savvy shopping

Consignment shopping has a high end sister that any fashionista worth her Manolos knows is an essential part of building a wardrobe.  Luxury resale is a niche in the fashion world where everyone comes out a winner.  New with tags or "been to the party once" shoes, jewelry, handbags & apparel are resold at a fraction of their value both in shops popping up in neighborhoods as well as exclusive private sales.
Why would someone sell things they had never worn for a fraction of the original price, as indicated on the tags hanging off them?  Socialites who can only wear a dress once in public, estate sales, purchase regret, or a change in style, who knows, but one person's closet cleaning expedition can be of great benefit to you, if you know where to shop...
For the past five years the beautiful and fashionable Mary Bridget Pehl has been one of Seattle's best designer resale dealers.  Mary Bridget combines boutique retail experience, her personal connections into some of Seattle's most coveted closets and her own stylish intuition into gathering goods that are to die for.  Today I had the privilege of previewing her luxury goods for her biggest and best sale yet.  She has teamed with Baby & Co., a fashion institution known for their edgy, ahead of trend creativity and unique designers, to create a pop up shop, and it is going to be incredible.  
I could go on and on about the incredible luxury goods I saw that were in pristine condition--and for a moment, I will.  I thought I was going to have a heart attack when I saw just the handbags: never used Gucci, & Jimmy Choo, a Kara Ross clutch with a real amethyst on the flap, the large YSL downtowner bag ( I own the smaller version of this bag and it is classic and lovely--the best bag ever), and an amazing Alexander McQueen ostrich bag with the original tags.  Heart attack.  
Ok, we moved onto shoes.  In sizes ranging from 5 1/2 to 11, there were Manolo, Jimmy Choo boots, Dolce & Gabanna heels, Tod's driving moccasions and more.  Piles of fabulous denim, vintage jewelry, edgy cuffs, The Row & James Perse tees, Zac Pozen dresses, a Marni suede cape, Chanel jackets, a Lanvin unstructured blazer (perfect with your favorite jeans) and a buttery soft Celine leather coat....getting the idea?  Sizes range from 0-12/14.  
The cocktail party dresses were some of the best I have ever seen, and all the details including lace and or beadwork were perfect.  I was especially taken with the Oscar de la Renta 50's style dress with a circle skirt. Complete loveliness.  I was also very impressed on how much Mary Bridget has done her homework--lots of research has been made into the value of the luxury pieces, including online sales and original pricing.  
I have my eye on the YLS EPI bag in cerulean blue and a Milly faux leopard trench.  If you'd like to beat me to it, here are the details for the pop up shop location.  Don't miss out, and while you are there, get on MB's list so you can be in the know for future events.
Details:

MB Pehl and Baby & Co. Designer Closet Sale
mbpehl@comcast.net
Thursday, August 11 to Sunday August 14, 2011, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Pop-up Shop at 2004 1st Ave., Downtown Seattle, 2004 1st Ave. Seattle, WA 98121


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