Fabulous High-Fashion Finds

“Years ago, when I worked in New York City as a buyer in the garment center, I had accumulated my own stack of clothing and took it to a consignment store,” says Marci Kessler, owner of DoubleTake. “The people there weren’t friendly and the whole environment was not what I was looking for.”

She packed up her things, went home, and told her husband that she could do it so much better, and would. She did her research, traveling across the country to see what others were doing and even working for a couple of weeks in a consignment shop in Texas to really get the feel for the industry. That was over 30 years ago.

“We’re all about sustainable luxury and sharing your treasures with others who may want them,” she says. “We’ve had rock stars and their wives, opera singers and Tony award nominees shop here. We’ve even had Miss New Jersey come in.”

Shoppers can find everything from clothing and handbags to belts and shoes from contemporary labels such as Veronica continued from the previous page

Beard, Jonathan Simkhai, and Theory to luxury brands like Prada, Gucci, Chanel, and Christian Louboutin. Every item they accept is authenticated and inspected to make sure it’s clean and in perfect condition.

“People don’t want to spend $300 or $400 for a pair of jeans, or $5,000 or $10,000 on a dress. So we have jeans, we have cocktail attire, mother-of-the- bride and -groom dresses and more. Also, these are items you’re not seeing on everyone else; they’re unique.”

Since some customers have been asking for some additional lower-priced contemporary pieces from J.Crew, Zara and similar brands, the shop now has a display of these as well.

For the consignors who patronize the shop, they appreciate knowing their beloved items are getting a second life. “They’re doing something with their clothing that’s sustainable,” says Marci. “It’s not fast fashion where it becomes trash, which is bad for the environment.”

Consignors often receive 50 percent of the proceeds, and sometimes higher if an item is in high demand. And instead of taking the money when something is sold, they can set up a credit line to purchase merchandise. DoubleTake also has a rewards program, so when customers spend a certain amount of money, they get dollar rewards that they can use towards future purchases.

“We have a really good relationship with both consignors and customers,” she says. “We’re trustworthy; we’re honest, and we’re very competitive with our prices.”

DoubleTake

800 Morris Turnpike, Suite 105, Short Hills 973-564-6464 dbltkeboutique.com