Luxury Garage Sale

I was perusing through my DuJour magazine when I came across an article on Luxury Garage Sale, an upscale consignment service specializing in selling new and gently used contemporary, designer and vintage clothing and accessories.  I have been extremely fascinated by the world of consignment and the gems that people seem to find but never really took the leap and began shopping for consigned items.  After reading the article, I took a trip over to their online store and bid on my first item within the first 30 minutes.  The next day I had won a new gorgeous cashmere Chris Benz sweater dress for a quarter of the price!  I WAS HOOKED.

I now visit Luxury Garage Sale on a weekly basis to preview their new merchandise and perhaps place a bid or two.  This month they even took their business to the next level and opened a boutique in Chicago, which I WISH I could visit (next trip out there for sure!).  I am fascinated with their store and the entire business of consignment so I reached out and asked the owners, Brielle Buchburg and Lindsay Segal to give some insight into their business, their passion for vintage and a little about themselves.  

Tell me a little about yourselves and how LGS came about.

Brielle: We have been friends since we were three years old. I was previously working as a corporate event planner and in my spare time was helping my grandparents sell their overstock from their home interior store on ebay. Lindsay was doing visual merchandising at Bloomingdales and on the side was personal styling and helping clients clean out their closets. Her fashion background and my newly learned expertise of the resale market and ebay led us to join forces and launch Luxury Garage Sale.

Where does your inventory come from (both consignment and NWT)?  Are there challenges to ensure you always have new and fresh pieces available for your clients?

Lindsay: We work with individual clients as well as stores. After the end of each season, we take store overstock from boutiques nationwide that hasn't moved after their last sale. Mostly though, we get our unique stand out pieces from individual consignors going through some sort of life change and wanting to pare down.

Authenticity is sometimes hard to confirm these days.  How do you make sure the items being consigned are legitimate designer pieces?

Brielle: This is EXTREMELY important to us. We have an authenticator on staff who is trained in finding the markings and other details that separate a real item from a fake item.

I feel many people get scared of buying consignment pieces for the first time.  What are some suggestions you have to those who may be new to it all?

Lindsay: Find a consignment store you can trust that sells unique and authentic items. Prior to starting Luxury Garage Sale, I was never a consignment shopper, so I totally understand why people may be hesitant. We always get shoppers that our really surprised by the quality of our goods and our selections. We have seen a lot of converts!

If someone has something to consign but they are not in Chicago, is it possible for them to work with you?

Brie: Absolutely! We make the entire process hassle-free whether a client is in state or out of state. Out of state clients can email us by clicking here and we will coordinate getting a pre-paid UPS label sent to them. All they need to do is put the items in a box and we will handle the rest! You don't even need to leave your house.

Your first store has opened this month.  Please tell me a bit about your plans for the store and the client experience you are looking to offer.

Brielle: We are so excited for our doors to open! We have put so much effort into designing every aspect of the store with the help of our architect/designer Audrey Godwin. We will be stocking the store with unique new, gently used and vintage clothing and accessories. We feel the Luxury Garage Sale store will re-define consignment because it will be so highly curated -- this is not your typical consignment store! We will be getting new merchandise in every day, so our shoppers can come in every week and see new items

What are some of the best and hardest parts of running your own business?

Lindsay: Hardest is definitely work/life separation. I never leave my job at work. It is with me 24/7. I think about it all the time and sometimes it is hard to relax and just turn off my phone! The best part, is most definitely, seeing all of our hard work come to fruition! Seeing our sign driving down Wells Street is such an awesome feeling. We took a concept and executed it, and now we are able to go to work every day knowing we have developed a real, sustainable business.

What are your personal styles and who are your style influencers?  Finally, what is your most favorite piece in your closet?

Lindsay: I like patterns and bold graphics. I love black and gold. And most of all, I am obsessed with costume jewelry. My Style idol is Iris Apfel, and I am currently developing a collection that I hope will someday rival hers. My favorite piece is a new necklace with a giant hand on it that I bought in a boutique in Paris. It is awesome!

Brielle: I appreciate various different styles but know my body type and dress for it. I'd describe how I dress is "classic with a twist." I invest in pieces I can wear season after season and spice up my outfit with a great pair of shoes and statement jewelry. Most recently I've appreciated how Kourtney Kardashian was able to pull of being pregnant and put together. I'm working on that!

If you are not in Chicago you can shop like I do at their online store but if you are in the Windy City, I HIGHLY suggest stopping by their new boutique at 1658 N. Wells Street.  But beware...it is incredibly addicting.

Thank you Lindsay and Brielle and congrats on the new store!

A Woman and Her Handbags

The "Lynn"

One of the things I love most about attending different events around Orange County is all the people I am able to meet.  The Brunello Cucinelli event was a perfect example of this.  That evening I was introduced to Suzan Lee Paek, one of the hosts of the event.  It was one of the most enjoyable conversations I had that night.  Suzan is the mother of four, has served on 10 boards, has chaired the Harvester's Fashion Show and Luncheon 4 times, has started and still maintains 2 women's bible study groups, started a mentoring program for Korean youths and has now launched a handbag line that is taking off.  It was fascinating to hear how involved she is and is such an inspiration to other mothers who want to not only be successful in parenting but also in business and the community.  That evening I was also introduced to her handbag line, Jessica Grant Handbags, and fell in love with the design and look of her bags.  I asked Suzan if she would be willing to sit down and answer questions regarding the handbag line and how she juggles it all.  Here is what she had to say.

What was the inspiration behind the name "Jessica Grant"?

Jessica is the name of my daughter and Grant is my son.  I also have a men's line launching this month called "Nathan Robert" after my other two sons.

How did Jessica Grant handbags come about?

I worked in commercial interiors for 15 years, and I have always loved fashion.  My mother works in the fashion industry as a designer, wholesaler and retailer, so the introduction into this realm was not so far fetched.  Last year, I was invited to the first ever Fendi runway fashion show in Seoul, Korea.  I took my mother as my guest and she of course mingles business into our trip.  As I tagged along with her on her buys, I, by chance, met the manufacturers of my line.  I sketched out some designs of handbags for them that I would love to see.  We corresponded via emails, phone calls and monthly trips to  Seoul.  Within the course of three months, we developed the first line of Jessica Grant handbags.

The "Sookee"

Where does the inspiration for the designs come from?

My love for fashion and couture is the inspiration for my designs.  I love the classic elements but I wanted to improvise and put a modern, young fresh twist to Jessica Grant.  Most of the handbag designs are created for the busy modern woman.  The interior structure is designed in such a way that a woman can carry her iPad, cell phone, and other essentials in an orderly fashion, while still looking chic.  The handbags come in a variety of colors.  I feel colors serve as neutrals and reflect a different side of our personalities.  Plus, color just feels good to wear.

How have you managed to launch a handbag line while still maintaining your involvement in so many different areas?

My husband and children will be the first to tell you that I am ALWAYS into something at all times.  My mind just goes and goes.  Constantly creating, thinking of ways to improve "things": events, fundraising aspects, introducing people to each other, new ways to cook a meal, handbag designs, etc.  This is who I am.  This is how I have lived my life thus far.  I love being creative.  I love being around people.  I love helping and contributing to our society and to humanity.

The "Callie"

What are a few of your favorites in the line?

I don't have a favorite.  I love them all.  For daily use, I love the "Nancy".  For fun, I love the "Sookie".  For a chic look I love the new "Ellen".  For evening, I love the "Lynn".

You are such an amazing example for other mothers.  What advice would you give other moms who are trying to "juggle" it all?

Every woman can have it all, just not all at once.  Keeping tabs on their desires, their talents, and knowing themselves will only enhance their lives.  Women should never lose themselves to "others".  I say this loosely because it is so easy to do this.  Stay true to who they are, find out the things that bring happiness and keep their inner center focused on the bigger picture.  Overall, the guilt is what inhibits us from growing into the women that we can become.  Guilt that we are not the best moms, guilt because we do not want children yet,  guilt that we must travel for our work, guilt that we are...... women have the capacity to achieve it all.....even juggling it all in heels.

The "Rebecca"

What is your most coveted item in your closet?

I LOVE my simple black dress.  I have a variety of this essential.  It is a must have and I ALWAYS buy a new one for each season.

You mentioned a men's line is launching this month.  Any additional lines we can expect in the future?

In the Fall I will be launching "Suzan Lee Paek", which is a line of scarves, tees, simple dresses and mink accessories.

It was such a pleasure speaking with Suzan and I encourage you to take a look at more of her designs at JessicaGrantHandbags.com.  For information on where to purchase Jessica Grant handbags, click here.