The Connection, June 9, 1993

New Once: Treasured Twice
Bargains await consignment shoppers

by Sharon Kennedy
The Connection

Centreville — Second Time 'Round

At 13848 Lee Highway, an older frame building resembling a gen­eral store stands by itself. A furniture and a trinket room branch off from the main room. Inside, adequate walking space makes it easier to examine items up close or from a distance.

One can buy furniture, household items, books, clothes and jewelry or sell them under consignment. The consignor receives 50 percent of the selling price — a price set by Second Time 'Round. Trinket room glassware, ceramics, and books have reasonable prices. Furniture too, has reasonable prices, such as the pair of small marble tables for $200. Brand name women's clothes had $30 and $35 price tags. After 30 days, Second Time 'Round reduces the prices. Call 266-9406.

Fairfax — Quality Consignments Plus

At 3220 Old Picket Rd., off Fairfax Circle, Quality Consign­ments Plus is in a small shopping

With such a large number of items in one room, one has to squeeze between racks of clothes. For consignors, a brochure explains everything from making appointments to the types of items to consign. One can buy clothes (maternity, wedding, baby, and men's apparel), books, glassware and accessories. The store features a seasonal variety of clothing. Unlike other consignment shops, this one has some good quality men's clothing. Skirts sell for $10 to $ 15; rain coats at $30; sweaters at $12; and blouses at $16. Call 591-8384.

Reston at Hunters Woods Plaza — Book Alcove

At the intersection of Colts Neck Road and Glade Drive, one will find the Book Alcove in the Hunters Woods Plaza, a place for one-stop shopping and dining out.
From a view through the front window of the Book Alcove, one has the urge to go in and browse through subject-divided shelves full of science fiction, mystery, western and romance paperback books that cost about $3.95. Book Alcove offer special in­terest books such as art, cooking, gardening and computers. For looking up the type of snakes that the cats bring indoors, there is "An Instant Guide to Reptiles & Amphibians" at $4.99.

A book on dBASE III programming costs $6, with large art and nature books ranging from $30 to $80. Consignors receive 10 cents on the dollar of the original price of science fiction, western, and mystery paperback. The terms vary on other hardback books

Reston at Lake Anne — Consignment House

Lake Anne Plaza offers one-stop shopping at two consignment shops, Consignment House and Small Change, a supermarket, deli and dining at two restaurants. At the Consignment House, one can buy women's clothes and accessories or sell these items under consignment. Clothes range from $3 to $50.

Reston at Lake Anne — Small Change

Also at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston, Small Change features seasonal infants' and teen clothing as well as crafts.

Crafters receive 70 percent from sold items. There's a 50/50 split for other consignors. Thirty to 40 crafters supply tie dyed, hand knit­ted, and applique items, and wooden toys. They carry TOTs or Turned on Toys for the 5-month-old infant. Summer shorts sell from $1 to $10 if it's a brand name.
Infant sleepers and gowns run $ 1 or $2. Some brand name clothes may run as much as $25. Call 437-7730 for information.

Vienna — Just Like New Store

At 167 Glyndon St., Just Like New Store and the center where it is located offer one-stop consignment and grocery store shopping and restaurant eating.
To make their eye-catching items handy, space between shelves is narrow. Since some items are breakable, posted signs invite shoppers to ask for help.

One can buy women's clothes, framed pictures and a variety of European and American col­lectibles or consign these items. An easy lay-away plan makes the qual­ity jewelry and collectibles affordable and irresistible. Some clothes items are in the $10 to $13 range. However, an emerald ring with diamonds cost $11,000. Other jewelry is less expensive. Collectors will find German beer mugs and Hummels, hand-painted china from Hungary, Russian boxes, and Faberge eggs. A small Hummel might cost $45.

Vienna — Blessing's Bridal Collection

At Church Street in Vienna, one will find this specialty consignment shop. Shoppers can buy a bridal and mother-of-the-bride apparel, shoes, accessories and jewelry or sell these on consignment. Consigned items stay in the shop until purchased or reclaimed by the owner. There is a 50/50 split on sales. The shop has adequate space for examining apparel from close up or at a distance. Bridal gowns range from $200 to $600 with most between $300 to $400.
A newer modern gown originally $1,000 is for sale for $500. There are old-fashioned gowns in good condition — like a 50-year-old silk and satin gown and a 30-year-old silk brocade one. Prices of head pieces are under $100.

Mother-of-the-bride and party dresses are in the $100 range. An­tique vases, dishes and framed pictures add interest and mood for the occasion.
Blessings Bridal Collections is a short walk from Consignment Boutique, also on Church Street. Call 938-6849.