Shopping Feature

Consignment Couture

Our thrifty guide to dressing well for less

So Rhode Island Magazine ·

We can’t say for sure if it’s been physiologically proven, but thrifty fashionistas are sure to confess that half the satisfaction of finding designer duds at a fraction of the price is the thrill of the hunt. As it turns out, South County is a hub of fabulous consignment finds boasting everything from coveted Louis Vuitton to antique steamer trunks to a lovely pair of “Loubies.” Just as we enter peak shopping season, let the games begin.

PINK CHAIR CONSIGNMENTS
This pink shop turns heads on North Kingstown’s Post Road but it’s doing the same thing in cyberspace with an active Pinterest page and Instagram featuring designinspired ideas. The ever changing inventory includes furniture, home décor, art, jewelry and lighting ranging from antique to modern. Here you can find a complete vintage dining set in its swinging ‘70s glory to coastal-inspired sea grass furnishings to shabby chic accent pieces. 7511 Post Road, North Kingstown, 295-7700

KARMA COUTURE
The Louis Vuitton and Gucci hangbags, Manolo Blahnik stilettos, Burberry scarves, Tory Burch boots and designer denim doesn’t last long at this East Greenwich boutique for a handful reasons: first, you can get designer duds at a fraction of the price; second, the shop has a brag-worthy social media following (hello, 17K Facebook followers!); third, fabulous sales and events; fourth, killer window displays; and finally, you can shop here from the comfort of your own home with their e-commerce site! 591 Main Street, East Greenwich, 398-0576

DOWNTOWN CONSIGNMENTS
From tween favorites Charlotte Russe and Forever 21 to beloved women’s lines like BCBG, Versace and DKNY, one of Westerly’s latest “its new to you” shops, Downtown Consignments, caters to bargain-hunting fashionistas of all ages. Owner Shannon Adams, a consignment clothing devotee, offers a carefully curated selection throughout the two levels of the shop. 12 High Street, Westerly, 741-8427

  • ASK A FASHIONISTA
    Shannon Adams, Owner Downtown Consignments
    Where do you source your pieces?

    I have some regulars that come in to the shop. It’s all authentic; consigners confirm that when they sign the contract. We have formal too – men’s formal suits, women’s formal wear, prom and homecoming gowns, plus some small furni- ture, accessories and handbags. You’re getting high end at reasonable prices. I have a men’s Christian Dior blazer for $65!

ONE MORE TIME
Here you’ll find “fine quality clothing with labels from American and European designers.” These include pieces for women from Chico’s, Talbots, Coldwater Creek, Ann Taylor and Banana Republic; for men by Dockers, Levi’s, Gap, Banana Republic, Lucky brand and True Religion and for young women from favorites like H&M, J. Crew and Forever 21. And owner Laurie Schneider didn’t forget the guys who like a stylish find without breaking the bank. Weekly updates on One More Time’s Facebook page highlight seasonal finds and just-added treasures. 406D Main Street, Wakefield, 782-8414

THE FRENCH BULLDOG
Ooh la la! the chic boutique vibe from this East Greenwich hotspot (pictured right) would hardly have you guessing this is a consignment shop – until you look at the great prices. Jimmy Choo, Diane von Furstenberg, Rebecca Taylor, Milly, Stuart Weitzman and Missoni all “hang” here, not tomention half the shop boasts new pieces. You can’t miss the impressive shoe collection or the bevy of handbags by Louis Vuitton, Tod’s and Prada. Keeping an eye out for something specific? Leave your wish list with owners Maureen or Michele – they’ll give you a ring when your “ship” (read: dream bag!) comes in. 850 Main Street, East Greenwich, 884-0200

B&L PERENNIALS
Located in the middle of town (behind Belmont Market), B&L Perennials, the largest consignment shop in Wakefield, typically carries men’s and women’s clothing less than three years old. The staff there carefully inspects each piece to make sure it’s clean, odor-free and has a market before adding it to bargain-priced emporium. Accessories include shoes, handbags, jewelry and scarves and round out a look for just about any occasion from head to toe. 40 Charles Street, Wakefield, 782-3730

CORNER CUPBOARD
It’s hard to say exactly what you’ll find at this North Kingstown shop, but it may be best described by co-owner Marsha Kenyon: “We sell everything but the kitchen sink.” In this case, that’s not a figurative statement, it’s literal. Kitchen goods like casserole dishes, China and cast iron pans catch the eye, and while you won’t find any clothes here, just a few handbags and scarves, you can score antiques, furniture, lighting, artwork, collectibles and a few children’s items, just as local folks have for 25 years. 835 Tower Hill Road, North Kingstown, 294-4720

JAZZY
An iconic Gucci leather bag… killer Jimmy Choos… uber sleek Chanel sunglasses… you never know quite what will be lining the shelves at Jazzy (pictured right) from one week to the next. This shop with nearly two decades of super steals under it’s (super chic) belt. What one might consider a hidden gem as the shop is tucked between a handful of shops in an unassuming mini strip mall yields designer duds at a fraction of the retail prices. 7300 Post Road, North Kingstown, 932-2253

  • ASK A FASHIONISTA
    Brenda Trillo, Owner Jazzy
    What’s the best way to get a bargain at a consignment shop?
    I have Jazzy’s Back Room which right now has all summer things on sale as the store is already stocked with fall and winter pieces.
    Help us do the math on the savings.

    I had a beautiful Chanel summer skirt that sold for $350 and it retails for over $1000. I also sold a St. John jacket that retails around $1000 and you get one here for $350. Right now there a Louis Vuitton bag here that retails for around $1500 but in my store it’s $500 — and it’s a classic. We also have, for example, Dior sunglasses for $99 in the case, in the box. That’s the problem with Ebay, you can’t see or touch the pieces, or verify authenticity.

EXCEPTIONS CONSIGNMENTS
Here you can shop for women’s clothing and accessories, then play interior designer as you peruse furniture, china, home décor and house wares. Locally owned and operated for 19 years, this Westerly shop carries familiar names like Michael Kors, J. Jill, Tahari, Liz Claiborne, Ann Taylor – including plus sizes and petites – marked 25% to 75% off retail prices plus handbags by Coach, Vera Bradley, Brighton and Dooney & Bourke. 105 Franklin Street, Westerly, 596-1774

THE JONNYCAKE CENTER OF PEACE DALE
One mission is to eliminate hunger in our community, and one way they work at doing so is by operating a retail thrift store, which has earned its reputation as one of the best second-hand shops in South County. With every purchase of name-brand apparel, quality furnishings, home décor, books from the “Treasure Room” and more, shoppers help support the center’s emergency food pantry and other client services. Plus, weekly specials and fab finds can be found on the center’s website. 1231 Kingstown Road, Peace Dale, 789-1559

RE
A carefully crafted collection of home furnishings, art, accessories, antiques, lighting and plenty more housewares is what you’ll find here. Maybe you’ve been searching for that perfect chair to put in the corner of your library or a blank wall in your home is dying for an antique mirror to be hung on it. Whatever your home needs, the personal shoppers at Re can help. Also check out their artist and trunk shows that are sure to pique your interest. 7512 Post Road, North Kingstown, 667-5996

LAFAYETTE ANTIQUES
Forget going to South Beach to get your Art Deco fix. Instead, head to North Kingstown for all things deco and antique, specifically from the ‘20s through the ‘40s. Greg and Bianca Barron opened their business in 1992 and have since traveled all over the country to get mirrors, country and Victorian pieces as well as stained glass windows. You can even find a few carefully chosen modern pieces to add to your home’s repertoire. 814 Ten Rod Road, North Kingstown, 295-2504

LOST TREASURES
Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but diamonds marked down to a fraction of the original retail price are even better. With an almost Wild West vibe, the shop buys and sells jewelry and coins plus antique, vintage and modern guns. What to get for the person who has everything? How about a Tiffany & Co. pocket watch made by Patek Philippe from the 1920s? You’ll also find military collectibles, Sideshow Collectibles, antique cameras vintage sports memorabilia, rare bronze sculpture and modern David Yurman jewelry. 75 Main Street, East Greenwich, 885-4500

PREAMBLE CONSIGNMENT
In the market for new to slightly used furniture? Rugs? Clocks? Jewelry? Looking to reinvent a space in your home on a budget? This shop offers all of these items in an upscale, polished setting, plus they offer free interior design consultations so you can powwow with a pro, convey the aesthetic you’re looking to achieve and do it all within your budget. 575 Main Street, East Greenwich, 398-7449

VELVET REVOLUTION

Celebrating more than a year in business, velvet REvolution (pictured right) has proved it’s here to stay. From fresh from the runway trends to classic pieces like Chanel ballet flats, Lilly Pulitzer shift dresses, Tory Burch and Kate Spade bags, Hermes scarves, Frye boots and Louboutins make for a fashion frenzy. Consigned pieces are all fashion forward (nothing older than three years is accepted) and carefully inspected for fabulousness, plus the shop plans to introduce online shopping soon. 329 Main Street, Wakefield, 789-7467

  • ASK A FASHIONISTA
    Sarah Hosseini, Owner of Velvet REvolution in Wakefield
    What should first-time shoppers know when consignment shopping?

    There are no rules, so buy what you like and strut your stuff! If you like what you see, scoop it up and get it while it’s hot. Chances are, it will be gone tomorrow, so don’t wait.
    We hear you have big news.

    I was going to wait to make the big announcement, but I can’t hold it in much longer! I am thrilled to announce the launch of velvet REvolution’s custom fashion label. All pieces are original designs made in the USA. Expect to see silks and lace to make for a feminine and classic delivery. All pieces are customizable to flatter any figure. Think “flowy” dresses for tights boots and soft cashmere for fall. Even re-purposed blazers have been tailored to give a feminine silhouette and softened with imported lace. Say goodbye to synthetic fabrics and passing-trend styles. It’s a fashion REvolution, really.

THRIFTY SISTER
Though you should never judge a book by its cover, if you figured this shop housed in a big, purple Victorian might be whimsical and wonderful, you’d be right. Thrifty Sister features jewelry, household finds, unique artwork, totally retro furniture as well as antique pieces, women’s apparel and the one-of-a-kind masterpieces by local artists and artisans. 1183 Kingstown Road, Peace Dale, 363-9440

NANA'S JULES/JULES' ANTIQUES AND GENERAL STORE
Opening last spring in the space formerly occupied by the big, red and arguably iconic Richmond Antiques Center, Jules’ is one of the largest treasure troves in South County with 8,000 square feet of things you never know you needed. From little finds like old-fashioned wooden fruit boxes and milk glass candy dishes and vintage kitchen tools, to steamer trunks, antique sideboards and curios, this multivendor one stop depot is like an Americana Pinterest board come to life. 91 Kingstown Road, Richmond, 491-9930

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