If you're looking for an out-of-the-ordinary bargain or if you've just cleaned out the items in your closet that you never seem to wear, try checking out consignment shops in Alexandria, Del Ray, and Mount Vernon. You may fall in love with items that you could never find anywhere else. From children's goods at The Purple Goose to furniture at Reunions, there is a wide range to explore — if you take the time to look.
<mh>Purple Goose
<lst>2005 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria; thepurplegoose.com; 703-683-2918; open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Open Saturdays for consignment — no appointment required.
<bt>The Purple Goose is a children's boutique that sells "unique" new and used items, with a consignment section in the back of the store. Consignment clothing ranges in price from $2.99 to $24.99. It carries children's clothing from newborn sizes through size 7, as well as children's books, toys, furniture and accessories. The store has also begun to carry maternity accessories (but not maternity clothing).
<mh>Reunions
<lst>1709 Centre Plaza, Alexandria; 703-931-8161; open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays noon to 5 p.m.
<bt>Reunions, described by its owner as an "antique gift shop" is located in the Fairlington Shopping Center. The shop is set up like a house, furnished with tables, rugs, lamps, and other antiques. Although Reunions specializes in furniture, it also has a selection of silver and china, and is branching out to include new jewelry items and handbags. Prices vary widely, as does the store's selection. There are modestly priced small gifts up through furniture, which can go as high as $2,000.
<mh>Diva Designer Consignment
<lst>116 Pitt St., Alexandria; divaboutiqueva.com; 703-683-1022; open Tuesdays through Saturdays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
<bt>Diva Boutique is a consignment shop that specializes in designer clothing. It carries many of the same designer brands as department stores. Prices start at around $10 and go up to $500 for evening gowns. Diva also carries consignment designer shoes, handbags and other accessories, as well as new jewelry.
<mh>Mint Condition
<lst>114 S Royal St., Alexandria; 703-836-6468; open Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sundays noon to 4 p.m.
<bt>Mint Condition is the newest of the Alexandria consignment shops, opening last month. It carries women's high-end designer clothes, shoes, and accessories. Mint Condition targets a younger clientele than most consignment shops, carrying designer jeans but also featuring a section devoted to business clothing.
Most of the items are in recent styles; little is over a year or two old. Prices stick close to actual retail value, starting at around $25 up to designer handbags, which are priced in the $100s.
<mh>Encore Consignment Boutique
<lst>110 S Union St., Alexandria; 703-683-1756
<bt>Encore specializes in upscale women's clothing, carrying brand-name and designer clothing and accessories.
<mh>A Show of Hands
<lst>2301 Mt Vernon Ave., Alexandria; ashowofhands.biz; 703-683-2905; open Tuesdays and Wednesdays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
<bt>A Show of Hands is a consignment art shop that supports local artists, some of whom are just starting out as well as more accomplished artists. Prices go from $4 to the $1,200 range. The store carries all kinds of art work, including paintings, jewelry, needlework, handmade cards, and various mediums of sculpture.
<mh>Not Too Shabby
<lst>1515 Mt Vernon Ave., Alexandria; nottooshabbyconsignments.com; 703-519-1951; open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
<mh>Potomac West Interiors and Antique Gallery
<lst>1517 Mt Vernon Ave., Alexandria, potomacwestantiques.com; 703-519-1911; Hours same as Not Too Shabby.
<bt>Not Too Shabby was opened as a second location for Potomac West antiques. Both stores carry the same selection of items, such as furniture, crystal, china, lamps, and jewelry. Not Too Shabby veers from the traditional antique shop fare with more eclectic items, such as vintage toys — than its counterpart. Consignment items can be found in Not Too Shabby as opposed to Potomac West.
There is a wide price range for the two stores, and furniture can cost up to $2,000. All consignment items priced over $30 are lowered in price by 20 percent for each month that they remain in the store.
<mh>Elinor Coleman Vintage Mirage
<lst>210 N Lee St Suite 201, Alexandria; vintagemirage.com 703-535-8200; open Wednesday through Saturday 1 to 6 p.m.
<bt>Elinor Coleman’s Vintage Mirage carries clothing, jewelry, and unique decorations. The store’s specialty is its vintage clothes and jewelry. It carries clothes and jewelry from every era — from Victorian to contemporary.