The Deal World: A Slew of New Vintage Stores Make Fashion Frugal
A FEW YEARS AGO, luxe boutiques were opening faster than you could say, "Be mine, Jimmy Choo." But changing times — and less change in consumers' pockets — means that now it's resale retailers and outlet stores that are setting up shop around town. This summer alone, two upscale consignment stores debuted mint condition(Georgetown's Julep and Old Town's Mint Condition), and a new temple of vintage, Treasury, came to 14th Street. "People are more conscious of what they're spending," says Jennifer Donohue, owner of Old Town off-price shoe and dress store Treat, which just moved to larger digs. "In this economy, everyone is a discount shopper." Still, when deal hunting, use the same judgement you would at Saks. "Don't buy something just because it has a designer label," says Arlington personal shopper Wendy Pilch, aka Spendalla (Spendalla.com). "If it's not a classic or in style anymore, just say no." We put on our platform sandals (scored at half-price, of course!) to explore the latest spots for the greatest deals.
Second Time Around (3289 M St. NW; 202-333-2355)
A branch of this East Coast chainlet of consignment stores debuted in Georgetown late last summer and immediately pulled in a wide range of high-end and mid-priced labels — Milly, Tibi, Free People — priced at one-quarter to one-third the original price. Recent scores include a Kooba bag, sold for $210 instead of the original $600.
You'll have to dig through stuffed racks for the best stock. But there's a constant influx of new stuff, from both consigners and new boutique sale pieces the company buys in bulk. A bargain corner includes vintage frocks and J Brand jeans for 70 percent off.
» Best bit: The Michelle Obama's- closet-deep assortment means plenty of prices, sizes and styles on hand.
» Surprise hit: Costume jewelry (funky bangles, chandelier earrings) for $8 to $22; vintage bags (shown, $26).
Written by Express' Jennifer Barger and Betsy Lowther
Photos by Lawrence Luk for Express