One of my goals for my Christmas break (besides a lot of sleep, reading and drinking coffee), was to visit a few consignment stores to see what after Christmas goodies I could find. I visited a few of my old stand -bys (Finicky Fox, B-Sides) and while I ended up not making any purchases, I discovered a new to me consignment store on the Southside of Richmond, It’s Chic Again, that describes itself as having upscale designers with both casual and formal wear. I wasn’t really in the shopping mood, but was struck at once with how spacious the store was; it is easily the largest consignment store I have been in, rivaling a good size thrift store. While I wandered aimlessly for a few minutes, making a B-line for the shoes of course, a sales associate introduced herself to me and immediately began explaining the way their pricing worked, the layout of the store, and the different racks.
Guess pumps, Marc by Marc Jacobs purse, Louis Vuitton travel bag in the men’s section
It’s Chic Again can best be described as upscale, fun and trendy with just a pinch of your mom’s tastes thrown in. They carried their fare share of Land’s End, Talbots and Coldwater Creek but also had an extensive display of bags that ranged from Marc, Longchamp, Coach, and Kate Spade. Rumor Facebook even has it that they got a small black Chanel in stock.
After my initial round in the store, I stopped and chatted with my friendly sales woman who informed me they had been in business since 2010 and have seen a steady rise in both consignors, customers and product. They are the only upscale (meaning they carry names like Chanel, Louboutin, Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik, and a grand selection of wedding dresses!) consignment stores on the Southside that I am currently aware of. I was less than enthused with their clothing selection as it seemed a little too “old” for me, but the selection of jewelry and bags is enough to keep me coming back.
In addition to the selection of designer names, It’s Chic Again carries multiple ranges of jewelry from local artists. The designs may not always be for me, but I love that a local store supports their own locals. The sales associate told me that they have seen one of their jewelers grow in her talent since she came on with them. Stores like this that foster a local bond, create spaces for artists and offer smart pieces that can build an investment wardrobe are what will have me returning to It’s Chic Again. Well, that and I have my eye on their David Yurman men’s rings. My husband has a missing wedding ring he needs to replace…
Images copyrighted to ChicStripes
I did try to go to Finicky Fox, but I went on a Monday, and they’re apparently closed on Mondays. Bummer!
Oh no! I’m going to create a page that will list all of the consignment/thrift stores and their hours, so hopefully it will be a great place to check on things like this before making the drive.