anytime soon.

"It's part of my routine," said the Waterloo woman. "Every Thursday I stop by to see what's there. It's just like going to the grocery store on Mondays."