A designer consignment boutique is doing its part to support and encourage sustainable shopping in Aspinwall.
Nouveau Designer Consignment opened three years ago along Brilliant Avenue, offering discounted designer deals on clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories for women and children.
Owner Jessica Rehling Vukmir of O’Hara believes in the power of a secondhand purchase.
“Pre-loved is Re-loved” is the motto for the “new to you” concept of buying something new in the sense of it being new to the owner.
Forget paying full price for those Chanel slides, a current pair at Nouveau is priced at $287.50, compared to a suggested retail price of $1,000.
“Secondhand shopping saves water. Buying just one pair of jeans and a T-shirt can save approximately 20,000 bottles of water,” Vukmir said. “We love to see that choosing secondhand first is now more mainstream than ever.”
Vukmir touted additional benefits of buying gently worn clothing and accessories, including keeping those items out of landfills and reducing carbon emissions by approximately 25% by reducing the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and shipping.
According to data from Capital One, the number of resale and consignment stores increased 7% from 2021 to 2023 and almost 90% of consumers have shopped or donated at a thrift store.
For Vukmir, navigating the consignment scene has been a learning curve.
“We continue to tweak and build our best practices regularly. We have wonderful consignors who we view as our business partners. We’ve learned what sells and, more importantly, what doesn’t sell well for us in Aspinwall,” Vukmir said.
The shop occupies a narrow building and is a visual feast for the eyes with vibrant colors, fabrics, textures and designs carefully cultivated alongside sparkling and shiny accessories.
Consignors are paid a 50% commission, and the majority of unsold clothes are eventually donated to Second Harvest in Sharpsburg.
There is no fee to consign. Wedding gowns, men’s clothing, swimwear, sleepwear and undergarments are accepted.
“We want to make sure we’re making money for our consignors by taking in only the best pieces and those we know sell,” Vukmir said.
No knockoffs are ever sold at Nouveau.
Designer brands sold include Escada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, St. John, Burberry, J.Crew, Tory Burch, Kate Spade, Madewell, Farm Rio and Veronica Beard.
Spring clothing and accessories are currently being accepted for consignment. An appointment is required.
Consignor Gretta Killeen works in Aspinwall and recently brought in two bags for consignment consideration.
Killeen likes to purge her closet often and is no stranger to consignment.
“Some of these pieces are so beautiful and they’ve just been sitting in my closet and I think someone that really appreciates fashion would enjoy them at a much-discounted price. And I like to support a local business,” Killeen said.
Ariane Sarno of Plum supports living and shopping sustainably and began working at Nouveau in February.
“I am ashamed to say it took me a little bit longer to get on board, but slowly I realized consignment shopping and so many wonderful items of clothing that shouldn’t be going into the landfill or a dark closet. It’s wonderful to see people enthusiastic about wearing secondhand and there’s no stigma around it.”
Sarno pointed out a vibrant pink silk Carolina Herrera florad midi dress priced at $172.50, perfect for Easter and spring events.
“We have items priced at less than $20 and something for all budgets,” Sarno said.
Sarno noted she’s welcoming younger shoppers to Nouveau.
“It’s popular among teens and college students, thrifting and consignment,” Sarno said.
The global secondhand market is forecast to hit about $350 billion by 2028, according to an annual report from thredUP.
Nouveau Designer Consignment is at 21 Brilliant Ave., Aspinwall. To schedule a consignment appointment, call 412-408-3800. nouveaudesignerconsignment.com.