ECONOMY YENTA HERE AND NOW Making Lemonade New local boutiques, businesses and brands you may not know — but should. News From Around Town By Lynne Konstantin I L oree Wasserman knows that ladies love their Lulu. And Lululemon, makers of technical athletic apparel for yoga, dancing and most other sweaty pursuits, knows that the women (and men) who wear their products want to look chic while aligning their chakras. But that style comes at a price — which is where Wasser- man comes in. The owner of WeBuyLulu.com will take your new and gently used Lululemon off your hands in exchange for the immedi- ate gratification of a check in the mail just days later."It's risk free — our customers are thrilled because they don't have to wait for items to sell, like a resale shop,"Wasserman says. Although Wasserman is based in Highland Park, a Chicago suburb, she accepts pieces from all over the country, and has found a growing following in the Detroit area since launching two months ago. Clients can send her their pieces (at their own cost); once received, Wasserman makes an offer and the client can choose to accept (for cash or a WeBuyLulu certifi- cate) or have their stash returned (at Wasserman's expense). With a background in retail and management, Chicago- native Wasserman ran Roots' Birmingham store and oversaw all of the U.S. locations early in her marriage to her Farmington Hills born-and-bred husband, Robbie Wasserman.They soon returned to Chicago, where the couple met. In 2007, Wasserman's sister came across a barely used Louis Vuitton handbag that Wasserman had bought on vacation years before. Suggesting she sell it on eBay, Wasserman's sister helped her create an account and it sold almost instantly."' couldn't believe how much I got for it,"Wasserman says. So she started looking around her house for other luxury labels collecting dust. With a helping hand from her husband, the CEO of a propri- etary trading firm, Wasserman opened Loree's Closet, an eBay luxury consignment business. "We get top dollar, because it's more than a retail store — we have a global audience," Wasserman says. She accepts items from across the country with bidding starting at $50; items that sell up to $499 earn clients a 50-percent commis- sion, and beyond that, clients receive 60 percent. Among all the high-end brands that come her way, Wasser- man noticed one that had a consistent turnover: Lululemon. So she created a separate division under Loree's Closet, focus- ing solely on the brand — which is so enormously popular that she is able to buy pieces outright, rather than selling them on consignment. "Women live in it, but they also like to stay current each season' Wasserman says."We give them an opportunity to un- load their older items, giving them more cash to shop for the next season, or just a few dollars in the bank. And it's imme- diate: If clients send us a shipment, we can have an offer for them within 48 hours, and they get paid. It's win-win:' Visit WelluyLulu.com (847-579-9630) and LoreesClosetcom(847-748-8451)for more information. THE BUZZ Sparkle Our favorite shopping picks for women, men, kids, the home and more. By Lynne Konstantin R ing in the New Year with something shimmery and bright. Simple and modern with a flash of sparkle, jewelry by Meira T is a favorite of Heidi Klum, Kim Kardashian and more. In addition to this 14k yellow GOLD AND BEZEL- SET DIAMOND NECKLACE ($645) and 14K white gold and diamond LOVE NECKLACE ($575), check out her newest collection at a trunk show Dec. 5 at Tapper's West Bloomfield location. Tapper's Diamonds & Fine Jewelry, West Bloomfield, Novi and Troy (800-337-GIFT; tappers.com). 40 December 2013 I RED THREAD Shine in slivers of silver and gold sequins, supported by a sleek black leather heel, with J. Crew Collection SLOANE SEQUIN PUMPS ($328). Jcrew.com. Earthy glam: A ring of champagne diamonds smolder around a punchy PINK SAPPHIRE PENDANT ($895). My House of Style, Birmingham (248-594-7776; myhouseofstyle. com). t's the season to shop, be it for yourself or for a gift. Here's some news you can use: Custom Swimwear by Exelnt Designs, previously on the Boardwalk, is now operat- ing at 5751 E. 13 Mile Road in Warren, (586) 977-9140, www.customswimwear.com ... Sample Wearhouse is now open in Farmington Hills at 33060 Northwestern in West Bloomfield. Find designer samples at wholesale price on women's, juniors and girls... Perfect Trading Co., 3643 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, is now open on Sunday through Dec. 25. Great place to find unique Chanukah presents, such as customizable phone skins (see photo) ... Din- ing out: The Bosco Cafe has been one of the "in" places in downtown Ferndale for a great night out for more than 16 years, but now there are a few new additions. The Bosco Cafe, 22930 Woodward Ave., has its own grill for the very first time and the entire main lounge area has been updated. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 5-11 pm; www.facebook. com/bosco.ferndale ... Here is a place to buy your holiday goodies: The Nosh Bake Shop announces the grand opening of its online "made-to-order" bakery with modern flavors of rugelach, including red velvet, death by chocolate, cookies and cream, and PB&J. Traditional standards, such as cinnamon raisin, chocolate and raspberry, are available as well. Order online at http:// thenoshbakeshop.com . RT Available at Perfect Trading Co. www.redthreadmagazine.com