Shop Crawl: Designer duds for less on Mount Pleasant

A look at three of the best vintage and consignment shops uptown

A hand-me-down house of fashion
Second Nature Boutique first opened in 1974. Since taking over the shop from her mother in the ’90s, owner Kary Silverberg-Dick has stayed true to her mother’s vision. Even after building their extensive website and catalogue, Second Nature continues to embrace who they are: a boutique most drawn to items with quality fabrics. Most recently, they received a gorgeous Oscar de la Renta silk floral dress, with a print so beautiful that it looks like a painting. But accessories and shoes also stock their shelves, like the pair of red Valentino pumps that came in last month. The minute you try on a quality item, you are transformed instantly into a confident, sexy and more beautiful you. Second Nature Boutique, 514 Mount Pleasant Rd.

Two decades of designer resale
Act Two has been on Mount Pleasant for 20 years and has become part of the community. “Things change always in fashion, and I try to keep on top of what people like and want,” says Robert Welsman, who owns the shop with his wife Inga. “Personal attention is the most important aspect of what I do.” Although most designer resales cater to women, Act Two has a good selection of menswear, including high-end suits, coats, shirts and ties. Brands such as Birger Christensen, Missoni, Christian Dior and Armani are staples. For women looking for something upscale, Act Two currently stocks a Russian Sable Coat (price on request) and a vintage Hermes Constance bag ($1,950). Act Two, 565 Mount Pleasant Rd.

Travel back in time
Many resale stores will not take clothing items older than three years, yet Rewind has no rules as to how old the piece is. Rewind purchases all pieces on the spot, ensuring a well-curated collection that is professionally cleaned in-house and able to be tailored. Owner Dawn Librach takes great satisfaction in selling items at 80 per cent less than retail, including Christian Dior, Emanuel Ungaro, Chanel, Oscar de la Renta and Yves Saint Laurent. “The quality of vintage designer pieces is incomparable to the quality of some designer pieces today,” says Librach. “What is amazing about fashion is how trends always come full circle. Our unique vintage pieces are what makes Rewind the best.” Rewind Couture, 598 Mount Pleasant Rd. 

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