It's not only a fun way to look for deals, but for those one-of-a-kind items (especially clothing) that sets you apart from the crowd. There are a handful of wonderful consignment shops in Northborough, and the editor and a friend hit a few this weekend.

The photos show Babette Smith, one of the owners of Once or Twice, which is a small store containing a mish-mash of items, from three ring binders to meat roasters to racks of clothes. Smith said they haven't taken on new consigners in years because there are so many items coming in. 

Focusing on clothing, which is often in close-to-perfect condition, Next to New on Main Street offers a $1 rack, shoes, jewelry and plenty of clothing, organized neatly for easier browsing.