Resale Shop Puts Its Money on Top Designer Apparel
When Pamela Sheckel and her daughter, Christina Montesano, decided to change their career paths and go into business together, they agreed that an apparel store was the best choice.
Both viewed clothes shopping as their favorite pastime--and they had good sources for top designer clothes.
Thus, Christina’s Closet, the San Fernando Valley’s latest entry into the resale market, was born and has moved into the Rive Gauche restaurant courtyard in Sherman Oaks.
Many of today’s hot designers are on the racks here, and prices are a fraction of the original price.
A pair of red Ferragamo loafers, maybe worn once, retailed for $165 but are tagged at $49. From Dana Buchman, a silk blazer that went new for $365 is now an affordable $98, and a black Morgan evening dress for $53 is a far cry from the original $160.
Something unusual for resale stores is the rack devoted to large sizes.
Both Sheckel and Montesano are picky about the clothes they take in, and require all items to be in “exquisite” condition: cleaned/pressed, on hangers and not more than 3 years old. If your good designer apparel fulfills these requirements, bring them in and share a 50-50 split with the store owners.
Christina’s Closet, 14106 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. (818) 783-3098. Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 12 to 4 p.m.
*
Weekend Super Sales: For women with “petite feet,” Samples Only is a must. Sizes run from 5 1/2 to 7 from manufacturers such as Fendi, Vera Wang, Bruno Magli and Cole-Haan and the prices are 40% to 60% off retail on these sample shoes.
Now, however, there’s a summer clearance sale and you can deduct another 20% for some dazzling deals.
Samples Only, 19401 Victory Blvd., Reseda; (818) 881-8621.
The Westside Center for Independent Living stages sales that men and women bargain hunters wait for. Donations of top designer names--Escada, Armani, Valentino, Carroll & Co., YSL, Anne Klein--gently-worn with a few new items tossed in will be offered Friday and Saturday. Look for the store sign “Couture & Not So Couture” at 10641 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles; (310) 470-8077.
