Closet Classics at Little Cost : Past Perfect, a genteel resale boutique for fine-quality designer apparel, has doubled its floor space.
During these times when many stores are folding, Past Perfect, an upscale resale store for women, just expanded. Owner Hope Thornhill moved next door a month ago and acquired about twice the space.
Newly remodeled and tastefully decorated in muted tones, Past Perfect has the ambience of a salon: oil paintings, fresh floral arrangements, antique showcases and a seating area, complete with a period love seat, chairs, coffee table, tea service and sweets.
First-time shoppers would not have an inkling that this is a store that basically sells used clothing.
Only when they check the price tags would they pick up on it.
How else could one buy a classic Escada pantsuit for $449? Or a houndstooth Cerrutti suit, originally priced at $1,600, for $449? A Geoffrey Beene three-piece suit with a flared cape in a heavenly wine shade was an affordable $299, instead of the original $1,100. A Nancy Johnson outfit that was $650 will go for $179.
It’s not all couture, however. Middle-of-the-road labels are also on the racks: Joan Vass pantsuits that usually sell for around the $250 range from $69 to $85; an Ann Taylor summer suit was $69 instead of $175.
You’ll find a good supply of Anne Klein II, Liz Claiborne, Carole Little, Ellen Tracy and Nicole Miller, some still with the original price tags. Sizes range from 2 to 18.
A few choice wedding gowns are worth checking out.
One stunner was a $2,000 Bill Blass design marked down to $889 and never worn. (There must be an interesting story there.)
On the mezzanine level, you’ll find more career apparel and sportswear, and a smattering of little girls’ apparel.
Accessories are wonderful buys at most resale stores, and Past Perfect offers some beauties. A pair of Maud Frizon black leather tasseled flats were $69. Several pairs of Stuart Weitzman designs were there, including a pair of white pumps that once cost $225 and now are $39. A $450 Bottega Veneta burnt-orange handbag was a buy at $149.
At sale time, it’s fantastic. At the last sale, I found a Norma Kamali cotton jacket for $3 and a pure silk I. B. Diffusion jacket for $6.
Be sure to get on the mailing list so you can be notified and, if you have a favorite designer, let the shop know so it can inform you when something arrives in your size.
If you want to sell some clothes, everything must be in mint condition, no more than 2 years old, and brought in on hangers Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays only.
If you need help clearing out your closet, someone from Past Perfect will come to your home and help you make those decisions.
Thornhill is always on the lookout for evening wear and is particularly interested in more fine apparel for the full-figured.
Finding a gently worn designer label for a fraction of the original price just may be the ultimate shopping experience. To do it in such posh surroundings makes it all the nicer.
WHERE TO SHOP What: Past Perfect, 12616 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Cards: American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Discover. Call: (818) 760-8872.
