Consignment Shopping: My Guilty Pleasure

Earlier this week I visited two of my favorite boutiques in town, J.T. Posh and Summerbird. I wanted to find some interesting pieces that I was not going to see anywhere else, and I knew I wanted pieces that I could wear forever. Both located in the Dilworth Neighborhood, amongst  a sea of retail establishments, these two boutiques stand out for me as the best in Consignment.  The first store I visited was Summerbird, owned by Cindy Siesel. Housing an array of clothes that are equally fashionable and classic, yet distinct in style, Summerbird caters to women of all ages, from all walks of life. What I love most about Summerbird  is that this is the place to go to find style over trends. The woman who shops here does not need to look at a mannequin in order to put her next outfit together. This woman is pretty much just like the owner, Cindy. Always dressed with a true sense of style and not afraid to stand apart from the crowd.

After a  warm embrace and catching up, my eyes went straight to the racks. My first find was a Rachel Comey, below-the-knee skirt. I’m not even sure our stores at the mall have this new emerging trend yet, but Summerbird does. In Glamour Magazine’s February edition, there is a great 6 page spread that shows you exactly how to wear this skirt. My next discovery was  a great Milly, cropped, fitted short-sleeved jacket in a beautiful silk print. Perfect pairing for those new below-the-knee skirts and on target for Spring 2014. Shortly after that, a matte gold sequined long-sleeved Vince top that is lined with silk chiffon , a great BCBG snake skin top in hues of blue and teal and an A.B.S. boucle jacket with sheer chiffon in pale lavender peeking out below the hem, another Spring 2014 trend. I also discovered a wonderful Rozae Nichols sheer printed maxi skirt and an ever exquisite suede bell-sleeved, fur-lined collar jacket in a most decadent oxblood which was my favorite find of the day. I walked in with hands free and walked out with hands full.

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My next stop was J.T. Posh. Slightly different from my previous shopping destination, J.T. carries consigned pieces from well-known designers, as well as an array of new jewelry and a small selection of new clothes for you to search through. J.T. Posh has also paired with other boutiques to bring you brand new designer apparel at 50-80% below retail cost. Welcomed by the friendly staff when you walk in, your eye can’t help but scan the expansive space filled with unique treasures waiting to be tried on and purchased.  Owned and run by sisters, Jen Popieniek and Tracy Auten , they have created an environment that reflects  their mutual love of all things fashion savvy.

I started one on side of the store, working my way through a wall filled with jackets. I quickly came across several that I liked but honed in on one great stone colored BCBG jacket. Perfect color to work with any bright colors or neutrals. I then moved around to the color coordinated 4 ways on the floor and found a beautiful blue short-sleeved sequins top from Alice & Olivia, a striped, long-sleeved, light weight sweater from Vince, an embroidered vest from Nanette Lepore,  and three black dresses; one from my beloved designer Nougat, that I can’t find here anymore. I made my way across the floor to the other side and went straight to a fabulous little L.A.M.B. striped skirt and then on to a wonderful silk , tulle lined, star print Anna Sui  flounce skirt. All great pieces that will stay in your closet for years to come. Once again,  walked in hands free and left hands full with a grin like a Cheshire cat.

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Some of you may be intimidated or even embarrassed by going in to a consignment store, but I’m telling you, leave those worries behind. Life’s too short. Step into these boutiques and you will find smiling, caring individuals that are happy to help you discover all the wonderful treasures these stores have. But what I love personally about these stores is that the women running them have a great eye in selecting their merchandise and they recognize great, stylish pieces which they offer at affordable prices. Happy shopping everyone and check out these consignment stores NOW!