Q & A

An ad-hoc interview

HOW WOULD YOU CATEGORIZE RAGS TO RICHES?
I don't really think we fall into any one category. Our clothing is about 75% current designer and boutique labels, and 25% vintage. A lot of people think we are a vintage store. Not really. We have vintage, but we have more contemporary merchandise than we do vintage. Our dresses are from the latest New York designers, as well as fabulous pieces from the 50s. We take consignments, but we also buy. Our handbags range from the hottest designer bags to vintage beaded bags. Jewelry can be anything from current designers like David Yurman to victorian pieces. We also have antique and collectible smalls. So I guess you can say we are a consignment, resale, antique, estate, collectibles, designer, vintage, formal, preppy, artsy boutique. If we love it, we sell it!   :)

WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY DESIGNER?
There is often confusion between "Designer" and "Brand Name".  Designer garments are an actual artistic creation by the designer. They illustrate the garment, have someone sew it and then present it through runway shows. They are typically higher styled, higher quality and have a smaller distribution channel.   "Brand Name" goods are mass produced to be sold at chain stores and are more "generic" to have a broader mass appeal.  We specialize in designer items.

WHY CONSIGNMENT / RESALE?
Saavy fashionistas everywhere know that secret thrill of finding that fabulous piece that will be the envy of all their friends. They know the value of consignment shopping and the economic and environmental concerns of recycling. Frequent visitors, lucky first-timers, or FACEBOOK fans, can snag high end labels like Chanel, Hermes, Gucci, and Prada, as well as turning some of the contents of their own closets into cash.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOTTEST SELLERS?
By far, designer handbags, jewelry, and furs. Brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are the most in demand. Vintage costume jewelry is HUGE. And, full length black minks are so hot right now. We LOVE them!

WHAT’S THE SPLIT?
Consignors get 40% of the selling price of their goods; a great alternative to donating and getting nothing! If you don't want the split, you can always try to sell it yourself first.

HOW MUCH DO YOUR SHOPPERS SAVE?
It depends on the item. Savings range anywhere from 90% to 40% off retail. A lot of our items still have the original tags so it is easy to see your savings.

WHAT CRITERIA DO YOU USE WHEN LOOKING AT CONSIGNMENTS?
We accept items no more than a 2 to 3 years old for current stock, OR for the vintage stock, vintage designer / couture (which is from the 1900’s through 1970’s, some 1980’s), or made by couture designers like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, etc. Everything must be showroom-ready = freshly cleaned, no snags, tears, rips, missing parts, or stains, and scent-free and ready to wear. Higher end the better. If you paid over $100 for it when you purchased it, chances are it will be acceptable.

WHAT ABOUT ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES?
We do accept high end decorator items, or other antiques and collectibles know as "smalls".  

WHAT CAN A CONSIGNER DO TO MAKE SURE THEIR ITEMS SELL?
Bring them in at the beginning of the season. Remove any plastic dry-cleaning bags as soon as items are cleaned; the bags can turn a white item yellow and leave an unpleasant scent on the garment. Make sure everything is picture perfect and ready to wear. Take any added pads from shoes, make sure handbags are cleaned inside and out, clean your jewelry, mend or press any garments that need it. PLEASE don’t bring things in and tell us to brush, clean, or mend your items.

WHAT WON'T YOU ACCEPT?
We will 'look' at anything you may have.  But you must keep in mind our general guidelines and not get offended when we don't take your items.  Traditional business suits are not really our market. However, we do take DESIGNER ($1,000 or higher) suits.  We will look at wedding gowns, but they must be able to double as a formal. No ultra-casual day wear.  No tableware.

WHAT SHOULD ANYONE SNATCH UP IF THEY SEE IT?
Anything Chanel or Hermes or Louis Vuitton —these items are timeless. And any top level of any designer, like Ralph Lauren’s Purple Label and Giorgio Armani’s Black Label. Anything FABULOUS! Maybe you came in looking for something specific and basic like a black skirt. It is probably easier to find that item somewhere else, but you may never find a fabulous find at a fabulous price ever again. I hear stories of regret every day from women who saw something, came back to get it and it was gone.

WHAT IS THE MOST MEMORABLE THINGS YOU HAVE EVER SOLD?
You have to love anything Hermes. I have had Kelly handbags, scarves, coats, blouses, jewelry; all so lovely. Chanel runs a close second. We’ve had some really fabulous Chanel bags and jewelry. As far as furs go, we sold an incredible hooded monk cape of the most fabulous sheared beaver. Truly one of a kind.

IF THERE IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE ANYONE WHO HASN'T BEEN IN YOUR STORE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Throw away all preconceived notions of what our store might be. We are totally unique. There is a distinct difference between your local thrift store and any resale/consignment shop. The one statement I hear the most from consignors is “this is just too good to donate”. That should give you an indication of the type of merchandise you will find on consignment. So, since the quality is higher, the prices will be too. I compare it to buying a car. If you buy a cheap car and try to sell it, you will get a certain price for it. If you buy a Mercedes and try to sell it, you will get a much higher price. Higher end, better quality always demands a higher price when resold.

If you aren’t familiar with the high end labels, get acquainted. They are fabulous and YOU WILL notice a difference. You can’t beat the workmanship, fabrics and design. HIgher end garments have structure designed into the garment.  At the mall, you find the same old thing that the masses are wearing and a lot of terrible fabrics and workmanship. Dare to be unique. And don’t be afraid to elevate your style a bit.  Dare to be ‘overdressed’!  American’s as a culture are the most casual (and dare I say sloppy) when it comes to fashion. Rags to RIches UPSCALE Resale has items you just can’t find anywhere else in the area. And, things that you can actually get excited about! But don’t take my word for it! Come see for yourself!