December 19 2011

Angel Sighting

It was a quite Monday. 

There were the usual shoppers, and some new ones. No one recognized one shopper in particular. She made her purchases, left her name to pick up her packages later, and off she went.

"Angela Lindvall".  That name sounds familiar.  Google.........

What a thrill to have her shop in our store!

 

December 10 2011

Where Do My Donations Go?

At Rags to Riches UPSCALE Resale, we are proud to be part of the Centreville Community. We are also extremely grateful to be able to support the causes that are a part to our community.

When you donate your items to Rags to Riches, you can take comfort in knowing that your donation will go on to benefit our community.

In the past, your donations have benefited numerous worthy organizations. Some of those great organizations follow:

·        MS of Delaware

·        Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition

·        Brandywine Conservancy

·        Delaware Guidance Services

·        ARC of Chester County

·        Leukemia Lymphoma Society

·        Ministry of Caring

·        A.I. duPont Children’s Hospital

·        Alzheimer’s Association

·        The Christmas Shop

·        Wilmington Flower Market

·        The Achievers

·        The Clothing Bank of Delaware

We thank all the wonderful people who have donated their items to us.  And we look forward to many more years of being part of Centreville.

Jodie McLaughlin
Owner, Rags to Riches UPSCALE Resale, LLC

December 04 2011

NEW! Evening Hours!

 You asked for it, you got it!

For the past 5 years, you have been requesting that Rags to Riches UPSCALE Resale be open later one evening a week. Now that my daughter is away at college and my full time "mom" duty is done, I feel I can do that. 

And, as a result of my latest facebook survey, it looks like the night that is most in favor is Thursday.

So, we will now be open until 7pm on Thursday evenings.

Thank You!

 

 

August 07 2011

FAQ - What Do You Mean By Designer

 We get all kinds of questions on a daily basis.  So, we thought it might be a good idea to answer some of those questions through our blog.

In our store, we feature Designer Clothing.  There is some confusion amongst consumers as to what exactly is designer.  This is understandable because marketers have been using the term "Designer" when they should more appropriately be using the term "Brand Name".

Designer Clothing is the work of a specific designer. It is an artistic creation. It starts in the designers mind and they oversee the whole process of making it.  Then they preview it, typically by a runway show.  "Fashion Week" is the time when most designers preview their collections to the market.  Buyers then place orders and the items are made.

Designer lines are carried by larger stores such as Neiman Marcus, Saks 5th Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman to name a few. Boutiques also are known for carrying designer lines. 

Some examples of Designer names are Diane Von Furstenburg, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Jason Wu, and Vera Wang. International designers that we are more familiar with Chanel, Versace, Prada, Gucci, Armani.  Even after the death of the founding designer, these houses go on with one designer at the helm.

Brand Name clothing on the other hand, are the brands that are distributed in mall chain stores across the country and are picked up by the larger department stores. Brand name clothing is mass produced, and are created to have a broader market appeal. Plus, they typically use lower quality materials.

Designer clothing holds its value and has a greater resale value because they are better made and use higher quality materials.  Some collectors fancy a particular designer and collect that label.

Put into automotive terms, it is the difference between a chevy and rolls royce.

May 10 2011

SHOE TUESDAY!

 

 

For all my lovely ladies with really small feet!

Great consignment of designer shoes - size 5 and 5.5.
Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Tods, Gucci, to name a few.

Prices range from $50 to $95.

April 15 2011

Bridal Blog - Our new bridal department!

 

Our New BRIDAL Room!

Every day we receive at a minimum, 3 calls from people wanting to consign their wedding gowns.  Where we are excited to offer these beautiful dresses, we do need to give the criteria for the gowns we accept.  If we were not selective, we could fill the entire store with nothing but wedding dresses!

If you have a gown you would like to consign, the first step is to evaluate these guidelines:

* The dress must be PERFECT.
* The dress must be relevant.
*The dress must be a DESIGNER gown.

For newer gowns, they should have retailed for over $1,000. Most of the current gowns we have are new samples from a local bridal shop and have a retail value of an average of $3500.

Vintage gowns will be evaluated on an individual basis.

The first step is to email me a picture of the gown at ragstorichesresale@comcast.net.

We will respond as to whether there is a market for the gown, based on its design.

 

April 13 2011

Fabulous Find for Wednesday! Louis Vuitton Damier extra large bag!

 

This is for all you ladies who are always asking me for a Louis Vuitton bag.
Great size bag in the classic damier canvas.

I don't believe they make this style bag anymore.
It was purchased 3 years ago.

$595.

April 06 2011

What's Happening in the SHOE Department?

 Shoe report for Wednesday, April 6, 2011 -

Let's start with this ADORABLE pair of VIVIENNE WESTWOOD Melissa Slingbacks!
Pretty pearly white heels with a bright red heart!

What could be better for any bride!

Here are some other lovelies in the size 6 to 6.5 range.

CHANEL Anyone?

Our size 7 to 8.5 selection.

Perfect for spring / summer in a great color!
Coach Hot and Soft pink heels.

And what could be more fun than Dior green wedges or Giesseppi black strappy heels with taupe roses!

So, stop in and see what great shoes are waiting just for you!

April 01 2011

Dolce & Gabbano Ice Blue Hot Pant Suit

 

Dolce & Gabbano Ice Blue silk Hot Pant Suit.

Size is 4 to 6.

March 30 2011

Today's FAB Find! Chanel Tan & Bone Quilted Bag

 

CHANEL tan quilted bag.

What a sweet bag!
Tan glove soft leather bag with Ivory frame and CC logo closure.

Bag is in PERFECT condition.

Just in time for spring festivities, this little bag will be the perfect accessory.

Price:  $595.00

March 25 2011

Today's "Gotta Have It!" - GUCCI chestnut leather GG zip wallet

 

SO Pretty!

Gucci wallet in a luscious caramel color.
Zips closed with a bamboo & tassel pull.

Size is 9x4.
Perfect condition in original box with receipt.

Price $295.00

Call to purchase, or stop in!

March 24 2011

Blog Feature Item: PRADA large blue denim tote - Spring 2010 - Saks 5th Avenue

 Perfect bag for Spring / Summer FUN!

Here is a great PRADA bag that is sure to become a favorite!  Large (129x9x9) enough to accomodate all your daily 'take along' essentials.

This bag is from the 2010 spring collection and comes complete with the original receipt from SAKS 5th Avenue, showing the retail price of $530.00.

Condition is Like New.

Our price $395.00.

January 31 2011

Prom Dresses, prom dresses!

 Looking for prom dresses? Want to make sure to have one that is unique?  Here are a few pics of some of the beautiful dresses you will find available now.

Sue Wong, Jovani, Tiffany, Maryl, Mon Cheri to name a few.

 

 

September 14 2010

WE ARE MOVING!

 We have outgrown our current space!  What a great problem to have!

We will be moving from our current location at 5801 Kennett Pike, only 1/2 block south to 5712 Kennett Pike!  We are so excited to be moving into a space that is almost twice the size of our current space.  Renovations are currently underway.

At our new location, we will have a Men's Shop and a larger Children's Shop. 

Look for us at our new location November 1st!

Follow all our progress updates on Facebook!  Click the link below

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wilmington-DE/Rags-to-Riches-UPSCALE-Resale-LLC/345429279663?ref=ts

THANKS!
Jodie

June 26 2010

Consignment Do's & Don'ts

In these economic times, more and more people are exploring the option of consignment / resale. These do's and don'ts are offered to educate the newby on what exactly consignment is.

1. DO visit us in this economic downturn.  More people are looking for ways to cut costs, and we can help.

2. DO understand our margins are shrinking like everybody else's: Consigners want higher prices for their items; shoppers want lower ones. We are trying to please everyone so be nice.

3. Don't bring us that outfit that is so out of fashion that you wouldn't wear it. You don't even want that thing, neither will anyone else. Your items need to be in nearly new condition.  But if it is vintage or an antique, we may have a market.

4. DO check out our store before you bring in your loot. Most consignments shops specialize. If they don’t specialize in what you have, it will have to go back home with you. Call before you come to see if we are accepting that day.

5. DON'T assume "Trendy" and "cool"  = "Sellable". 

6. DO trust me if I tell you I can get $75 for your item.  If that isn't enough, sell it yourself. People shop consignment stores because they want a bargain.

7. DO try and sell it to a friend first. If you sell it online, believe me, selling is labor-intensive (photographing and describing items, handling sellers' questions, dealing with the post office).

8. DON'T bring us designer knockoffs. You don't want to go to jail for selling fake merchandise, and neither do we.

9. DO understand, charitable shops are run by volunteers so they can pay consigners a higher percentage. We have expenses.

10. DO clean out your closet before the season begins; that way, your fur coat or your wispy sundress gets the most time on the rack.

11. DON'T buy children's car seats, swings, cribs, etc. from a resale shop. They may have safety issues.

12. DO understand our customer base. If it's a size 14 and classic, it'll sell. If it's a size 6 and classic, not so much.

13. DO respect specific consignment days. Don't come on Saturday. I am getting customers by the carload and I have to make sure the stuff goes out faster than it comes in.

-loosely adapted from an article in Reader's Digest

May 07 2010

“Oscar! Say it ain’t so!”

Recently, Oscar de la Renta was quoted by New York Magazine as saying “Couture has become completely irrelevant”. 
 

That statement brought tears to my eyes.  As an artist and seamstress, and collector of these beauties, nothing thrills me more than a fabulous couture dress. It doesn’t matter if it was last season… or last century. The thrill is the same.

 

I can spot them from across the room. The yards and yards of gorgeous silk chiffon, or crisp organza, or fine silks or crepes, they just flow.  The details are breathtaking; embroidery, appliqués, lace, tulle, etc.  The lines are clean and fluid. The fit is flawless. The garment itself creates a true goddess out of the woman that slips it on.  The structure and underpinnings are built into the garment so there is no need for shapers, or specialty bras or corsets or tapes, etc. The dress does it all.  And the inside of this creation is as beautifully finished as the outside. You will not find an unfinished seam anywhere.  

 

These dresses are works of art and are made to last. The designers take pride in their creations because their name is on them. Women feel special just by putting them on; they stand taller, walk more gracefully, and become more elegant.  The dress becomes part of them.  Imagine, all that just from a dress.

 

The artist in me wants to cry to think that this art could die along with so many other art forms and skills.  It is just like when I wanted to buy a kitchen cabinet. The salesman told me how they “make” the wood. (Apparently 3 ply plywood is good).  When I asked, “whatever happened to cut down a tree, make a board, make a cabinet?” he looked at me like I had two heads and said “they don’t do that anymore”.  Sigh. So sad.

 

And now, they are threatening the end of couture fashion.  And don’t let that word scare you. Couture is simply the ART of designing, making, and selling highly fashionable, usually custom-made clothing for women by an actual person. It is time consuming, and yes, more expensive, but a work of art, a labor of love, a creation. 

I truly hope couture fashion is not a dying art. In my opinion, an element of civility and refinement died with the popularity of cheap fast fashion. And cheap, fast fashion creates a wealth of other problems that aren’t even fashion related.

 

See the next article in this series, “Waste Couture: Environmental Impact of the Clothing Industry by Luz Claudio”

 

So, until the art of couture fashion is gone forever, I will continue fall in love every time I have the fortune of encountering a couture dress, be it from 2010 or 1950 or whenever.

April 19 2010

Marimekko Collection

We just received a collection of about a dozen pieces of Marimekko from the late 50s, early 60s.

Nothing says summertime like the bold patterns and easy care cotton dresses by Marimekko. Not familiar with Marimekko? Well, here is some info.

Marimekko is a Finnish company, founded in 1951. Marimekko is famous for their brightly printed textiles – large abstracts and floral fabrics used for home décor and made into simple clothing and handbags. In 1954, their copyrighted logo was created. The company is still in business. source: Vintage Fashion Guild.

For most of the companies existence, it remained a Finnish company. Now it has a concept store in New York City, and most recently launched a tribute line that is carried by H&M. But it was the original heavy weight, brightly colored cotton dresses that made the company famous.

Currently we have 12 pieces from this 60s designer. Here are a few.

January 29 2010

WHAT's HOT? MAD MEN PARTIES!

If you are a woman of a certain age, you have no doubtedly been invited to one or more theme parties; Mardi Gras, Desperate Housewives, Gatsby, 70s, 80s, 40s, to name only a handfull. Well, the biggest craze hitting the 20s & 30 somethings is Mad Men parties!

Just think of it, every time you get together to watch Mad Men, you dress the part of the fashion. What could be more fun? Where fashions from the 20s, 30s and 40s may be nearly impossible to find, the fashions from the early 60s are plentiful, and dare I say… FABULOUS!

I know, when you dressed up for that 70s or 80s party, weird and wild was the name of the game. And, I know, you felt quite silly. But now, a Mad Men party lets you be elegant, fabulous, and dare I say…. SEXY!

Well, party on girls! because we have a HUGE selection of the best day and evening dresses from the early 60s that you can find around here! So drop in and become Madmen Fabulous!

August 23 2009

IT'S A New Season! NEED AN UPDATE?

As you say goodbye to SUMMER, and welcome in FALL (personally, my favorite time of year!), how is your style looking?

Is it time to clean out and refresh? Are last year’s pieces just not fitting right, or feeling right? Has life changed and you need a change, too? Or maybe, it is just time to focus on YOU for a change.

Remember, Rags to Riches UPSCALE Resale is your place to find the unique and fabulous pieces that will refresh both you and your wardrobe! Maybe it is a coat, a dress, or a piece of jewelry. Maybe a killer pair of shoes, or a really great handbag. They are all here, with more arriving every day.

Need some professional help? Well, click on over to www.jojami.com for answers to all your style and image questions. JoJami is Delaware’s #1 stylist.

And for my Pennsylvania customers, try www.bethstrange.com and talk to Beth Strange.

August 09 2009

Forecast for the week! HOT WEATHER -- COOL PRICES

Get ready for our first official heat wave for the summer. August is definitely here!

So, with lots more fun in the sun to come for the season, why not take advantage of our summer sale! All summer merchandise is 50% OFF.

And to make things even more exciting, we will start taking FALL CONSIGNMENTS this week as well.

So, whether you need a piece or two to see you through the hot summer days, or if you are thinking about back to school, or back to work, we have some great pieces to start off the fall season.

STOP IN AND SEE US!

July 14 2009

What's HOT for FALL?

From the “Fashion Spotlight” elle.com

1. Eighties Redo: Velvet bustiers & poufy mini dresses in neon hues.
2. Cocoon Coat: Enveloping and protective, this season’s outerwear serves a the perfect armor against the elements.
3. Dark Days: Layers upon layers of black and grey. Tailored jackets and knit dresses. Sophisticated, not somber.
4. Fierce Fur: Chic, albeit controversial.
5. Mad Hatter: the accessory of the season.
6. Pretty in pink: The sweet as candy color gets a neon makeover, reminiscent of the 80s.
7. The Cold Shoulder: Slits, slashes and cutouts, reveal sexy glimmers of skin.
8. Golden girls: Wildly chic chartreuse dresses, coats, and suits.
9. Shine on: Sparkle need not be relegated to night. Pair it with day time pieces for a get-noticed look.
10. Bondage boots: Hip high footwear.
11. Strong armed: Shoulder pads (OH NO! didn’t see that one coming!)

Find all these looks at a fraction of the runway price at Rags to Riches UPSCALE Resale!

May 10 2009

We are a First State Favorite "Best Shoe Store"!

Thank you for voting Rags to Riches UPSCALE Resale as the First States Favorites “Best Shoe Store, New Castle County”! Right now we have a great selection of sexy and fun summer shoes! A new size 7 to 7.5 consignment just in! Favorites like Gucci, Versace, Cole Haan, Manolo Blahnik, etc.

For those of you who know us, you know that shoes are only a small part of what we sell. We also have a great selection of designer & high end sophisticated day wear, evening wear, jewelry and vintage clothing.

Make sure to stop in often! We get new merchandise everyday!

February 13 2009

Tips for Fashion Consignment Shopping:

1. Make a point to visit a few weeks after a change of season, a time when many people clean out their closets to make room for new clothes.

2. Take a look at all styles that you fancy, and that look like they might fit. Previous owners may have had garments altered, so the size 12 may fit more like a size 10.

3. Consider altering items that may not fit perfectly. Even with a nominal tailoring charge, you’re likely to come away with a great deal, especially on high-end designer items.