“06880” culture correspondent Robin Moyer Chung writes:
Hot on the heels of Fashionably Westport and, you know, the Met Gala, Westporters are thinking about an important part of our culture: clothes.
Whether you love clothes or not, you buy them. You look at them. Hopefully, you wear them.
You also spend up for them. Given the current economic kerfuffles, the cost of clothes is skyrocketing. Meanwhile, the quality is nosediving.
Women want unique, well-made clothes for a price that won’t trigger heart palpitations. They’re searching for vintage* and pre-loved items that’ll kick up their wardrobe, with the bonus of better quality clothing at a better price.
This has given rise to a nascent cottage fashion industry in Westport, catering to an expanding crop of shoppers searching for outfits that are interesting and affordable.
I call them “style salons.”
Outfits at a Westport style salon …
A style salon host susses out and snaps up designer label vintage and “pre-loved” clothing and accessories from thrift stores, individuals and consignment venues. From Zara to Chanel, each item is chosen for its style, reasonable price point and quality.
They set up racks in their homes — literally — to display their curated collection, hosting shopping parties to sell to friends and acquaintances.
Hosts also organize trunk-shows of their edits at private homes, and offer style-by-appointments.
They throw sip & shops, private parties, and all-out bashes for Instagram followers. Many create inclusive experiences by partnering with local businesses — jewelry, skincare, even mah jong.
… and accessories.
Of the 5 style salon hosts I interviewed for “06880” — all women — only one has a website. None of them advertise. To learn about their sales and availability, you have to follow them on Instagram or get on their guest list.
Call it what you will –passion for the craft, hazard of the job –but my “research” resulted in several purchases: an Aquarius bomber jacket, L’Agence jeans, and Pucci scarf.
I spent $280. But in clothes-lover math, I saved enough money for a few more rounds of style salon shopping.
Here’s what you need to know about each salon: what they’re selling, what they’re doing, and how to get on their lists.
Justine Alexandra Studio
Who: Justine Trudeau
What: Consignment and sourced** pieces
Described as: Ready to wear contemporary
My take: Colorful and well-tailored pieces screaming for a garden party, gala luncheon or date night.
Labels like: Maje, Sandro, La Ligne
Really rough price range: $50-250
Fabulous item: Max Mara cashmere reversible cream coat with matching belt
One more thing: If you love something but it doesn’t fit, Trudeau will source your size.
To get on the guest list: DM @justine_alexandra_studio
Justine Trudeau
Vintage By Virginie
Who: Virginie Bleyaert
What: Consignment and sourced pieces
Described as: Western Ralph Lauren meets chic girl, with a focus on natural fibers.
My take: Thoughtful pieces from designers and stalwart labels for an après skeet shoot luncheon at Bedford Post Tavern.
Labels like: London Fog, Ellen Tracy, Oscar de la Renta
Really rough price range: $20-$400
One more thing: Well, two. She’s going to source in Europe this summer, so get on her list for the windfall. All items are steamed or sprayed organically for cleanliness.
To get on the guest list: DM @VintageByVirginie
Virginie Bleyaert
The Shop Merchant
Who: Gabby Ben-Eli
What:Sourced pieces
Described as: Vintage and pre-loved clothes, jewelry, and accessories curated for a fun shopping experience.
My take: Boho and retro-leaning looks in a party-waiting-to-happen atmosphere.
Labels like: vintage Tibi and Milly, Rabanne, Alexander McQueen
Really rough price range: $50-1,500
Fabulous item: Alix of Bohemia off-white plaid wrap coat (“I’d keep it for myself but it’s too big.”)
One more thing: Stocked with designers less commonly worn in Westport, it attracts those who shop more for looks than labels.
To get on the guest list: Email gabby@TheShopMerchant.com or DM @TheShopMerchantWestport.com
Gabby Ben-Eli
The Exchange Project
Who: Carly Ridloff
What: Consignment only
Described as: Elevated basics
My take: Designer denim and aspirational clothing/accessories for upscale outings and cocktail parties.
Labels like: L’Agence, Ulla Johnson, Jonathan Simkhai
Really rough price range: $25 to $2,500+
One more thing: Piece are divided into Sell/Swap/Donate: Consignment is added to their website. Swap are saved for swap events – you can buy a ticket and pick out an indicated number of pieces (number of items depends on inventory). Donate are sent to the women at Malta House each week, sometimes holding TEP “shopping events” in the evening.
To learn more and shop her website: TheExchangeProject.com
Carly Ridloff (Photo/Emily Rakear)
MCM Designs
Who: Maggie Hawks
What: Overstock from Fairfield County boutiques and consignment
Labels like: Essential Antwerp, Farm Rio, Nili Lotan
Described as: “Current” clothes, offering a full wardrobe and large inventory of shoes, accessories, and apparel.
My take: Walking into a friend’s apartment whose rooms are full of new clothes from my favorite area boutiques, with a handful of consignment in the back bedroom.
Really rough price range: $40-800
Fabulous items: At least once a year, a woman in Stamford consigns “at least $100,000” of clothes with tags still on from Cinq à Sept, Frame, Sea, Theory and more.
One more thing: Maggie offers the same services (private shopping, parties, events, etc.) as others, but is more private.
To get on the guest list: Text Maggie at 646-732-0011
Maggie Hawks
* Vintage refers to items 20+ years old
**Sourced refers to clothing the owner finds through thrift stores and consignment.
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