The Village Squire, 1981-05, Page 7by Alice Gibb
Cheap Frills
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The shops are a cut above thrift shops, the clothing is always
consigned. never donated and the decor tasteful. These shops ui
this area, Audrey's Fashions and Maggie's Moppets in London
and New To You Fashions in Listowel are shops featuring
"gently used" fashions for discriminating shoppers.
Audrey's Fashions, which shares a cottage at 731 Wellington
Street N., London with the childrenswear shop, Maggie's
Moppets, is a recycled clothing shop with a difference. There's
an emphasis on classic rather than more faddy styles. although
items sold in both shops must be "currently in fashion."
Audrey Hepburn, (yes, the same as the actress). who opened
her shop nine years ago to offer a "unique service", buys all her
stock on consignment, usually from individuals with extensive
wardrobes. The clothes must be in good condition, preferably no
more than two years old, and drycleaned or freshly laundered.
You only have to look at the shop's stock to realize there is
everything from beautiful ultra suede suits to Ports blouses and
designer label dresses.
The shop was first opened near the university, since Hepburn
believed students would prove her best customers. But six years
ago. realizing customers were actually working women and
housewives, she decided to re -locate in central London. Now her
store is just a short walk from the trendy Richmond Row, and an
easy stopover on the way downtown for customers from the
suburbs. The store allows customers who might not be able to
afford a Ports, Leslie Fay or Brodkin label new to buy them at
about half the original purchase price. She also handles more
average -priced labels like Mr. Leonard. Suits, for example, sell
from 530. While Hepburn handles fur coats during the winter
season, they must be coats that have been in storage and the
price tags are higher than in the period used clothing shpos.
However, the coats are in excellent condition.
Maggie's Moppets. in the sante cottage, is the creation of
Margaret Rush, who formerly worked in Audrey's Fashions.
Now Rush has opened a children's recycled clothing boutique in
the front of the shop.
Although it's hard to believe, designers are now also turning
their attention to the very lucrative children's market and Rush's
bestsellers are often the designer clothes. These include labels
like the popular Maggie Muggins; Elen Henderson, whose
trademark is a small rose int he nect of the garment; Pierre
Cardin and even Anne and Calvin Klein originals for the younger
set.
Rush said most of the clothes in the shop are consigned by
mothers, but many of the purchasers are doting grandmothers
who fall tor the lacy dresses tor young girls and the new, hand
knit, applique sets for infants. Maggie's Moppets also stocks
separates such as blouses and skirts for ladies, cords and jeans
for kids and adults and attractive stuffed dolls, another favourite
with grandmothers. As a rule of thumb, Rush finds once girls are
into their teens, the 12 to 14 sizes, their taste changes abruptly -
"they don't want fancy dresses, they want Levis."
Rush also finds when the younger shoppers come in with
mother or grandmother (she stocks up to sizes 14x for girls, size
18 for boys), "the kids know exactly what they want."
One visitor who was impressed with the Audrey's Fashions
Audrey Hepburn, of Audrey's Fashions.
ultra -suede suits in pastel spring shades.
arranges a rack of
[Photo by Gibb)
Margaret Rush. owner of Maggie's Moppets, specializes in
recycled children 's clothing. [Photo by Gibb]
VILLAGE SQUIRE/ MAY 1981 PG. 5