I’m sick of fall clothing already, and we haven’t even hit August. I blame this on the pre-fall shopping hysteria unfolding online. Every fashion blog has been crammed with “previews” of pre-fall sales, imploring me to scramble for limited quantities of boots, coats and sweaters. Every promotion is a thinly veiled threat: Shop NOW or pay full price later… and die miserable and alone!
No, thanks.
I love shopping consignment because there’s no pressure to compete with other consumers. No two items in the store are the same, so you have the freedom to explore without a LIMITED TIME 50% OFF discount hanging like a guillotine.
Off course, consignment can be a mixed bag. Sometimes, nothing fits and you go home empty-handed. And sometimes… you find dresses like this.
This dress’s unusual skirt immediately caught my eye – it reminded me of a crisply folded banquet napkin. There was no tag, so I had no idea who designed it. But I was delighted with the price – just $80, which is less expensive than most of the J. Crew catalog.
When I took the dress out of my closet to wear to a birthday party last Friday, I noticed this sticker tucked inside the folds of the skirt:
With a couple keyboard swipes, I realized this was an Alexander Wang sample: Specifically, Look No. 3 from the designer’s 2011 Ready-to-Wear Resort fashion show. In consignment, I call this the Holy Grail.
The outfit was finished with an accessory that carries deep sentimental value: my wedding clutch by my friend Jess Rizzuti, an eco-conscious designer who’s been shortlisted for zillions of industry awards. This particular clutch fits my phone, wallet, keys and nicotine lozenges perfectly. It’s been my companion for three weddings and two birthday parties this summer.
