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Pile #2 goes back in the closet as well with this caveat - if you don't wear it after 1 year goes by, it will likely be outdated, the wrong color or the wrong size next year.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.