Discovering a New Consignment Shop: Darling Boutique in Charlottesville
As you know, I did some frolicking in Charlottesville this August. Among wineries, killer food, and funky fresh hotel stays, I also did some shopping. I’ve grown to love several boutiques in Charlottesville who serve up vintage and new clothing. I feel like one of the best ways to really get to know a new city is to shop its thrift and consignment stores. That’s why I put Darling Boutique at the top of my list during my latest trip.
So, why do I think you should shop consignment when you travel?
Store owner Linnea White said it best: Darling Boutique is a network of women supporting women, sharing and recycling pieces to get rid of the old and find something new (to you). It’s about purging that dress you never wear to find a dress that makes you feel truly beautiful.
When you shop consignment, you get to know the people that make up a neighborhood, a town, and a community. You get to give back to women when you sell or donate your clothes. You get to receive from other women as you find purpose for items they could not. And, behind every store is a small business madame like Linnea. It’s wonderful to get to know the people you pay to keep a store like Darling running and flourishing. Linnea has done so well that Cville Weekly named them one of the best. The consignment shop’s clothes are featured on the annual publication’s cover this year. See a photo of Linnea holding it up here.
Get to the point. What did you buy?
I walked a way with three classic, yet fun pieces. The first winner was this raspberry bell sleeve dress from Likley. The dress would have likely sold for at least $100 from the brand. It looked and smelled brand new and it cost as much as a dress from Target. The quality and color were worth the second look. I pulled this on and knew I’d wear it many ways through the fall and winter. I will keep it simple with color blocking layers and also mix and match bright and neutral patterns with the bright base.
I also found a long sweater vest. I have a thing for vests. You can see some of them here, here, and here. You can’t have enough vests. Invest in long ones that cover your bum. They elongate your torso, which is gets for shorties like me. They also pull together an outfit in an instant. The extra layer of warmth isn’t so bad, either. This item is from Old Navy, but they always do it right, don’t they?
The final item I actually wore last weekend for the first time. I’m in love! It’s the perfect addition to the boho racer side of my closet. It’s another vest, but covered in embroidery and fringe. You all will die and I can’t wait to share!
See how I wore the raspberry dress on my winery adventures:
