INTRODUCING

SARATOGA CLOSET

Ladies, we all need to have ‘go to’ places to find beautiful clothing and accessories. This is especially true if we have a special occasion or even just like to look nice and dress well. The best thing is when we shop for clothing and there is also excellent customer service and a friendly staff to help you. We have just the shops for you, 518!

Saratoga Springs has a couple of fabulous boutiques where there is a great selection of items, the prices are reasonable, and the service is great. They are also at the same address physical address, and they are easy to find.

In fact, my daughter and I were heading home after eating lunch one day and I had commented that I had not ever visited this interesting looking shop. We decided to stop in to see what this Saratoga Closet place was all about. We went in and found an extensive collection of mostly name brand items in great condition! There were new and gently used garments, accessories, and one-of-a-kind items. This was not your average consignment shop. There were luxury vintage bags and clothing. There were high end items and things for everyday wear.

Eliza DeRocker opened her first location in Glens Falls in 2013. It was a designer rustic bridal boutique called “Bride and Gown”. Six months later, she opened a second location

BY TRACY SIMONE

at 38 Van Dam Street in downtown Saratoga Springs. She called this one “Saratoga Closet”. Saratoga Closet started out by carrying once loved gowns and women’s vintage luxury labels like Jimmy Choo and Prada.

After leaving Manhattan in 2009, she worked for many designers and also launched her own line of handbags at Henri Bendel. In addition, at one point, she worked as the lead fashion stylist for Lilly Pulitzer at their headquarters, dressing the models for the online website and designing handbags for Wathne Ltd., licensed manufacturers for Chanel and Ralph Lauren handbags. Eliza specializes in bridal gowns and is working on designing her own line.

Saratoga Closet opened in 2014 where Eliza carries luxury items new and vintage at “off Broadway” prices. On the second floor, she has a separate boutique which is called Bride and Gown. Well, I can tell you that the quality and great prices follow you right up the stairs!

In fact, I purchased a gown the very first time that I set foot there. It was one of those moments when I was browsing to just see what these stores were all about and then, a particular dress caught my eye. It was stunning. My daughter had recently informed me of a formal event for which she would be needing a gown. We were not even out specifically shopping for one, but we found one anyway. We said yes to the dress! It was lovely, and I asked my daughter if she wanted to try it on. It was unique and beautiful, even on the hanger, and it just stood out.

The price was fantastic, and the gown came home with us that day. I really could not believe the deal that I got.

“Saratoga Closet started out by carrying once loved gowns and women’s vintage luxury labels like Jimmy Choo and Prada.”

Then, I started looking around at a lot of the other beautiful formal dresses to find that these are the everyday prices. The gown I had selected was not specifically on sale. Rather, the prices are reasonable every day for every item. It needed some slight alterations in order to fit just right. That was no issue because Eliza was there and gave us the name and number of a local seamstress. We made an appointment, and my daughter will look amazing at her upcoming event.

Eliza’s staff was extremely friendly and very nice. They were helpful and very knowledgeable about each of the products in both boutiques. I highly recommend visiting these shops the next time you need a beautiful outfit or some nice accessories and find yourself in Saratoga Springs. Eliza has 2 pups named Snowy and Buttons who will most likely be there when you visit. They are very friendly, and they love people.

Also, if you want to clean out your closet and make some extra cash, bring your brand-named items from 2016 or later to see if they can become part of the amazing collection of items in the store. Do this only on a Monday or Tuesday please. If they are accepted, your items will be purchased the day you bring them in. The owner must be present on the day that you come, and you will need an appointment. Eliza will accept non-name brands too, but they must be current fashions. Please bring apparel that is in season. For instance, during April – July, please bring summer items. September – January, please bring fall items.

Saratoga Closet is open daily from 12 – 4 for walk ins and appointments are not necessary. However, please make an appointment for bridal visits to Bride and Gown so that you can be provided with the appropriate level of time and attention. You will be able to buy gowns off the rack or order new.

FANCEE