Shopping

Reduce, Rewear, Recycle

From unworn “trash” to closet treasures

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Amid the pizza joints and menswear stores on Mineral “Bling” Avenue lies a gem – Blackbirds Consignment, a boutique that’s paradise to shopaholics such as myself. “There’s a misconception about second-hand shops,” says owner Jackie Murrant, standing behind her neat-as-a-pin jewelry display case. “A term people use is ‘dusty musty’ and I just want everyone to know that it doesn’t have to be that way.”

Indeed. Jackie herself is the epitome of fashionable, her long wavy hair and tattoos adding edge to her effortlessly cool boho chic ensemble. “I’ve worked in retail for a long time,” she says. “I spent 10 years working as a makeup artist for Mac and I worked for a while at Nordstrom.” Her proven eye for style comes in handy when choosing which merchandise to accept.

“I encourage people to stop in anytime with clothing. Unlike lots of consignment stores, I don’t require appointments and items don’t have to be brought in on hangers,” she explains. “I have a 60-day consignment period, with a 50/50 split and then all unsold items are either picked up by the seller or donated to local charities.”

I browse the racks as we chat. Label whores rejoice: just throw it in the bag, as they say. I stop to salivate over a mint condition Gucci tote and then scold myself for devouring that second slice of pie when I die-and-go-to-heaven over a Roberto Cavalli dress that I couldn’t squeeze into even if I slathered myself in Crisco. But wait – olive green JOE’s in my size... $14? Score!

Jackie keeps her diverse customer base in mind when choosing items. “I carry everything from True Religion to Forever 21. There is something for everyone here,” she says. “Personally, I love to wear American Apparel. I like fabrics that are sustainable – along with some great Citizens jeans.” She holds up a long bejeweled teal dress: “Isn’t this amazing?” I hold it up to my 5’4 frame and wish I was a little bit taller. Although I suppose I could always wear a wedge...

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