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Review content:
In a town like any town, in a strip mall like any other, there is a consignment shop called Deja Vu, which is a fairly common name for a consignment shop. My expectations were low, specifically, I anticipated slim-pickings. The sale racks on the sidewalk announced 50-75% off, which usually means polyester granny dresses and 80?s blazers. Happily, astoundingly, the rack was loaded with excellent quality, perfect-condition garments: Ami, Anne Klein, Anne Taylor, Banana Republic and many others. There were several adorable jackets that appeared to never have been worn and demanded admiration. The original prices were a little high for consignment but at 75% off, they were better than just right.
Inside the shop, the sale continued with a rack devoted to Chico and Cabi. The displays at the front of the store held designer brands and a fantastic selection of handbags and accessories. Rounders through the middle separated clothing by size and type. There were the standard three ?Tops? rounders labeled by Small, Medium and Large but also a rounder specially for blouses and one for shirts (such as Foxcroft). This set-up was a bit confusing at first, but this shop has so much inventory that the divisions are clearly necessary.
Off to the right were racks of pants, skirts and jeans, a wall of dresses and a little selection whimsically labeled ?Cute Things.? While shopping the racks, I resisted the urge to drag a mountain of stuff into the changing room and spend wads of cash (technically I wasn't supposed to be shopping due to a lack of bank). Resistance was difficult because virtually every garment in the store was so freaking CUTE that every rack could have been labeled ?Cute Things.? Most jackets were priced in the twenties and most blouses in the teens. My sister shopped the sale rack and bought a silk Ann Taylor blouse and denim vest and spent less than $15. She has more self control than I do. A little Banana Republic suit ($34) with wide leg pants and a cropped jacket looked at me like a brown-eyed puppy in a pet shop window. Better to just resist completely.
At the back of the shop was a small selection of plus-sized clothing, a clearance rack, shoes and a small jewelry case, all worth scouting. The plus-size racks were small but well selected and priced with some very nice jeans for about $15-20.
Deja Vu was a wonderfully pleasant surprise. The little touches matter so much in a consignment store: beautiful dressing room curtains, organization and good lighting, adequate labeling and sturdy display racks. It is not difficult to make a consignment shop feel like a boutique and this one is beautifully done. This isn?t the place to shop if you are looking for a shop full of bargain basement prices but for mid to high end wardrobe pieces (including suits) Deja Vu is most certainly worth your time.
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