metro >> on the cover

LOW

COSt Local resale shops offer fashion
i bargains for your favorite mom.

High Style

Ronelle Grier I Contributing Writer

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Polly's ReStyle Shoppe on Drake Road in West
Bloomfield is one of the newest members of the Metro
Detroit resale scene. Owner Polly Carpenter stocks a
variety of hand-picked clothes, including a large selec-
tion of plus sizes, modern and vintage jewelry, purses,
shoes, scarves and assorted household knick-knacks.
Carpenter is always on the lookout for new finds, and
inventory is replenished frequently, often on a daily
basis.
Carpenter calls on her experience as a Jewish mother
when she plays the role of personal shopper, encourag-
ing customers to try something new and helping them
choose the right combination of clothing and acces-
sories to achieve a high-end look at a surprisingly low
cost.
She took pleasure in a recent mother-daughter shop-
ping trip, which resulted in the purchase of a prom
dress for $12.
"It made me feel good when the daughter came out of
the fitting room with a big smile," Carpenter said.
For almost 80 years, savvy shoppers have flocked
to the resale shops run by the Greater Detroit Section
of National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) for
exceptional deals on designer clothing, accessories and
household goods.
"People know us as the Tiffany's of resale said
Robert Lebow, retail merchandising director for NCJW's
three locations: Council relsale shops in Berkley and
Royal Oak, and the newest addition, Council redesign
Home Consignment store on Woodward Avenue in
Royal Oak.
The Berkley and Royal Oak stores specialize in cloth-
ing for men, women and children, along with designer
shoes, handbags, and vintage and contemporary jew-
elry. In addition, the Berkley store carries furniture, art,
lighting fixtures and other household goods, including
Oriental rugs in a variety of patterns and sizes. New
merchandise is received at all locations on a daily basis.
"People are always surprised at what they find here,"
Lebow said. "A lot of pickers and dealers shop here. We
have some pretty amazing things:"
A recent trip to the Berkley store revealed Vera Wang
Maids dresses with $390 price tags still attached for $22,
and men's Levis for $5. According to Lebow, a woman
can get dressed from head-to-toe, including shoes and
accessories, for less than $35. Both stores have special
sales, preview days and discounts for senior citizens and
Weight Watchers members.

High Style on page 16

14 May 9 • 2013

Closet NV in West Bloomfield offers high-end items
at discount, like these Christian Louboutin shoes.

Above: At NCJW's relsale store in Berkley: Kirsten Brieger
of Berkley is dressed in a J Crew top ($5), a leopard tank
($6), BCBG shoes ($10), 1980s clip-on earrings ($5) and
a Kushi red leather jacket ($30). Liz Adelman of Lathrup
Village is wearing an Ellen Tracy jacket ($12), a Guess
dress ($5), vintage hat ($15) and dangling rhinestone
earrings ($3).

Polly's ReStyle Shoppe owner Polly Carpenter, right,
is wearing a Ball of Cotton sweater ($24), Denim
and Co. jeans ($12), booties ($14) and tank ($9).
Swarovski brooch is $31; other jewelry ranges from
$3-$11. Cookie Koblin of West Bloomfield is wear-
ing Chico's jeans ($12) with a print top ($12), Van
Eli shoes ($16.50) and a Nine West purse ($26).
Jewelry ranges from $6-$18.

Right: Brieger checks out racks of
shoes in the NCJW store.