SHORT HILLS, N.J. /New York Netwire/ — Spring is here, and many smart shoppers have discovered a growing new trend that offers a way to look great in their favorite designer apparel and accessories without breaking the bank. Marci Kessler, an expert on designer fashion and owner of DoubleTake boutiques throughout New Jersey says, “Properly shopping designer consignment can be fun and rewarding. You can indulge in even more of your favorite designer clothing, and then earn extra cash for items you’ve already enjoyed.”
The exclusive fashion shop, a long-held secret of the wealthy, including celebrities, models, photographers and executives sells luxury designer clothing, handbags, accessories and jewelry, splitting the proceeds with their original owners. Products debut at 35 percent of retail, with sales split 50/50 with consignors.
DoubleTake boutiques are nothing like your grandmother’s thrift shop. Recently opened stores in Red Bank, Ridgewood and Englewood, look more like a boutique within Bergdorf, Barney’s, or Bendels, with helpful personal shopping experts, and a relaxed, casual atmosphere.
Marci recently appeared as a guest expert on national television on “The Nate Show,” with Nate Berkus, where she offered some of the following “Tips” about consignment shopping:
1. Shop in Affluent Areas: Women who are seeking high-end designer merchandise such as Chanel, Hermes, Gucci, etc., are more likely to find these items in shops that are located in affluent neighborhoods.
2. Finding Celebrity Fashions: Some consignment shops do business with movie studies, TV shows, actresses and stylists. People interested in outfits that have been down the red carpet or in a recent movie, simply need to ask our stores to put them on a “wish list” when these items arrive.
3. Get Runway Fashions Before the Stores/Boutiques: There are some women who shop with stylists and buy right off the runways and then turn around and consign these items when they are done with them (e.g., socialites who wear an item once). Interested shoppers need to find consignment shops that work with such stylists and let them know that they would like to be notified when these items arrive.
4. Finding Fine Jewelry: It is not unusual for consignment shops to receive fine jewelry and watches and even large quantities of estate jewelry. For those people interested and willing to buy gold and diamonds from a consignment shop, you need to find those shops that provide appraisals for these exclusive items.
5. Frequent Visits and/or Calls for the Most Desirable Merchandise: Since most consignment shops receive new merchandise daily, it is important to either visit or call your favorite shops frequently. At DoubleTake, we notify our clients by text or IM when special orders or a large cache of new merchandise arrives.
6. Get the Inside Scoop on Sales and Special Events: Make it a point to become friendly with sales staff, since they will let you know about upcoming sales and special events. Some consignment shops even have special private sales.
7. Ask About Extra Discounts at End of Season: Many consignment shops mark down their merchandise at the end of a season, so it is smart to ask the salespeople about markdowns on interested items. Smart shoppers can save an additional 25 percent if their timing is good.
8. Politically Correct Furs: For those women who value the luxury and warmth of a fur coat, but have an issue with buying new, consignment shops present a way to get a beautiful fur at a great price without directly impacting the demand.
9. New Merchandise from Local Boutiques and Manufacturers: Some boutiques prefer to consign their end of season merchandise as opposed to running deep sales, since they are concerned with the image of running such sales. Additionally, some manufacturers prefer to work with consignment shops vs. discounters for the same reason. The best consignment shoppers know that the higher end consignment shops tend to get this type of merchandise.
Here are just a few examples from thousands of amazing values recently available:
Prada Vest Retail: $800 DoubleTake: $270
MaxMara Dress Retail: $520 DoubleTake: $176
Gender Bias Retail: $350 DoubleTake: $135
Tory Burch Pant Retail: $250 DoubleTake: $80
Shoshanna Top Retail: $175 DoubleTake: $29
Roberto Coin Earring Retail: $98 DoubleTake: $25
Not near a store? Request a home visit or go to www.edoubletake.com .
Marci Kessler and other expert employees have flown across the globe as part of the store’s unique consignment concierge service. They’ll visit a home, TV studio or movie set to review and pick up preferred high fashion clothing and accessories.
If you have items or full wardrobes you’d like to turn into cash, visit www.edoubletake.com .
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