Shop Girl
INA Consignment, Soho
Face it, you covet that Marni jacket, distressed Prada hobo and the fall Manolo boots, but you’re sensible, you have looming credit card debt, and quite simply, that Marc Jacobs handbag could break your proverbial bank. You want Sienna Miller or Gwenyth Paltrow’s style without all the cost. Trust me, there is an answer, and it’s INA: the very stylish, the uber fashion-forward consignment shop and before you think that this is your local thrift store with shoddy castoffs, think again, for INA stocks the serious goods straight off the runaway and out of the fashionistas and celebrities’ Hermes-ridden closets. Conde Nast editors routinely drop off bags of bounty (think Tuleh, Comme de Garcon) at this trendy resale shop, which is a downtown fixture and my secret obsession for the past four years.
Honestly, I loathe, repeat, loathe shopping, especially at a discount. Elbow-shoving, teeth-baring, feet kicking New Yorkers who are willing to go to combat for the McQueen pencil skirt, the Galliano tuxedo blazer and the highly-revered bi-annual Manolo sample sale. At INA, you won’t find any of the thrashing, for all four uncluttered shops are arranged simply and elegantly, unlike the picked-over hurricanes that are the many other consignment shops, which shall remain nameless. A built-in wall displays handbags in mint condition, bags from all the usual suspects: Chanel, Burberry, Gucci, Celine, Mui Mui, and Hogan - you name it, they either have it or are expecting it shortly. And INA carries the upstart designers as well. I’ve scored my greatest finds at INA - a wool, beaded Prada shirt for $40, cashmere beaded Jimmy Choos for $125, and my latest triumph - a triple-ply cashmere Barneys New York winter coat (cut perfectly), practically new, retail in excess of $900 - at INA, a mere $175.
So whether you’re a Bohemian or an all-black clad minimalist, INA has a little something for everyone’s style and size, including new wares from the hottest emerging designers. Most clothing runs from Sz 0-10 and the shoes run in all sizes. And with four locations, honestly, could you say no??!!
TIP: Check out the website periodically, or come by the store to be updated on season sales where goods are discounted upwards of 70% off marked price.
INA Soho (my pick)
101 Thompson St.
Between Prince and Spring
212.941.4757
Subway: C/E to Spring Street
website: www.inanyc.com for other locations.
