Burberry-Sandals
Chanel-Suit
Some of Cheryl Lampard's recent consignment finds.
One of the first things I do before taking a trip to another city is to check out the shopping opportunities. More specifically, I find out where the best consignment stores are located. Some of my favorite pieces have been purchased from resale stores, and I’ve picked-up some real beauties, including a cashmere coat by Chanel, an Oscar de la Renta suit and blouse, and a Carolina Herrera silk pantsuit.
Unlike a regular retail outlet, the inventory in a consignment store is heavily reliant on what clients bring in. The owner won’t necessarily know when new stock is arriving until it literally comes through the front door, so searching for that fabulous find can be somewhat hit and miss. In some (rare) instances, you might just get super lucky and stumble upon a fashion treasure that just happens to be in your size. Regular trips to your local consignment store might also lead to a steal but that takes time and inclination.
A much savvier approach is to have a system matching up what’s brought in with what clients want. Jennifer Johnson and Nanci Iuculano, co-owners of True Fashionistas, have a customer “wish list”—you submit information on what you’re seeking (i.e. vintage, accessories, menswear, children’s labels, etc.) as well as the sizes required. When something suitable comes in, they’ll check their database and let you know that your dream item has arrived. Now, that’s my kind of matchmaking.
True Fashionistas Designer Resale can be found at The Shoppes at Vanderbilt, 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 178, Naples.
Fashion expert Cheryl Lampard is the founder of Style Matters International, www.stylemattersinternational.com