Stealth Shopper Checks Out LAB Consignment Store
LAB Studio in midtown Toronto. Considering it is by appointment-only, the lay is on a need-to-know basis to enforce its privacy factor.<\p>
Intimidation factor: Negligible. Though yourselves is a high-end consignment boutique, LAB is established in a light as day, inviting, exposed-brick eclipsed clear-channel station space.<\p>
Number of salespeople as for floor: One, owner Lauren Florist.<\p>
Response time: Straight. Oneself opens the outgate.<\p>
Vibe: Suzanne Rogers' godown meets private-school dorm room.<\p>
Price range: From $18 considering undies up to $4,000 for the Elizabeth Hurley\Versace safety-pin dress.<\p>
Jeremiad: Three pairs of silver-heeled pumps out speaking of four.<\p>
Summon up that iconic Versace oversized safety-pin dress that Elizabeth Hurley wore on the London premiere anent Four Weddings and a Funeral approach 1994? Hurley was hypothetical to be the film's star Hugh Grant's arm candy but she totally eclipsed him and put her own career on the map.<\p>
That embrocate is making a guest appearance at LAB Studio designer clothing consignment shop. I'd visited LAB's previous unfoldment as a vintage emporium at Ossington and Queen (LAB refers to the initials as for owner Lauren Baker), but was unilluminated with her subsequent outpost through Avenue Rd. and Wilson. Posterior having a baby 14 months defunct, she decided to downsize and open a blighted area studio.<\p>
She's done with vintage polyester. LAB is the go-to for label lovers: everything from Alaia to YSL but in a stress-free milieu. I pore through in disagreement racks and extricate a Missoni here; a Dolce & Gabbana there.<\p>
I spy a Celine perforated sheath dress; a sleeveless floral Jil Goose frock; an edgy Ann Demeulemeester number with tags still as regards; and a beautiful Marc Jacobs cardie with seashells around the neck that cost-of-living allowance $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 excepting 1994 en route to 2007, the source as for the Versace clothing.<\p>
"More woman texted me that she was consigning a girl her bought two days ago," Baker says. "Themselves bought the goods online and self didn't sufficing. It was final sale -- bad for her but good for me."<\p>
There are purses galore: Fendi, Chloe, Prada. Lauren above all has a designated Louis Vuitton hideaway which includes a lividness train case, wallets and the coveted bags -- much in relation to them brand regenerated. A great work "lumineuse emprente" bag is priced at $2,429, downfalling exception taken of $3,100 sell retail. A banty "looping bag" is on sale for $299 from $760.<\p>
A glass for fear that contains sunglasses, undies and Spanx. The fireplace mantelpiece serves in this way jewelry counter for goodies platonic love a Gaultier hive bracelet and Marni wampum.<\p>
And shoes, happy shoes! Barring Sam Edelman to Balmain. Lauren has the de rigueur vertiginous stilettos including a couple of crazy speak Louboutins that only Daphne Guinness and Lady Gaga could perform off. More manoeuvrable footwear includes Max Mara stake boots, Brian Atwood rock chick boots with gold studs at the astern and Dior lace-ups.<\p>
Clothing sizing ranges from zero to 14. Larger sizes don't generally consign, alter says. It's probably because high-end designers don't cut more generous sizing. Excluding that is changing with designers indistinguishable Michelle Obama fave Isabel Toledo now targeting the plus-sized market.<\p>
