Start Collecting Your Spring Consignments

Yes, it is only December 29th. Yes, we are now clearing out Winter apparel and accessories.  Yes, it will soon be time to bring us your Spring consignments. Yes, that means mid January, 2010 and...yes, we will be moving to our new location in 2 weeks.

So - ready, set, go start collecting all of your Spring goodies to bring us by January 15th. You know the drill.  Mint condition, freshly dry cleaned or laundered; no more than 2 years old.  Current styles only.

Thanks so much.

Merry Merry, Happy Happy!

Sending you all wishes for the Merriest of Christmases and Happiest of New Years.  We love you all and hope to see lots of you in the New Year.  We hope to be in our new location by mid January.  Watch for our e-mail blast to let you all know of the exact date.  The new address is 120A Kentucky Street. Yeah! Meanwhile, gather your early Spring consignments cuz Spring is just around the corner.  Our telephone number will remain the same, so don't be shy, give us a call. 707-778-3499.  e-mail address is redumbrella1@sbcglobal.net

Coming Soon In Downtown Petaluma

Here's a sneak peek of our new store at 120A Kentucky Street. We'll be opening mid-January 2010. Stay tuned for the exact date.

Hardwood floors, brick wall, tons of space!

Admiration- Dana admires how tall Mike is.

Mike admires what a groovy pole dancer Margy is.
Margy also admires what a groovy pole dancer Margy is.

Just drill baby, drill.

Dana wants to know if she can lend Mike a hand.

Get Ready for Turquoise in 2010

Couldn't resist posting this link.  Turquoise is the cool color for 2010 according to Pantone.....
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Top-color-for-2010-is-apf-797630639.html?x=0&.v=2

Although we don't all live our fashion lives according to Pantone, it's surprising what influence they have in the world of fashion and home decor.  Glad I like the color, though.

Embroidered Jacket from Johnny Was

Johnny Was what?  A cute embroidered light weight jacket paired with jeans or a skirt is just the ticket for casual chic dressing.

Size L
$16 SOLD

Pretty in Plum Blossom!

This winter white asian silk top from Plum Blossom is adorable.
XL (runs small - more like a Medium)
$20

Winter is Here, but Spring's Close Behind

Just a reminder that we'll continue to take Winter items through mid December.  We will then taper off and begin after the holidays with Spring apparel and accessories - just in time for our move to our new location at 120A Kentucky Street in downtown Petaluma.  Can't wait to unveil our new store, so get those Spring consignments ready!

Betsey Johnson Brown/Black Silk Floral Dress

Perfect dress for the holidays!  Pair it with boots or heels and you're good to go.
Size 8
Just reduced from $67 to $33.50 - Don't let it slip by

Duncan Phyfe China Cabinet

This petite sized China Cabinet by Duncan and Phyfe is sure to fit in even the smallest of dining rooms.  This piece from the 1940's is in great condition and just reduced to $169. SOLD

Free People Pink Crochet Hoodie

Always fun and funky, "Free People" score again with this cute crochet hoodie with floral trim.
Size M
$26

An Anthropologie Favorite!

Odille is one of the most popular labels sold at Anthropologie and we've got a cute one here.  Red and white floral short sleeve in size 12.
$22

Kathy Van Zeeland Front Pocket Handbag

This is such a cute handbag from Kathy Van Zeeland.  Known for her bold prints, chunky hardware and fashion forward designs, it in perfect condition and a steal at $61.00

Charlie Lapson Tan/Silver Croc Handbag

What a lovely handbag this is! A Charlie Lapson original in mint condition

$69 SOLD

Be Simply Irresistible

Maybe a play on words, but this orange and gold empire top from "Simply Irresistible" is a keeper.  Dress it up, dress it down.  You choose.

Size Medium
$18

BCBG Girls Cream Velveteen Jacket

Another winner from BCBG Girls.  This yummy, cream velveteen jacket with satin insets is dressy enough for evening wear or pair it with jeans and boots for a cozy winter look.

Size 10
$29 SOLD

Y Apparel Holiday Dress

This adorable brown and cream silk sleeveless dress is sure to be an eye turner.  Another perfect dress for the holidays with a shrug or a shawl.  It is versatile enough to wear year round so save it for spring or summer weddings as well.

Size M
$67

Sweet Holiday Dress

This silk, cream and charcoal print dress from Forthe and Towne is just the ticket for holiday parties this year.  Size 2, was $41, now 50% off.  Don't miss it. SOLD

Free People Orange/Fuschia Sweater

"Free People" is one of our favorite clothing lines.  This small floral orange and fushcia long sleeve empire is perfect alone or layered with a cami, tee, or turtleneck.  Pair it with jeans or a skirt and you've got the perfect outfit for day or night.  A steal at $27. SOLD

Prada Tan Suede Heels

Lovely heels from Prada
Size 38.5
$41 SOLD

Chico's Chic

You'll love this pretty Chico's Purple Silk Jacket Embellished with Embroidery and Beads
Size 1 - you know that a Chico's 1 is like a medium
$38

Gobble Gobble!

If we could send you only one message this Thanksgiving day it would be that of gratitude for your continued loyalty and support for our store.  Our customers and consignors are top rate and we thank you for being part of the Red Umbrella Neighborhood.

But of course, we can thank you for many things.  Lots of great clothing, lots of great furniture, terrific blingy accessories, your good cheer and friendship, the list can go on.

Have a splendid day with family and loved ones and know that we are lucky to count you as our friends.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Merrell Has Your Tootsies Covered

Perfect for keeping warm on early morning walks, after skiing, trips to the Farmer's Market, or looking fabulous while shopping at your favorite consignment store - Red Umbrella!
Merrell Polartec Boots
Size 6.5
$28
SOLD

Cozy "Lucy" Jacket

If you love "Lucy" sportswear, you'll be delighted with this Olive Green Puff Jacket.
Size M
$27 SOLD

Fitzwell Hooded Jackets

Check out 2 new cozy ski jackets from Fitzwell
Blue Parka- New With Tags
Size Medium
$27 SOLD

White Parka - New With Tags

Size - Large

$27 SOLD

Dooney & Bourke - Beige Alligator Style Handbag

This one is gorgeous. Good for all seasons.
$85 SOLD

Coach Purse

Coach Tan Signature Handbag with Green Suede.  This is a cutie.
$80 SOLD

Did You Hear the News?

We are beyond excited to share our great news with you.  We'll be moving our store to new digs at the end of January, 2010. That's just a couple of months away.  Where? 120A Kentucky Street in downtown Petaluma. Yep, we're doin it.  Can't wait to unveil the new and improved Red Umbrella Consignment.  2500 square feet awaits you all.  There'll be plenty of room to browse through our clothing racks, sit down for a cuppa tea, delight in our new array of furniture which is coming in daily, and enjoy the ambiance of a wonderful downtown shopping district.  We've loved our location across from Whole Foods these past four and a half years, but when opportunity knocked, we had to answer.  We've been bursting at the seams this past year and we are tickled pink with this new opportunity.  What do they say about opportunity never knocking twice?  Stay posted.  We'll be keeping you updated and maybe giving a sneak peak or two on the blog. Tah Tah For Now.

Let the Holiday Merriment Begin!

In the tradition of plentiful shopping the day after Thanksgiving, Red Umbrella will host our annual post Thanksgiving, pre-Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa sale.  On top of our already great prices, we'll have discounts on top of discounts for one day only.  Bring a friend, a turkey sandwich (for sustenance), your pink slip, your eldest born child and of course, that little plastic card for all of your holiday shopping.  We'll be open at 10 and close at 6 as usual.  Gobble, gobble.

Citizens of Humanity Garbo Pallazzo Pants

Great designer jeans at a bargain price.
Size 25
$66

J. Jill Pink Embroidered Silk Scarf

Lovely embroidered scarf from J. Jill - perfect for the holidays.
$14  SOLD

Level 99 Flare Jeans

Gotta love the designer jeans.
Size 31
$40

Reiker Orange Suede Walking Shoes

Sharp looking Reiker walking shoes. Like walking on clouds.
Size 8
$31  SOLD

Shabby Chic Style Wooden Bird Cage

More decorative than functional, but still lots of fun.
$31  SOLD

Coach Burgundy Suede Handbag

This Coach handbag is in mint condition.  Watch for our other handbags this week.
$85
SOLD

Calvin Klein Camel Wool Peacoat

Stay warm in this camel wool peacoat by Calvin Klein.
Size 8
$40  SOLD

White Shabby ChicWicker Nightstand

3 Drawer Shabby Chic Wicker Nightstand with Green Knobs
19"W 24"H 16" D
$60  SOLD

More Shabby Chic

Two more companion dressers

Shabby Chic Low-Boy Dresser
48"W 30"H 16.5"D
$130

Shabby Chic High-Boy Dresser
26.5"W 43.5"H 14.5"D
$95  SOLD

Shabby Chic Dressers & Side Tables

We have several new shabby chic dressers and side tables for sale.  We'll be posting them over the next couple of days.

Vintage Shabby Chic Dresser - 4 drawers
39"W 35"H 18"D
$150

SOLD

Clutter into Cash

Ready to tackle that messy, crowded closet?  Now that the weather is getting colder and keeping you indoors more often, what better time than the present to get organized? Here are some tips for cleaning up, clearing out, and cashing in.

Set aside a couple of hours (or more if you're the sentimental type who hates letting go of anything - even those 20 year old prom dresses).  Grab a cuppa joe, tea, or something of a stronger nature and...

Ready? Set? Gooooooo!

Separate everything into 4 piles - yes EVERYTHING.
Pile #1 - You love it, you wear it regularly and Dahling, you look maahhvelous in it.
Pile #2 - You like it, occassionally wear it (1 or 2 times a year) it's looks okay on you.
Pile #3 - You don't like it, doesn't fit now, never really did, don't know why you keep it, (it cost so much.. it was such a deal...)
Pile #4 - You're not sure - can't decide why to give it up, can't decide why to keep it.

Now what?  Is your closet empty?  It should be.  Have another cuppa.

Put everything in Pile #1 back in the closet and be happy you have things you love.
Pile #2 goes back in the closet as well with this caveat - if you don't wear it after 1 year goes by, it will likely be outdated, the wrong color or the wrong size next year.
Pile #3 gets the heave ho.  Fold it up, put it in a bag and off it goes to your local charity or if it's cool and current, take it to your favorite consignment shop, Red Umbrella Consignment.
Pile #4 is the tough one.  Go through each of your undecideds and ask yourself.  Will I really get use out of this piece, or can I cash in on it by consigning it. Keep those you know will work and launder/dryclean the others before you box or hang them ready for inspection at Red Umbrella.

P.S.  Keep a basket or a box on the floor of your closet to collect the items you intend to consign each season.  That makes separating them much easier.

Sit back, put your feet up and admire the clean closet that now has room for new pieces to love.

Who's Up for a Consignment Shop Hop?

Several of you have told me that it would be fun to organize a "Shop Hop" of some of the best consignment stores in the Bay Area. If this is something that interests you, give me a call at the shop - 707-778-3499. We'll organize transportation, plan a lunch at one of our favorite restaurants, and you can sit back and let someone else do the driving. If there is enough interest, then let's get planning!

In Memory Of Them All

We send our love and blessings to all those families who lost loved ones on September 11th, eight years ago. May your hearts be filled with peace.

When Our Racks Are Bulging, That Means Deals For You!

I think everyone in Petaluma decided to reorganize their closets these past two weeks. Lucky us, we have so many cute new items. Lucky you, lots to choose from.

In case you didn't make it in for our last promotion, we have a 20% off all non-sale items (except furniture and select jewelry) that's good through the 14th of September.

Fall Trends

Just when you thought it was safe to get rid of your old tweed skirts and jackets, the news on the street or should I say, runway, is that tweed is still classic and with a little updating, it's the coolest trend going. Shorten those jackets, belt those skirts, pair with jeans and boots and you're good to go.

As for color, teal is the real deal. And how about deep, dark eggplant? Black with white, grey, or silver is back.

Now that we've finally gotten used to bare legs with dresses and skirts, tights of all colors and textures are back. Lengthen those legs with striped opaques, bling them up with jewels and glitter. Mix and match your colors. OMG - here come the 80's again and again and again.

When's The Best Time To Consign Your Items?

Well now, of course. The beginning of each season brings some of our very best merchandise. Folks have been waiting to fill our racks with their much loved treasures. So if you're hesitating to bring Fall things in because we've had such a warm spell, wait no longer. We're looking for anything Fall (not winter, yet). Think layers - long sleeve tops, light weight sweaters and jackets, skirts, pants, dresses and jeans (premium ones, especially 7 For All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, Rock & Republic, Joes, Hudson, True Religion, Paper Denim, etc). Clean up those boots and closed toe shoes and come on in.

See you soon.

Do You Love Purses?

Oh yeah, we do too! Got a new batch in today - Betsey Johnson, Coach, Kenneth Cole, Dooney and Bourke, Fossil, plus several less designer-ish ones but still very cute. Get 'em while the gettin's good.

Shabby Chic

Have a look at our Shabby Chic dresser & mirror just reduced from $189 to $169. SOLD
This piece will look perfect in a bedroom or bathroom. It can be easily transported. The mirror is removable.

Summer Clearance

Even though our racks are filling with cute fall items, there are still summer bargains to be found. After all, indian summer hasn't hit yet. With warm days still to come, it's not too late to pick up a pair of shorts or capris, tanks and sundresses. Don't forget to check out our sale racks and remember to print the coupon on our "constant contact" e-mail we sent out today.

Fall is in the Air

Have you noticed the change in weather this week? Fall is definitely in the air. With the change of seasons comes change in merchandise at Red Umbrella Consignment. We've received about 500 new pieces in the past two weeks. Not kidding! Stop in for your back to school clothes and leave with an armful of bargains.

In addition to a big consignment of Hollister, American Eagle, Twentyone and Hydraulic, we've got Free People, Aeropostale, J. Jill, Ann Taylor Loft and much much more.

Spotlight on Gifts and Vintage Goodies

We always like to have a nice selection of gifts for that special occasion. Many of our vintage items also make wonderful gifts for friends and loved ones or even for yourself. Here are a few items that fit the bill. Whether it's a pair of salad servers from Africa, or a gorgeous watercolor painted by our own Phyllis Thomas, (award winning Petaluma painter and wonderful staff member at Red Umbrella), you're sure to find a special something to take home with you.

Jewelry by one of our favorite jewelry artisans, soaps, scarves, shopping bags or handbags also fill the bill.

Speaking of Vacation...

It's always fun to go away and come back to the Red Umbrella. So many new items, new displays and new consignors and customers.

I'm guessing we received more than 500 new items in the time I was away. Great merchandise abounds. If vacation is on your horizon, or if you are simply in need of new summer apparel, stop by the shop between now and June 30th and receive 25% off your purchases over $25. If you aren't on our e-mail list or have not received the latest Constant Contact mailing, then mention the blog for your discount.

Back from Vacation!

I returned last week from two and a half fabulous weeks in Scotland and England. If you've never been to Scotland, I highly recommend it. It's eye candy to the nth degree! Around every corner is another gorgeous landscape. The sky is dramatic and ever changing. The hills are filled with lovely yellow Scottish broom and beautiful purple rhododendrons grow wild everywhere.

A real surprise was the number of consignment and "charity shops". We visited Scotland about 12 years ago and consignment was hardly heard of. Now there are entire blocks of streets dedicated to resale. "Frugal" is definitely the "new chic" since the global recession has hit hard in the UK. Not only were locals shopping in these well stocked shops, but tourists (like us) as well. We found a gorgeous cashmere sweater for about $6.00 and a never been used jacket for $10.

Clothing in general in the UK is very fashion forward. Lots of asymmetrical lines - long dresses and skirts are back - scarves and big jewelry are being worn by young and not so young alike.

Sum Sum Summertime, I Love Summertime

Can't get enough of that warm sunshine? We feel the same at Red Umbrella. Time to get out those sandals, paint those toenails, apply the sunblock, put on your hat and go.

If you're looking for fashion to create that one of a kind look, then stop in this week for everything from shorts and capris to the thighs or to the knees. Don't forget to check out our new arrivals. With 50-100 new pieces a day, how can you go wrong?

4th Anniversary Sale

Red Umbrella turns 4 years old on May 1st and we want to thank all of you for helping to make our store such a success. We are so grateful for your continuing support and votes of confidence in what we bring to Petaluma's consignment arena. Your patronage is the backbone of our business and we continue to hear from you that Red Umbrella Consignment is Petaluma's consignment treasure.

In appreciation of your support we'll be having an anniversary sale on Friday, May 8th and Saturday, May 9th. We'll have lots of discounted items, door prizes and yummy refreshments.

Can't wait to see you!

Another Anthropologie Installment

While I'm not going to post all of the Anthropologie labels we've gotten in, I couldn't resist two cuties from Kimchi & Blue.

This sleeveless top can be worn long or short. With a bit of elastic on the bottom, you can wear it down, over pants or leggings, or bring it up to waist level for a blousson effect. We've got two - Turqoise and Blue Floral, and Orange and Pink Floral both in size small. Priced at $14.00 each.

More from Anthropologie

The hits keep on coming. For a night out at the club or a garden wedding, this sweet crinkle dress from "Ruth" is sure to turn some heads. Another lovely green, with a bit of beading detail. Size 6, priced at $33.00.



















From "Me(el)" their, Lychee colored, almost ankle-length dress. Perfect over leggings, or could also look great over a swim suit for a cool night out on the islands. We've got 2 Mediums and one Large. Priced at $27.00 each.

Don't Ya Love Anthropologie?

Just in this week is a huge lot of items from Anthropologie. I'll be posting a few each night over the next week for a mouth watering taste of what's come in. Of course, our prices are a fraction of what you'd pay if you bought these items from my favorite store in the universe. Lucky you.






"Sparkle and Fade", graduated olive green silk sleeveless empire - to die for - perfect with a sweet pair of heels or Grecian sandals. Size L, priced at $30





Long live "Free People"! This lovely plum velvet, sleeveless empire dress has a certain Romeo and Juliet feel to it. Simple, yet elegant - dressy, yet versatile. A very romantic piece. Size L, priced at $42.00