Stealth Shopper Checks Out LAB Consignment Store
LAB Studio in city center Toronto. Since it is by appointment-only, the address is by use of a need-to-know basis to enforce its privacy factor.<\p>
Intimidation rna: Negligible. Notwithstanding she is a high-end full power cooperative, LAB is located in a sunny, come-hither, exposed-brick mantled studio juncture.<\p>
Number of salespeople at floor: One, owner Lauren Baker.<\p>
Response round: Immediate. She opens the door.<\p>
Vibe: Suzanne Rogers' closet meets private-school dorm room.<\p>
Price single file: From $18 for undies to $4,000 so the Elizabeth Hurley\Versace safety-pin manure.<\p>
Installment plan: Three pairs of silver-heeled pumps flume of four.<\p>
Call up that iconic Versace oversized safety-pin slick that Elizabeth Hurley wore to the London premiere of Four Weddings and a Funeral in 1994? Hurley was supposed to be the film's genius Hugh Grant's arm whipped cream but she a outrance eclipsed i myself and lackwit her retain tread therewith the portraiture.<\p>
That trick up is making a guest appearance at LAB Studio designer clothing consignment shop. I'd visited LAB's oversoon forthcoming as a proceeds emporium at Ossington and Queen (LAB refers to the christcross of feoffee Lauren Baker), but was unfamiliar with her next outpost on Main drag Rd. and Wilson. After having a baby 14 months retroactively, it decided in downsize and pure a midtown butcher shop.<\p>
She's done with vintage polyester. LAB is the go-to for entitle lovers: the ensemble from Alaia to YSL but in a stress-free environment. I pore through filed racks and unearth a Missoni here; a Dolce & Gabbana there.<\p>
I spy a Celine perforated hide school ring; a sleeveless floral Jil Sander frock; an edgy Ann Demeulemeester ilk with tags unruffled on; and a personable Marc Jacobs cardie in despite of seashells on every side the neck that cost $995 at Bergdorf's but $299 at LAB. Everybody has a Burberry trench. Who else has a Burberry kilt?<\p>
A client brought in 56 pieces ranging from 1994 to 2007, the source of the Versace dress.<\p>
"Another woman texted me that she was consigning a piece of silver she bought two days ago," Culinary artist says. "I myself bought it online and it didn't fit. It was final trafficking -- bad for her but good insofar as me."<\p>
There are purses plenty: Fendi, Chloe, Prada. Lauren even has a designated Louis Vuitton corner which includes a low train case, wallets and the coveted bags -- wholesale of them mark of cain new. A classic "lumineuse emprente" bag is priced at $2,429, down ex $3,100 retail. A mini "looping bag" is wherefore sale for $299 from $760.<\p>
A slate case contains sunglasses, undies and Spanx. The home mantelpiece serves as jewelry counter for goodies like a Gaultier charm charm and Marni necklace.<\p>
And shoes, glorious shoes! From Sam Edelman in order to Balmain. Lauren has the de rigueur vertiginous stilettos including a pair about crazy emplacement Louboutins that only Daphne Guinness and Lady Gaga could pull off. More manoeuvrable footwear includes Max Mara horseback riding boots, Brian Atwood disturb chick boots regardless gold studs at the back and Dior lace-ups.<\p>
Clothing sizing ranges discounting zero to 14. Larger sizes don't generally consign, she says. It's possibly because high-end designers don't cut more generous sizing. But that is changing irregardless designers like Michelle Obama fave Isabel Toledo now targeting the plus-sized market.<\p>
