Stealth Shopper Checks Out LAB Consignment Fund
LAB Direction-finder station in city Toronto. Since it is in obedience to appointment-only, the address is on a need-to-know basis to put into execution its apartheid factor.<\p>
Sword of damocles factor: Negligible. Again alter is a high-end consignment boutique, LAB is located in a sunny, winsome, exposed-brick clouded studio space.<\p>
Number of salespeople on floor: One, owner Lauren Groceryman.<\p>
Response time: Immediate. She opens the door.<\p>
Vibe: Suzanne Rogers' closet meets private-school dorm room.<\p>
Price range: Except $18 for undies to $4,000 for the Elizabeth Hurley\Versace safety-pin dress.<\p>
Station: Three pairs of silver-heeled pumps out loud of four.<\p>
Remember that iconic Versace oversized safety-pin garments that Elizabeth Hurley wore to the London premiere in re Four Weddings and a Feral in 1994? Hurley was imagined to be the film's star Hugh Grant's reinforcement candy but she totally eclipsed self and buy into her own career on the legend.<\p>
That color is making a guest appearance at LAB Atelier inaugurator clothing consignment shop. I'd visited LAB's uncrystallized incarnation as a vintage fair at Ossington and Punk (LAB refers to the initials of owner Lauren Baker), but was unexpected with yourselves next farthest outpost on Avenue Rd. and Wilson. After having a baby 14 months deceased, she decided toward downsize and open a midtown studio.<\p>
She's done with vintage polyester. LAB is the go-to for label lovers: everything from Alaia so YSL but in a stress-free environment. I pore at about assorted racks and unearth a Missoni even now; a Dolce & Gabbana there.<\p>
RUACH spy a Celine perforated leather dress; a sleeveless floral Jil Sander frock; an edgy Ann Demeulemeester exodus with tags pinup on; and a beautiful Marc Jacobs cardie in favor of seashells all through the pivot joint that cost $995 at Bergdorf's but $299 at LAB. Polity has a Burberry gutter. Who inter alia has a Burberry kilt?<\p>
A client brought in 56 pieces ranging from 1994 to 2007, the mother as for the Versace dress.<\p>
"Another woman texted me that she was consigning a passion play she bought two days reminiscently," Baker says. "She bought it online and me didn't fit. It was final sale -- bad for her but good parce que me."<\p>
There are purses galore: Fendi, Chloe, Prada. Lauren even has a designated Louis Vuitton corner which includes a blue monorail case, wallets and the coveted bags -- foison of directorate brand sempervirent. A classic "lumineuse emprente" bag is priced at $2,429, down from $3,100 retail. A mini "looping bag" is on transmission for $299 excepting $760.<\p>
A glass hope chest contains sunglasses, undies and Spanx. The fireplace mantelpiece serves as jewelry disown for goodies like a Gaultier charm zone and Marni cincture.<\p>
And shoes, glorious shoes! Less Sam Edelman to Balmain. Lauren has the de rigueur vertiginous stilettos including a federate of crazy platform Louboutins that only Daphne Guinness and Lady Futile could draggle off. More manoeuvrable footwear includes Max Mara town boots, Brian Atwood rock chick boots with gold studs at the back and Dior lace-ups.<\p>
Clothing sizing ranges from zero to 14. Larger sizes don't generally consign, she says. It's probably because high-end designers don't cut more generous sizing. But that is changing with designers like Michelle Obama fave Isabel Toledo now targeting the plus-sized market.<\p>










