A Consignment Mecca for All

With the subtle shift in the weather and the days growing shorter, as much as we try to deny it, change is in the air.  Summer is just about over. School is starting. It’s Autumn.

We were dreaming about a new fall wardrobe and were trying to figure out how to finesse it on our ‘champagne-taste, beer-budget’ and then a brainstorm hit. Head over to the stretch of Ridgewood Road where Maplewood meets South Orange. There sits an unofficial, consignment-shopping headquarters, with three great places to choose from, no matter what your wardrobe (or living room) needs.

Renaissance Resale Boutique and Renaissance Antiques; Milk Money children’s consignment; andYesterday and Today, a haven for teenagers, are separate stores that share the same address—410 Ridgewood Road. 

Renaissance offers designer clothing, better handbags, shoes and accessories. We remember picking up an interview suit there that knocked everyone’s socks off. 

Sisters Nancy and Jean are Ridgewood Road pioneers, having been in the same location over 25 years. The upstairs clothing boutique truly offers something for everyone—catering to all ages and all sizes. 

You’ll find designer names like Eileen Fisher, Ralph Lauren, and Armani in sizes from 4 to eighteen. If your taste runs a bit trendier there are labels like Elevens, Vince, Banana Republic and Seven Jeans. And if you crave the truly deluxe you’ll be thrilled by the Chanel and Bottega Veneta  treasures.  

And who wouldn’t love a new-to-you Coach or Furla pocketbook?  If you have your heart set on a certain designer that’s not in stock, Nancy will be happy to put your name on a waiting list. In fact certain high-end items, such as Louis Vuitton bags, rarely make it to the selling floor because of that list.

Renaissance is not a thrift shop, but a consignment store, so don’t expect to find rock-bottom-priced or ripped, stained or damaged items or ones that "smell funny." Consignments come in from all over the New Jersey metropolitan area and from as far away as California. Prices vary, but most fall into the more-than-75%-off-regular retail category. Renaissance runs sales during the tail end of seasons as well as regular sales during the year.  

There’s a vast selection of accent pieces such as scarves, belts and jewelry including those in luxury materials like cashmere and alligator. Incredible finds are flying into the store this time of year, new things arrive daily and are snapped up by savvy shoppers like Maplewood resident Carrie Schwartz, who was there replenishing her supply of Eileen Fisher pieces–adding a gorgeous cashmere sweater and elegant blouse. “The clothes in this store seamlessly run the spectrum of age and styles” she said. “I shop here often.”

Many items are brand new with tags, and you never know who you’re going to run into with many local celebrities (you know who we mean..) shopping at Renaissance for a special occasion or audition item.

Downstairs, Jean edits a collection of fantastic home furnishings ranging from stately mahogany dressers to Asian chests to country tables and accents.  She explains it as “An eclectic mix with fine traditional furniture like dining room tables and chairs to mid-century design and funky '70s pieces.  We had an Eames chair here” she continued, “and it lasted in stock about 10 minutes before being snapped up.”

She gathers her pieces from private sources in Pennsylvania, Connecticut and New Jersey. Affordable, attractive and unique antiques priced fairly and well.  She also offers an interior design service. Vivian Matalon of South Orange stopped by the first time and was quite taken by an upholstered cedar chest. “I’ve passed by many times” she said, “and have always meant to stop in. I love the diversity of the furniture and accessories. I was just staying with friends in the Hamptons, they had a very similar piece” she said pointing at a folk-art rooster. If you find something you must have, don't worry about getting it home. Jean will arrange affordable delivery.

Renaissance is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. through 6 p.m. Phone: 973-761-7450, e-mail: renaissanceconsignment@verizon.net. 

Milk Money sits at the other end of 410 Ridgewood Road and is a consignment shop catering to kids with sizes ranging from zero through 14. 

Maplewood Milk Money is owned by Ann Harding, herself a mother of a 7-year-old girl.  It’s part of a six-store chain with locations in New Jersey and New York. The inviting space is a refreshing alternative to big-box or department-store shopping.  It’s a sunny and warm space, painted in primary colors. There’s a welcoming playroom in the back stocked with games, toys and books as well as a comfy couch. Downstairs you’ll find books, games, strollers and larger toys such as a rocking horse.  You won’t be sacrificing quality or taking out a second mortgage to do back-to-school shopping here.

Donna Boesch, who works at the shop, noted that “consigners are our best customers.” Consigner/customer Shelly Gigante of Maplewood agrees, “I like all aspects of this store. I like bringing in gently used clothes and knowing that someone will be using them. And the prices can’t be beat for cute play clothes.” Gigante’s kids Sophie, 6, and Trey, 4, were amusing themselves in the playroom while their mother browsed the racks.  Shop now for the best selection of winter coats and boots and snuggly warm pajamas and sweaters. Milk Money runs end-of-the-season sales and a rock-bottom bag sale for clearance.

Milk Money is open Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. through 5 p.m.; Thursdays until 8 p.m., 973-313-1061, www.milkmoneylove.com

Yesterday and Today is located in between Milk Money and Renaissance both in location and customer-base, catering to the older child/teen market and to those whose outlook in young at heart.  When we stopped by today, there was a sign on the door saying closed for vacation until September 9,  but we know that they’ll reopen with their wide range of funky and fun, cool and chic clothes and accessories including jeans, jackets, sweaters, dresses and shoes. 

Yesterday and Today is open Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.; 973-762-1700; Yesterdayandtodaywear.com.  

There's plenty of on-the-street parking by 410 Ridgewood Road.