Treasures Await You
By Meghan Ennes

What if you could buy an entire outfit – a pair of trendy jeans, an embellished cardigan, a vintage bracelet, and even a super-chic neck scarf – all for around 20 bucks? You’d think you would have to lower your standards, right? Now what if I told you that those jeans are from American Eagle and that cardigan has got “Banana Republic” printed on the tag?

What sounds too good to be true can all be found at Upscale Consign Mint, the hip new consignment shop that’s just a quick drive up Grafton Street. Skeptics, read on – this little boutique carries some big-name brands at prices that will please any fashionista who doesn’t mind browsing around for some good finds. If you just do a little digging through this two-room treasure trove, you’ll find tops, bottoms, dresses, footwear, jewelry, and more accessories that will suit any “Upscale” taste.

Try some GAP teal moccasin flats with intricate beading on the toe for less than the price of a movie – without the popcorn. Store owner Karen Bruinsma – who opened Upscale’s doors at 165 Grafton Street back in October – tells Pulse that just recently a pair of funky Ed Hardy sneakers sold for just $25. She also raves about the in-store jewelry selection: “I just can’t hold on to it,” she says of her collection, which ranges from loud costume gems to some elegant vintage pieces. Although the vintage selection is not extensive, Upscale has quite the variety of period hats, with enough big floppy numbers to satisfy any diva’s need for lavish attention. Besides that, you’ll encounter many familiar names on the racks and shelves – Charlotte Russe, Liz Claiborne, Old Navy, Abercrombie, and more!

We know what you’re thinking – used clothes? Household décor and items that have been in someone else’s home? Not to worry, as Karen is extremely picky when it comes to her merchandise. “We are not a thrift shop,” she states firmly. “We hand inspect every item in this store.” This is not your average, musty-smelling consignment shop – while certain items like shoes can show an inevitable bit of wear and tear (or “character,” as we consignment pros like to say), a majority of the merchandise has that fresh-off-the-rack quality that may surprise even the most skeptical of shoppers. In fact, as long as the goods meet her high standards of quality, Karen will put just about anything up for sale: “We even sold a kitchen sink once,” she admits, “As long as it’s in good condition.”

Actually, with the economic situation as it is, Upscale is seeing more shoppers than ever before – and incidentally a new brand of consigner. Karen tells us that people who used to donate to Salvation Army are now consigning with dealers like herself for a profit. This means higher quality merchandise still at penny-pinching prices – and you, the super-smart consignment shopper that you are, will reap the fabulous benefits! If you are interested in consigning with Karen, just stop in and talk to her about how setting up an account works ~ you could wind up funding your next Upscale shopping spree by cleaning out your closets!

Of course you’ll encounter the occasional tie-dye t-shirt with purple hearts or gargantuan 80s sweatshirt adorned with puppies, but sifting through off-color items is half the fun of consignment shopping. All the sweeter your victory when you leave the shop holding that bag full of booty that didn’t set you back a pile of gold.

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OPEN: Mon through Sat 10-6, Sun 12-5