Shop Local: Sippees

If you have been reading my blog for any increment of time, you know that I have a thing for second-hand stores. I am excited to let you know that just a few days ago, another one popped up in Midtown. Its called Sippees and it was opened by Jessica Schneider, owner of Junkee Clothing Exchange. Unlike any of the other stores I have mentioned though, Sippees is geared towards the kiddos.

Sippees has a little bit of everything, and stepping through the front door feels more like hopping on a ride at Disneyland than it does entering a store. It contains more than enough fun activities to keep the kids busy while you sort through the racks. The store, which carries new and used children’s clothing, features a giant seal named Sippee, a tutu warehouse, a life-size tug boat, and a sail boat filled with salt water taffy. By the looks of the place, I’d imagine that parents have a hard time getting their kids to leave.

Similarly to Junkee Clothing Exchange, Sippees buys, sells and trades used children’s clothing in addition to selling all the goodies and new stuff. I have a feeling that Sippees will do quite well for itself. It’s not like its the only re-sale children’s clothing store, but it is the only re-sale children’s clothing store of its kind. If you don’t have any kids in your life, the store is still worth checking out…its that awesome. If you do have kids though, don’t wait. Sippees will surely become one of your go-to stores.

Sippees is located at 955 S. Virginia Street and is open 7 days a week from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Check it out and let me know what you think!

Photo Credit: 1, 2

Shop Local: Labels Consignment Boutique

We all know that the streets of Reno aren’t exactly lined with fashion houses, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of ladies out there looking for the latest designer threads. That’s where Labels comes in. Labels Consignment Boutique brings many different designer names together under one roof, and the best part…Its all on consignment. That means you’ll have a chance to score Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana and Valentino at a fraction of their original cost. Its a fashionistas dream come true.

No need to fret though, you’ll find much more than just haute couture lining the racks of Labels. Intermixed amongst the luxury fashion you’ll also find the likes of Free People, Betsey Johnson, BCBG and Gypsy 05. But like many of the other local shops I have talked about, Labels is yet another location where you’ll have to dig. The real gems are buried, but they are there and they are affordable. I once scored a vintage Betsey Johnson sequin sheath dress, which I wore to my high school prom, for $80…You can’t beat that.

Blythe Anderson opened Labels Consignment Boutique in 1993 and it has been a Reno staple ever since. I was first introduced to Labels when it was still located off of Lakeside Drive; since then the store has relocated to downtown Reno right off the river on West 1st Street. To this day I love visiting the store whenever I’m in the mood for a unique designer piece; whether that means a new purse, pair of shoes, necklace or dress Labels never disappoints!

Labels is located at 601 West 1st Street and is open Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 6:00pm, Saturday from 10:00am to 5:00pm and Sunday from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Make sure you check Labels out for your summer wardrobe updates!

Photo Credit

Shop Local: The Niche

In one of my first posts I mentioned that The Niche is one of my favorite locally owned clothing stores; today I am going to get a little more in depth about what makes it awesome–you get the boutique experience (without the boutique price tag) from the moment you walk through the front door.

You are always greeted by a friendly smiling face who is more than willing to assist you and are instantly taken aback by the trendy fashions and home decor. Similarly to other boutiques, the Niche stocks relatively low amounts of stylish inventory, so you can be sure that you are making a unique purchase.

Lucky for us though, the Niche differs from normal boutiques in one significant respect…their price tags. I love the Niche for many different reasons, but most of all for their super low prices. The store carries various affordable purses, scarves, hats and jewelry, and many of the tops are priced between $20 and $40 with denim ranging upwards of $50.

It is unlikely that founder Jamie Getty knew what she was getting herself into when she opened her doors in November 2004. What began as a modest retail location in Shopper’s Square on Plumb Lane has since become somewhat of a Northern Nevada staple. The store has expanded to four locations and seems to be busy more often than not.

The Niche was voted as the “Best Women’s Clothing Boutique” and the “Best Boutique Clothing Store” in 2010, 2011 and 2012, and I do not doubt they will continue their reign in 2013. The Niche currently has four locations, which you can find more information about below.

Reno, Nevada

1300 East Plumb Lane
775.348.8661
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-6:30pm,  Sun 11am-5pm
(View Map)

Sparks, Nevada

121 Los Altos Parkway
775.626.8820
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-6:30pm,  Sun 11am-5pm
(View Map)

Carson City, Nevada

931 Jacks Valley Road
775.267.3785
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-6:30pm,  Sun 11am-5pm
(View Map)

Truckee, California

10164 Donner Pass Road
530.587.3100
Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-6pm
(View Map)

The next time you are looking for a trendy outfit or an unforgettable gift, I recommend checking out the Niche–You won’t be disappointed!

Photo Credit: 1, 2, 3

Shop Local: Plato’s Closet

After concluding my last interview with Hillary Schieve, co-creator of the Biggest Little Fashion Truck, she asked if I’d be interested in helping her out with some spring revamping at Plato’s Closet. Not only is Hillary part owner of the BLFT, she’s also the owner Plato’s Closet and Clothes Mentor—two brand name gently used clothing stores that buy, sell and trade the latest trends in Reno’s Midtown district. Hillary’s request made me outright giddy for two reasons. First, I love Plato’s Closet. Second, I love styling.

I head to Plato’s Closet whenever I am in the mood for a quick wardrobe update that won’t break the bank. Plato’s sells gently used brand name clothing at a fraction of its original cost. The store also has a staff of buyers who are constantly sorting through clothes to find items that fit the latest trends. The buyers are good at what they do; I can almost always find something I like, and I can’t tell you how many times I have come across items that still have their original tags intact.

Today’s trip to the store was quite similar to other trips, only this time I wasn’t scouring the racks for myself…instead, I was busy searching for the store displays. I think I went through just about every item of clothing in the store, pulling each trendy piece I came across. Once I had a good collection going, I started styling some of the store mannequins. I tackled one rather large display, and I was pretty happy with the outcome. What was the coolest part about my day you ask? I’d have to say over hearing a couple of customers ask if my outfits were for sale.

Plato’s Closet is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00am to 9:00pm and Sunday from 11:00am to 7:00pm. However, the buying counter is only open until 7:00pm Monday through Saturday and 5:00pm on Sunday. The next time your wardrobe could use some revamping, I suggest checking out Plato’s Closet…your wallet will thank you.

Shop Local: The Biggest Little Fashion Truck

How many times have you kicked yourself for not being the first to come up with an idea? I experience moments like this on a regular basis, but I have seldom been as frustrated as I was when I was found out about the world of fashion trucks. A few weeks ago when I interviewed Jessica Schneider of Junkee, I was encouraged to contact Hillary Schieve. Hillary is a Reno City Councilwoman, the owner of Plato’s Closet, Clothes Mentor and the co-creator of Reno’s first fashion truck.

Vinnie Lucido, co-creator of the BLFT

After discovering the fashion trucks of San Francisco, LA and New York, Hillary and her business partner Vinnie Lucido felt a strong desire to bring the latest mobile business craze to Reno. That is when Vinnie set out to re-purpose an old delivery truck into the Biggest Little Fashion Truck.  Hillary and Vinnie’s creation features sleek hardwood floors, built-in shelving, outdoor pull-down racks and an onboard fitting room.

What’s the coolest part about the Biggest Little City Truck you ask? I’d say it’s the versatility. The truck is small and easy to stock so it’s able to cater to trends and a targeted clientele.  Even if that means hand picking a selection of items for a private party—that’s right…the BLFT will travel to you for your own personal shopping experience.

You can expect to find the Biggest Little Fashion Truck at different events and functions around town over the next couple of months. The truck made its debut at the Women’s Expo on March 23 followed by a visit to Real Deals Saturday this past weekend. The BLFT’s website features an interactive calendar that allows you to track the truck’s whereabouts.

Find out where the truck’s next stop will be by following the Biggest Little Fashion Truck on Twitter and Facebook!

Photo Credit

Shop Local: Never Ender

When was the last time walking into a store made you happy? Just yesterday I got the warm fuzzies when I walked through the door of Never Ender. Sure, I love retail more than most, but it is seldom I feel such happiness when entering a store. I’m not sure if it was the small-time mom and pop feel or the quaint midtown brownstone that had me so giddy; whatever it was, I liked it…a lot.

Melanie Crane, Owner of Never Ender

In 2004 owner Melanie Crane’s daughter Amber Solorzano started Never Ender. She wanted to create a space where she could bring fashion and local art together. Built upon the fundamental notion of selling clothing, accessories and art by emerging artists and designers, its obvious Never Ender has never lost sight of its original vision.

When asked about her opinion on style in Reno, Melanie explained how Reno falls behind some of the trending tendencies that many of the larger cities exuberate—I couldn’t agree with her more. It’s not our fault though. We just don’t have that many trendy shopping options. The good news is we are acquiring more; the even better news…we have Never Ender.

The next time you are looking for something original or trendy, stop by Never Ender. They carry clothing from designers based out of Truckee, San Francisco and Los Angeles; many of the accessories are locally made and each month the store’s gallery features a different artist. Never Ender isn’t afraid to break the mold, and lucky for us, it has become a place people can visit to figure out what’s in.

Never Ender is located at 119 Thoma Street. They are open Monday through Saturday from 11am to 6pm and Sunday from 11am to 5pm. When you stop by don’t forget to check out Gold Seam, a small vintage shop located at the back of the Thoma house. I highly recommend checking the store out. You’ll enjoy the superb customer service, and I doubt you’ll leave empty handed.

Check Never Ender out on Facebook or Twitter and share your thoughts about the store below!

Shop Local: Junkee Clothing Exchange

When you first walk into Junkee Clothing Exchange it can be a bit overwhelming…every display is designed to be especially visually stimulating, there’s a rad compilation of eclectic tunes playing in the background, and you are sure to be greeted by at least three smiling employees. My experience Friday afternoon was no different. I had the opportunity to sit down with Jessica Schneider, owner of Junkee, and pick her brain about style in Reno.

When asked about her perception of Reno style, Jessica was extremely insightful. You see she has this theory about style in the Biggest Little City…She thinks that we are currently a little lost but trying to find our way. For many decades after our town’s inception, we knew we were a gaming town; for the first time in history our economy isn’t dependent upon the casinos, and it has us confused. We are in desperate need of a reinvention, but what image are we trying to create for ourselves? This theory brings up many underlying issues, but what I’m interested in is how it explains our style. ­

Jessica Schneider, Owner of Junkee Clothing Exchange

It wasn’t until recently that Reno started acquiring a more varied shopping selection, and with the larger selection there has been a shift in style…for the better. This is in great thanks to shops like Junkee. Jessica started out as an interior designer in the area and found great success until the economy tanked. In January 2008, she felt the urge to create a recession proof business and by May 2008 Junkee was up and running.

Jessica knew that in a diminishing economy people were no longer going to be able to run to the mall and spend $300 on a pair of jeans.  In that sense her business plan was genius. The whole buy, sell and trade game was new to Reno, and it took off with a mighty force. Since she opened her doors, several have tried to imitate her concept but none have succeeded.  Junkee has taken on a life of its own that I don’t think any in this area will ever be able to replicate.

Junkee Clothing Exchange is a 15,000 square foot one-stop shop for vintage inspired clothing, costumes, accessories, furniture and antiques. The buying counter, which operates Monday through Saturday from 12-4pm, keeps the store up-to-date. The clothing is always reasonably priced, and their selection changes everyday. If you sell to Junkee, they will pay you on the spot or give you the option to double your money in store credit…which is awesome.

Junkee is open 7 days a week from 11am to 7pm and they are located at 960 South Virginia Street; if you haven’t already, check them out, I promise you won’t be disappointed. I encourage you to head over to Facebook and Twitter and follow Junkee Clothing Exchange; you’ll want to be in the know when it comes to this homegrown Reno business!

Shop Local

We all know it’s better for our local economy to shop at the mom & pop businesses, but many of us still head towards the bigger, chain-type retail locations whenever our wardrobe needs a facelift.  So, today I wanted to share with you three of my favorite locally owned clothing stores–the ones I head to when I am in the mood for a quick update but don’t want to break the bank.

First up is Junkee Clothing Exchange; it is my go-to shop for one of a kind, vintage inspired pieces. Junkee Clothing Exchange buys, sells and trades clothing, which enables its customers to easily switch up their wardrobes. They keep their store pretty up to date as far as trends go and have their racks organized by garment type and color. Clothing is very reasonably priced at Junkee, and their selection changes everyday. Junkee is open 7 days a week from 11am to 7pm and they are located at 960 South Virginia Street. Junkee scores bonus points in my book because they also have a great variety of antiques to sort through.

Next we have the Niche, which started out as a modestly sized clothing and home décor shop in Shopper’s Square, that has since expanded to four locations in Reno, Sparks, Carson City and Truckee. The Niche features boutique styled clothing at a fraction of typical boutique prices. I often find myself heading to the Niche if I am looking for an outfit to go out in or if I just need something fun. My favorite part about the Niche is that they don’t stock a lot of the same items, so you aren’t likely to run in to someone on the street wearing the same thing. The Reno Niche is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 6:30pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm. They are located at 1300 East Plumb Lane. Make sure you check out their home décor too; most of the pieces are unique and make for great conversation starters.

Finally is Labels Consignment Boutique, an absolute must for the fashion-minded individual. They carry many different designers, but some of my favorites include Chanel, Free People and BCBGMAXAZIRA—the best part you ask? Everything is on consignment so it’s always reasonably priced. Labels is a great place to shop for any occasion, and you can always be sure to find awesome accessories. Labels is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 6pm, Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday from 11am to 4pm. They are located  at 601 West First Street, just outside of downtown.

I’d love to know which local store is your favorite; please share your thoughts below.