| | Published July 17th, 2024
| Looking Good in Lamorinda
| | The lure of secondhand shopping | | By Moya Stone |  | | Shorts and top at Designs2Consign. Photos provided |
Did you know that Aug. 17 is National Thrift Store Day? I follow several "thrifters" on Instagram and I am continually impressed with the chic outfits they put together from their thrift and consignment store finds. In addition to creating unique looks, shoppers opt for secondhand as a way to help battle climate change. According to Thread Up, the online secondhand store, purchasing clothing secondhand reduces CO2 emissions by an average of 25%.
We are fortunate in the Lamorinda area to have quite a selection of thrift and consignment shops, all just a short drive--or even walk--away. One is Designs2Consign located in Moraga's Rheem Shopping Center. I recently visited and spoke with store manager Kalyn Ingersoll. She told me that there's something for everyone. "We have everyone from teens to grandmas coming in," she said.
The shop indeed has clothing and shoes by brands such as J.Crew and Banana Republic all the way up the fashion ladder to Pucci and Carolina Herrera. Jewelry and handbags too. Everything is in excellent condition and nicely organized and displayed. Right now they are stocking for summer and I spotted some lovely dresses, one by Cynthia Rowley covered in hand painted organza butterflies - nice for a wedding. On the casual side, Designs2Consign has a selection of shorts and tops just right for a summer festival, county faire, or a pool party. Stop by on Sundays for Happy Hour, 3 to 5:30 p.m., and enjoy libations, good company, and pick up something "new-to-you" for the season.
Prada. Chanel. Gucci. Maven Coco has these luxury labels and more. The well-appointed shop at 21 Orinda Way in Orinda carries pre-owned clothing and accessories for work, travel, parties, and outdoor activities. They have an impressive array of shoes by Tory Burch, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Prada, to name a few. Maven Coco also offers less expensive brands such as J.Jill and Karen Kane. I found a nice wool skirt by Anne Klein at a very reasonable price.
Like handbags? They've got Coach to Louis Vuitton. Shopping at Maven Coco is a pleasant experience with plenty of merchandise to catch your eye, but not so much as to overwhelm you. Owner Katherine Amporias is a delight to meet and she's happy to help you find just what you're looking for.
Anthony DeMartile collects interesting odds and ends for Saint Anthony's Thrift at 128 Village Square in Orinda. Stepping into his shop you will find an array of goods - everything from kids toys and books to kitchen items, clothing, and jewelry, with a particularly large selection of vintage brooches. If you're looking for secondhand men's clothing, this is the place. Saint Anthony's (not affiliated with St. Anthony's Foundation) has men's graphic T-Shirts, leather jackets, and a large selection of jeans.
But wait, there's more! I stopped by Hilton House Consign in Orinda and was surprised to see placed alongside home furnishings - clothing, shoes, handbags, and a few cases filled with fine jewelry. Looking for a special piece of jewelry? Consider Hilton House. ReChic in Orinda offers consignment clothing and new gift items. Lafayette's Wayside Inn Thrift Store has been a local go-to for decades and Divine Consign, also in Lafayette, is the place to find vintage clothing and jewelry.
I say, make a day of it and hit them all!
Keep it cool and go forth in style.
Moya Stone is a freelance fashion writer at www.overdressedforlife.com. |
 | | Designer shoes and handbags available at Maven Coco.? |  | | Vintage brooches galore at Saint Anthony's. | | | | | | | | | |
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA