Finders Keepers Boutique Back Alley Fashion

We're streamlining!

2011-10-17T15:44:00.000-07:00

Finders Keepers Consignment Inc now has four stores! So, instead of starting yet another blog, we decided to streamline and have... drumroll please... one blog! So check out the new home for all things Finders Keepers: http://www.consignatlanta.blogspot.com/.

We're having a party and you're invited!

2011-09-28T12:21:00.000-07:00

We've got two great reasons to celebrate: Finders Keepers Boutique turns 4...and the official launch of our brand new Menswear location. So here's your invitation to come eat, drink, be merry, and shop of course, this Friday, September 30th at Finders Keepers Boutique and Menswear. We're taking 10% off your total purchase (our gift to you) at these two locations this Friday only. We'll be open from 11am - 8pm for your shopping convenience.

Who: Our favorite customers
When: Friday Sept. 30 from 11 to 8
Where: Boutique 2134 N. Decatur and Menswear 2130 N. Decatur Rd
What: Food, Drink and Discount
Why: We love to celebrate!

Questions: 404-634-6995

We will never forget - 10 years later

2011-09-11T19:02:00.000-07:00

Our manager, Stephanie, is in NYC for the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on our country. Here are a few pictures from the day.

We'll be open for business TOMORROW!!

2011-08-22T18:48:00.000-07:00

Our amazing staff busted their tushies all day today to get our new location ready for consignment magic! Check out pictures of our fast and furious move. We're so excited!!

oh. my. handbags.... and a hole in the wall!

2011-08-21T12:40:00.000-07:00

Check out three of our favorite new handbags that came in last week... and pictures we took this morning of the hole in the wall between our old space (which will soon become Finders Keepers Menswear) and our new space, which will open for business Tuesday!

Jimmy Choo $239

Ralph Lauren as is $525 (retail price: $2400)

Valentino handbag... doesn't it make you want to take a bite? :)

We're moving!

2011-08-19T12:08:00.000-07:00

Check out pictures of our new location (right next door!) for our bigger better Boutique. It's still in progress, but we plan to open on... drum roll please... TUESDAY! We will need to close this Monday in order to get it looking just-so for our fantabulous customers. We're so excited!!

Why. I. Love. Fall.

2011-08-05T06:23:00.000-07:00

In a word: layers. And if I could pick one more: colors. And if I was allowed a third: boots. Backstory: when I tell customers in the Boutique that I grew up working on horse farms, they always look at me with puzzle pieces knitting across their faces: how, pray tell, did you wind up here? How do farms and fashion go together, or, more appropriately, collide? The short answer: blue jeans. Barn girls learn from an early age how to look good in blue jeans - how to turn the same pair of denim and leather boots into something so powerfully feminine that it catches even the most rugged cowboy by surprise. And then when we meet said cowboy for dinner later in the week, we top those can-do boots with something a little girly and pretend not to notice when he comes undone at the sight.

In this look: New Escada blouse size 4 $450 (retail $1190); Plenty skirt size 6 $34; Kate Spade boots size 8 $115; Gucci handbag $500; Earrings $13; Cowboy hat $6.50

A woman's work...

2011-08-03T18:56:00.000-07:00

...is never done! Sometimes I wonder if my husband believes in cleaning fairies... that they swoop in and do his laundry, put the cereal box back in the pantry each morning, stick his dishes in the washer - all before 8am. We women do a lot of work behind-the-scenes. We're unsung, multi-tasking, forces of nature - and we look good doing it!

Items in this look include: New Kate Landry handbag $59, New Ralph Lauren snake heels, size 8.5 $340, retail $825, New Michael Kors dress, size 12 $531, retail $1795, Chico's clip earrings $17, Yellow bangle $7, Versace sunglasses $92

The Man Chair

2011-08-01T08:40:00.000-07:00

We took these blog pictures in what will soon be Finders Keepers Menswear! Our landlords just finished their part of the build-out (it's called a "white box" - stripped down floors and white walls... oh the possibilities!) and granted us the "certificate of occupancy," which means we get to -finally- move in and get down to business. The fellas may not want to hear it, but it's often so very true: behind every great man is a strong woman. And these fierce and fiesty boutique girls are going to make sure Atlanta's men have a great place to save money, make money, and shop smart!

In this look: Missoni dress, size 4 $89, new Valentino heels, size 38.5 $269 (retail $675), Chez Bella gloves $10, Earrings $12, Carolina Herrera handbag $67, scarf $10

Additional shoes: New Jimmy Choo heels, size 38.5 $330 (retail $790), Valentino heels, size 38.5 $148, New Armani heels, size 38 $254 (retail $685)

These boots are made for walkin...

2011-06-23T07:24:00.000-07:00

Yeehaw! Our manager has flown the coop - in an airplane bound for Dallas! Every year our managers attend the NARTS (National Association of Resale and Thrift Stores) conference to learn how to make our stores even better for you. This annual event is held in a different city each year, and will be in Dallas, Texas for the 2011 conference. I hope Stephanie packed her cowgirl boots!

If you're interested in starting your own consignment store, or if you already have and want to be a part of an amazing group of THOUSANDS of store owners, check out the official website: http://www.narts.org/.

p.s. Finders Keepers Menswear - our new men's consignment store - is coming along! The build-out is well underway and we hope to open some time this summer.

look of the week

2011-05-16T10:04:00.000-07:00

Dress: BCBG, size 2, $32; Jacket: Coldwater Creek, size XL, $30; Belt: Talbot's, size L, $13; Top: Anne Fontaine, size 2, $25; Necklaces: $16/$18

New Arrival: the perfect summer Gucci handbag!

2011-05-11T09:26:00.000-07:00

I love a white handbag for summer. Especially if it's leather. And Gucci. Delicious!

Look of the week!

2011-05-09T16:15:00.000-07:00

Top: Misook, size XXS, $24, Dress: Helen Wang, size S, $38, Shrug: Tahari, size XS, $37, Necklaces: $14/$17, Handbag: Bruno Rossi, $23

What's in a Name? Name our new store and win $100 cash!

2011-05-06T09:08:00.000-07:00

It might be a man's world according to James Brown... but that hasn't been true in the world of consignment. Finders Keepers is one of the few consignment companies that markets menswear. Our mens department has enjoyed a consistent influx of designer and contemporary menswear and essentials, and we wanna show it off! We're opening a new location - right next door to our Boutique in Decatur - to showcase and expand our high-end consignment selection.

Here's where you come in: We need a name for this new addition to the Finders Keepers family. Help us take this new store in the direction that best serves Atlanta's savvy, stylish men. It's easy: just comment on this blog post with your suggestion (don't forget to include a way to contact you) or email us directly at casey.kallenberg@fkconsign.com. If we choose your idea for our new name, we'll give you $100 cash and you'll be featured on our blogs.

We will accept submissions now through midnight this Wednesday, May 11th. So get your creativity on and show us what you've got!

catching up! 2 looks this week :)

2011-05-03T07:35:00.000-07:00

In effort to catch up, here's a second look for this week. For those of you that work in a sea of cubicles, bring a touch of personality to your workplace by spicing up your workwear!

Moda dress, size 12, $30, Creme fraiche brown top, size S, $28, Carlisle belt, size L, $13, Farrutx handbag, $63, Necklaces, $18/$13

Look of the Week!

2011-05-02T08:54:00.000-07:00

and... i'm back! While this new mommy still reaches for gym shorts (hooray for elastic waist bands) each morning, I eagerly await Stephanie's weekly emails so I can get my vicarious fashion fix. And this week touched on all my favorite little something extras: lace, layers, and originality.

Ruth top, size 2, $26, Free People skirt, size L, $30, Eccoci shrug, size M, $26, Chain belt, $23, Necklace, $16, Brio handbag, $47

How Can 50 Cents Change a Life?

2011-04-22T17:27:00.000-07:00

Shop with any Finders Keepers Store this Earth Day weekend (April 22nd + 23rd only) and help your world and refugees from all over the globe that now call Atlanta home. Residents of our refugee community often can't afford tampons or sanitary pads, and simply go without. Just bring in a package of tampons or sanitary pads for residents of Atlanta's refugee community and we'll take 10% off of your total purchase at any of our stores on April 22nd and 23rd.

What if 50 cents could change the future? For girls in developing countries who miss a week of school each month during menstruation, 50 cents buys a month of sanitary supplies and an uninterrupted education. 50 Cents Period, a joint project of Just Cause, Inc., and the LaVya Initiative, represents a worldwide network of women dedicated to creating more options for girls by providing supplies, facilities and education related to menstruation. The solution is simple; the impact lasts a lifetime. (from 50centsperiod.com)

and... i'm back!

2011-04-18T13:13:00.000-07:00

What a better way to get jump-started after a wonderful maternity leave than with a fantabulous dose of daily fashion? I love layering - especially with professional wear - and green is my most favorite color. So when Stephanie sent me this little ensemble I just had to post it for my first day back.

Shae navy top, size L, $29, Tullette green dress, size L, $29, Robert Graham top, size M, $27, Flower buckle belt, $12, New Juicy handbag, $75, Necklace, $16

I almost fainted... literally

2011-03-05T08:08:00.000-08:00

"I almost fainted... literally." That was the email that I got from the manager of our Boutique when she sent me pictures of new arrivals yesterday. I had to pinch myself as I scrolled through the images of the new inventory: a beautiful, quilted Chanel handbag, a Judith Leiber evening clutch with mirror and change purse, a diamond and black onyx David Yurman neclace, a Chanel necklace, a Judith Ripka 3 piece jewelry set, a Nancy Gonzalez crocodile clutch, and a Prada handbag. Check out the pictures below!

New Arrivals - Judith Leiber, Prada, Dooney and Bourke, and Ellen Tracy

2011-03-03T07:27:00.000-08:00

These new arrivals are quite the statement! Animal print, deliciously dark green, and - of course - crystals!

Prada Wallet - $185

Judith Leiber Reading Glasses $135

NWT Ellen Tracy Skirt, size 2 $120

Dooney and Bourke Handbag $130

Q+A with our fearless leader, Bonnie Kallenberg

2011-02-21T08:43:00.000-08:00

Bonnie Kallenberg, owner of Finders Keepers Consignment Stores, gets asked a lot of questions. She was recently asked: "What's the most unusual thing anyone has ever purchased in one of your stores?" Here's her answer:

Tyler Perry, a movie producer, lives and films movies and television shows all around Atlanta so we have his set designers in the stores often. The most memorable purchase of theirs was a large amount of dressy and designer clothing, shoes and accessories to use in the closet scene of “Diary of a Mad Black Woman”. The YouTube link is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJKkCkNjTZQ where you can see the actors trash a closet full of clothing from Finders Keepers about 2 minutes and 30 seconds into the clip!

p.s. winter clearance starts TODAY at the Boutique! All of our winter merchandise has been marked down, so come stock up on designer goodies at even lower prices.

OMG - awesome new arrivals for spring!

2011-02-16T05:18:00.000-08:00

The weather is heating up - finally - and the inside of Finders Keepers Boutique couldn't be hotter! Don't worry, our AC is working just fine. We've checked in some new arrivals that are steaming up our little store. Chanel sunglasses, Missoni sunglasses, Prada, Marni, and Akris dresses, Tory Burch, Burberry, and more! Price list and pictures below:

Red Burberry tote $180
Pink Marc Jacobs handbag $215
Pink Missoni sunglasses $72
Black Chanel sunglasses $145
White Prada dress size 48, $175
New Pink Prada dress size 48, $430 (NWT retail $2530)
Floral Marni dress size 44, $225
Tan Akris dress size 10, $150
New Ivory/Black Tory Bruch top size 12, $125 (NWT retail $395)

Burberry Tote

Marc Jacobs handbag

Missoni Sunglasses

Chanel Sunglasses

Prada Dress NWT

Marni Dress

Tory Burch top NWT

Akris Dress

Prada Dress (and my personal favorite!)

Spring Cleaning

2011-02-15T06:56:00.000-08:00

Boutique Girl Ivana is also a student at SCAD. I love it when she brings her sketches into work with her. It gives me a new appreciation for the creative process that goes behind every single item of clothing. Her professor's notes are scrawled all over her designs (well, in a piece of wax paper so that the professor can correct the design without actually making a mark on it.) And when I first see Ivana's designs I am always simply blown away, and out of sheer defense of her I proclaim I can see nothing wrong and how dare her professor tell her anything differently and doesn't she understand that creativity is subjective?! And then I see the corrections and marvel at the difference the tiniest tweak here or there makes to the whole design.

Ivana is also in a merchandising class right now, so her job at Boutique suits her well, since she's often assigned projects involving displays and marketing. She had such an assignment last week. The store is in its hardest phase to display: the dreaded in-between-seasons: bulky winter stuff still puffs out between the lighter linens and silks of spring... a wool coat and a sundress sit side-by-side on the rack. (Side note: winter clearance begins NEXT WEEK!!) So she had her work cut out for her when she got an assignment to build a display portfolio. Here are a few of her pictures:

Boutique's Look of the Week

2011-02-10T11:12:00.000-08:00

Nikibiki blakc cami, one size, $16
Escio green top, size Medium, $24
New Tahari pink cardigan, size Small, $37
Etcetera skirt, size 12, $34
Handbag, $28
Necklace, $8

Getting RAD

2011-02-09T10:03:00.000-08:00

We're so excited about the upcoming Rail Arts District Studio Cruise. Local artists and musicians will showcase their work and talent at small businesses in Avondale Estates and Decatur this Saturday, February 12th. One of our Boutique Girls - Meghann - will be showing her artwork at our furnishings location (2753 E. College Avenue in Decatur) alongside fellow student Max. Meghann recently completed a very competitive summer intensive art program at NYU. Check out pictures of their artwork and the official promo flier below, as well as: http://www.railartsdistrict.com/ for more information.

Tons of small businesses in the area will act as venues for local artists.

Meet Meghann this Saturday (pictured here during a blog shoot over the summer)

Free Workshop: Closet Chaos to Closet Confidence

2011-02-02T12:05:00.000-08:00

Are you planning on getting a Valentine’s Day card for your closet this year or have the two of you had a falling out? As silly as it sounds, a negative relationship with your closet can create a lot of stress. A NAPO associate member and owner of Finders Keepers Consignment Stores, Bonnie Kallenberg has seen a lot (and I mean a LOT) of clothing in her lifetime. She knows how important it is to make your wardrobe work as hard as possible. Bonnie will walk you through the simple steps of a complete closet-transformation process and show you how to fall in love with your clothing again.

When: Saturday, February 5th @ 9:30am
Where: Finders Keepers Furnishings - 2753 E. College Ave., Decatur, GA 30030
Call for details: 404-377-1944

See the full February lineup on our website: http://www.fkconsign.com/ and click on the "Future Sales + Events" page.

Falling in love... with some AWESOME new arrivals!

2011-01-31T08:36:00.000-08:00

I'm not the biggest Valentines Day fan there ever was. Maybe it's because when I was 17, my first serious boyfriend gave me a pair of khaki overalls for valentines day.... I wish I was kidding, but I'm not. So ever since then I "eh" at the thought of getting excited for the red-hearted, hallmark-driven 14th of February. Well Cupid must be determined to make me reconsider, because here we are, two weeks before the day o' love, and in walk the most spectacular are-you-seriously-giving-this-up designer consignment accessories we've had in a long, long time. A Chanel handbag, several pairs of Christian Louboutin shoes (booties, wedges, and heels!), Oscar de la Renta boots, Jimmy Choo boots (and they're so super sexy it makes me want to take them out to some swanky retaurant I can't afford just so I can stare at them from across the table.... please don't judge me,) a Ferragamo handbag, Gucci heels, Manolo Blahnik heels, and Louis Vuitton heels, to name a few. Do you see what I mean?! So while I'm not rushing out to buy Valentines cards, I did feel the need to decorate these delicious delicacies with sparkly hearts. Hey, it just didn't seem right to not show my love!

p.s. - what's the worst/funniest/most memorable gift YOU ever got for Valentines day?

News from our Furniture Store!

2011-01-28T09:17:00.000-08:00

Just a friendly reminder that our Furnishings location is hosting NAPO member Jonda Beattie tomorrow for her workshop: "The Magic Suitcase" - Downsizing done right! This workshop is totally free and will begin at 9:30am sharp! Here's the workshop description:

Professional organizer and author Jonda Beattie knows that there’s nothing small about downsizing. Whether you’re facing this major life decision now or considering it for the future, this workshop will help outline how to make this transition a successful time in your life by exploring how to get started, pitfalls to avoid, and rewards that can be achieved at the end of that long – and often intimidating – road. Learn more on her website: www.timespaceorg.com

Curious about our furniture store? Check out its new facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Finders-Keepers-Furnishings/137525492976138

Quick Update!

2011-01-25T06:50:00.001-08:00

"Getting rid of clutter will reduce your housework by 40%" - Martha Stewart. Do you have clutter in your closet? Turn it into cash! Our spring consignment season starts TODAY!

Signed Manolos, classic Louboutins, and more!

2011-01-21T06:32:00.000-08:00

Stephanie, manager of Finders Keepers Boutique, sent me an email in the middle of the day yesterday, which was very strange because she's almost always too busy to email me when the store is open. When I opened the email I saw why: she'd just accepted amazing new items on consignment, including autographed Manolos, Christian Louboutins, a velvet Armani duster, and a Prada handbag! You have GOT to see these:

Manolo Blahniks (autographed!!) size 39 $350

Prada Handbag $500

Armani Duster size 42 $219

Christian Louboutins size 40 $145

Boutique's Look of the Week

2011-01-21T05:24:00.000-08:00

Handbag: Fossil $40
Skirt: Nanette Lepore size 8 $43
Top: Ann Taylor size 14 $29
Cardigan: Guinevere size Large $33
Chain necklace: $18
Pearl necklace: $5.50

Quick News!

2011-01-17T11:27:00.000-08:00

You got it? We want it! Still have winter clothing and accessories that you want to consign? This is the last week that we're accepting winter consignment at Finders Keepers Stores, so bring it in by Saturday!

She's not afraid of a little hard work...

2011-01-14T06:15:00.000-08:00

Finders Keepers Consignment owner Bonnie Kallenberg was interviewed by a Patch.com writer as she shoveled snow and ice from the Finders Keepers Furnishings parking lot on Wednesday. The article appeared on Aol.com's local news section! Check it out at: http://decatur.patch.com/articles/the-great-thaw-more-businesses-ready-for-customers

Talk about do-it-yourself!

2011-01-13T07:06:00.000-08:00

We missed you so much that we dug out our parking lots to make them safe for you to shop and consign. Our stores will open today from 11am - 5pm, so come see us! Here are a few of our snow pictures and pictures submitted by our customers:

Day Three: Do-it-Yourself!

2011-01-12T07:06:00.000-08:00

It's now day three of Snow Fest 2011. My neighborhood has been completely iced in since Sunday night, and watching people attempt to drive up the massive hill in front of our house reminded me of a bad video game. By Monday afternoon people simply stopped trying to come or go - scared off by the pile of abandoned cars and fender-benders at the bottom of the hill. But by yesterday morning, enough people had had enough, and about 15 residents joined forces - and shovels - and literally dug the main road out from several inches of packed snow and ice. "Sometimes, you've just got to do it yourself," one neighbor said when I brought them out drinks. And then that got me thinking: I *love* do-it-yourself projects, especially arts and crafts. I found a great website that has all kinds of do-it-yourself ideas, which is especially helpful for homes with kids who by now might be ready to head back to school just to get out of the house. Check it out at: http://www.instructables.com/

Here are a few of my favorite snow pictures. Send us your favorite snow-day pictures and stories and we'll feature them on our website! Email them to: casey.kallenberg@fkconsign.com

Another Day, another project!

2011-01-11T07:28:00.000-08:00

If you're anything like me, you constantly think about what you could get done at home if only you had more time to spend there. Well, it's now day two of Atlanta's winter wonderland. I spent yesterday morning organizing my closet and have a pile to take with me to the store when we re-open (hopefully tomorrow). Afterwards my husband and I took to the couch like two potatoes and spent the evening watching movies, scrapbooking, and eating way too much junk food. So now this morning my living room looks like a bomb went off. I stared at it in fury and dismay for a few seconds, and then thought: silly me, I have plenty of time to get this back together - and to get it back together better! HGTV.com had some great tips to keep a family/living room neat and tidy. These are a few of my favorites:

1. Welcome the Waste Basket: Few family rooms actually have a wastebasket in them; they're not attractive and they can smell. Counteract this by choosing a can that fits your room's decor.

2. Keep Flat Surfaces Clutter-Free: Make a quick sweep of all flat surfaces by piling papers in a bin, then sorting and purging as necessary. Take a vow, and get your family to follow it, to put papers in files rather than on the coffee table.

3. Curb Your Collectible Enthusiasm: Large collections display best when bits and pieces are shown at a time (think shadow boxes) and rotated to keep the decor fresh.

What a great day for a treasure hunt!

2011-01-10T05:46:00.001-08:00

Stuck Inside? We are too. In order to keep our staff safe, all Finders Keepers Stores will be closed today, January 10th. Are you stuck at home? If so, it's a great day to clean out your closet! Get rid of clutter and make money off of things you no longer love. Already organized your wardrobe? Rearrange a room to refresh the energy and see if there's a piece or two you no longer have use for.

NAPO... GO... what??

2011-01-04T08:10:00.000-08:00

In a world of ever-increasing acronyms, these may not be so familiar: GO or NAPO. Allow me to translate! GO is the abbreviation for Get Organized, and January is officially "Get Organized" month. This is where NAPO comes in: the National Association of Professional Organizers. Whether you need someone to light a fire under your organization goals or want to tackle it yourself, it's likely you can make some money off of things you're ready to part with. Check out this video that a NAPO member and Bonnie Kallenberg, owner of Finders Keepers Consignment Stores made to tell you about consignment:

Finders Keepers Saturday Workshop Series is Back!

2011-01-03T07:35:00.000-08:00

It can plague any home - and it probably followed you into 2011: stuff. Knick-knacks, clothing, clutter, papers, receipts. We stash away an old jumbled pile - out of sight, out of mind - only to have to face it again in the future. Stop making more work for yourself and G.O. this January, which is Get Organized month. Finders Keepers Saturday Workshops are back to help you jumpstart your goals, and we're bringing you four of Atlanta's savviest organizational professionals who will teach you how to make the process easier and more effective.

January 8th: Creative Order
Suellen Germani, certified Life Coach and Organizer, will help you clear the road to your goals by helping you identify and eliminate your "Life Clutter," which often claims the time, space, and energy that could instead be used to pursue your passions. Her workshop will outline four key elements to developing an organized lifestyle, which includes exploring the important emotional aspect surrounding our "stuff." Learn more on her website: http://www.creativeorder.com/

January 15th: Chaos to Comfort
Susan Fox is a true warrior of stuff and can help you declare battle on the piles of I'll-get-to-it-when-I-can-or-when-I-figure-out-where-to-stick-it clutter taking over your house. Learn how to reclaim every inch of your home and make the space you have work harder for you. Susan's service, Chaos 2 Comfort, has been written up in the Wall Street Journal for her organizational know-how. Learn more on her website: http://www.chaos2comfort.net/

January 22nd: Creating your own Sanctuary
Carey Lynn Quinn practices what she preaches: our mental states mirror our external environments. Maintaining tranquility and order within is easier when your surroundings work towards that sanctuary instead of creating more stress. With a desire to share the secrets of serenity, she began OrganizeAtlanta in 2005. Carey Lynn will (neatly) spill the beans on a few critical steps to turn your own home into a place to truly recharge, regroup, and relax.

January 29th: The Magic Suitcase
Professional organizer and author Jonda Beattie knows that there's nothing small about downsizing. Whether you're facing this major life decision now or considering it for the future, this workshop will help outline how to make this transition a successful time in your life by exploring how to get started, pitfalls to avoid, and rewards that can be achieved at the end of that long - and often intimidating - road. Learn more on her website: http://www.timespaceorg.com/

Workshops will begin at 9:30am each Saturday in January and are hosted at our Furnishings location: 2753 E. College Ave., Decatur, GA 30030. Call for details: 404-377-1944. We hope to see you there!

p.s.
Finders Keepers Consignment Inc. is a proud member of NAPO - the National Association of Professional Organizers.

Did You Know?

2010-12-28T07:44:00.000-08:00

We know - your inbox is full of spam and the idea of giving a perfect stranger your email address may not seem so super. So here's our promise to you: First, we will never give anyone else your information. Period. Second, we'll only send you emails if we've got cool news to share with you, such as: awesome inventory, sales/events that we're hosting, exclusive coupons, or need-to-know info like if we close for a holiday. And if you ever find that you don't want to get our emails anymore, all you have to do is click "unsubscribe" on any email we send you and you're instantly removed from the database.
Want to sign up? Just email us at subscribe@fkconsign.com from the email address that you'd like to add.

These are a few of my favorite things...

2010-12-20T06:45:00.000-08:00

I can't believe we've almost had our blog up and running for a year. We've learned so much and had so much fun. For the company's end of the year party I sorted through all of the pictures we (well - mostly Carrie!) took and chose my favorite of each Boutique Girl, and then turned those into 8 by 10 prints. Here are the pictures that I chose:

candy colored

2010-12-08T09:13:00.000-08:00

What *is* it about a delicously colored handbag or pair of shoes that makes my mouth water? I mean sometimes it has that really delightful, rich, leather scent that fills my nose (and heart) with wonder and anticipation like a kid's first real Christmas tree... but we're talking a Pavlovian response here: I see a leather, jewel-toned purse and it's like someone ringing the dinner bell. Don't judge, but sometimes - especially if I can't afford it - I'll pick it up and talk to it, tell it about the adventures we'd take, ensemble plans I have for it, that I'd never *ever* take it out during rain or put trash in it or leave it in my car or on the floor (lies, lies, lies - but I really do try.) And that I love it enough to let it go when that lucky customer plucks it from the shelf and takes it home with her...

Marc Jacobs Clutch

Cool Kicks!

Boots Boots Boots!

Valentino Pink Patent Handbag - New with tags!

Louis Vuitton Heels

Huge Longchamp weekender

All I want for Christmas is...

2010-12-01T08:48:00.000-08:00

On Saturday I texted Stephanie to see how the day was going. Her response: an email that should've been wrapped with a shiny bow: pictures and descriptions of newly arrived inventory that I'm certain had her drooling all over the keyboard! Christian Louboutin, Louis Vuitton, Coach, Armani, Badgley Mischka, and more. Her personal favorite: a brand-spankin-new pair of Givenchy heels. I saw them with my own eyes on Monday: 4 inch heels with triple mary-jane straps that decorate an ankle with carefully crafted perfection; the glassy, smooth, nobody's-ever-taken-a-step-in-me soles are deliciously caramel in color and so shiny I could see my reflection in them... and this is a SHOE! Anyways, enough about what we'd love to see under our Christmas trees. Take a peek... what's your favorite?

You've got stuff. You want to help charities. Now what?

2010-12-01T08:06:00.000-08:00

Charities and fund raising efforts depend on people like you and are eternally grateful for your contribution. And you can give even more support by taking the time to sort through your items before you send them somewhere for donation/consignment. Collection sites spend a lot of time, effort, and resources disposing of items that aren’t usable. Look at each piece. Is it still truly useful? Is it current enough for someone to wear/use today? Is it (really) in good shape? Throwing out belongings might feel wasteful, but it actually saves the charity/organization time and money for you to screen your own items with a careful eye before you donate them.

Consignment stores have become a great way for charities to earn money from the resale of better merchandise. Keep this in mind: consignment stores are for profit companies, so the prices tend to be higher than thrift stores (because they don’t receive government funding of any kind to offset expenses) so customers expect good quality and only minimal (if any) signs of wear. Shopping consignment has become trendy, and these trendsetting shoppers expect stores to keep up. Look at each piece and honestly answer: would I buy this again today? If the answer is yes, then it’s likely someone else would buy it again too. If the answer is no, then decide whether a donation center could truly use it or if it should simply get tossed out. Don’t feel guilty! You’re actually doing charities a favor.

Finders Keepers Consignment Stores have set up accounts to raise money for multiple charities. These accounts earn more than regular consignor accounts, and receive 50% of the purchase price of every item. In 2010, Finders Keepers raised more than $10,000 for Haitian Relief Efforts alone. If you have things you’d like to sell in the name of a charity, bring your items in neatly (note: clothing wadded in a trash bag wrinkles within seconds and people won’t buy wrinkly stuff) and fill out our “pink slip” with the name of the organization that you’d like to donate the proceeds from your items to, or let a store representative know what charity you’d like to support and he or she will help you from there. That’s it! We will then screen the items for sell-ability. Anything deemed unsellable will be donated to the charities that we support, but we do not give tax write-offs and do not receive funding as a collection center, so a pre-screen by you in your own home will help all the way around.

Our three stores each have accounts set up for many different charities, and each have different consignment needs. Finders Keepers Fashions sells men’s, women’s, plus-sized, and maternity clothing as well as accessories: shoes, handbags, scarves, jewelry, etc. This store has a customer-demand for current and good-quality work-wear, suits, and wardrobe staples as well as fun and trendy pieces. Check your clothing for moth holes, tears, discoloration (particularly around the neck or under the arms,) spots, and stains. Shoes must be in new or nearly-new condition with no visible wear inside, and very minimal wear (if any) outside. The same rules apply at Finders Keepers Boutique, but this store has a high demand for funky and trendy merchandise, and doesn’t do so well with the basics or conservative wear like suits or sets. This location starts with labels like J. Crew and Banana Republic, and continues through couture fashion designers like Chanel and Prada. This store only carries clothing sizes 0-14, and also only sells clothing for women. Neither store accepts knock-offs or counterfeits of any kind, so please don’t bring them. Finders Keepers Furnishings sells furniture and home décor, and does best with contemporary pieces from retailers like Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel. They’re looking for newer import styles, neutral colors, and clean lines. Knick-knacks, do-dads, porcelain figurines, etc. do not sell in this store. A good rule of thumb: if it didn’t sell at the yard sale, it won’t sell here.

Learn more about our policies and the charities we support on our website: http://www.fkconsign.com/

It's beginning to look a lot like...

2010-11-27T07:30:00.000-08:00

I'm not much for the annual holiday-music domination of radio stations, or for the fact that Macy's usually has its halls decked while it's still hot enough to don a swimsuit. But there's something about decorating our stores that dusts off my Christmas spirit each November. The ornaments, presents, wrapping paper, ribbon, tinsel, and lights create a hustle and bustle in the air: a new kind of anticipation even if the store is quiet at the time. If you decorate it, they will come... :)

Something about the festivity also brings the staff together like a second family as we string up lights and spray paint plastic Christmas trees from Big-Lots. Simply: it's a lot of fun and we're a group of grown ups that really digs being silly.

Black Friday Sale Announcement!

2010-11-23T08:49:00.000-08:00

Save Three Ways when you Shop Finders Keepers Consignment Stores this Black Friday!

I'll let you in on a secret: we love sales just as much as you do! So this Friday we're bringing you three ways to save as each of our stores hosts its own sale all day long. All you have to do: celebrate Black Friday by wearing black when you come in to shop. So here's the scoop:

Finders Keepers Fashions: 20% OFF all full-priced coats, jackets, and blazers if you wear black. Also enjoy shopping new markdowns. Many items have been reduced to half price!

Finders Keepers Furnishings: 20% OFF all holiday decor if you wear black! Also, shop the bargain room at half-off the lowest marked price!

Finders Keepers Boutique: 20% OFF all handbags, scarves, jewelry, and shoes if you wear black. Accessories are necessities!

You save money whenever you shop at Finders Keepers, and this Black Friday is no exception. Remember, you have to wear black to get the sale price!

We Need Your Help!

2010-11-18T11:21:00.000-08:00

OMG - we've been nominated as one of Aol.com's City's Best! But we wanna be "Best of the Best" - and we need your help to do it! Click on this link:

http://www.citysbest.com/atlanta/lifestyle/best-thrift-vintage-stores

and then click on "Finders Keepers." That's it! You can vote once a day. The website is really cool, and has tons of categories. Check it out at: www.citysbest.com/atlanta/ and if you're not from Atlanta - or if you're traveling this holiday season- get the scoop on what's hot in most major U.S. cities: http://www.citysbest.com/

Thrifty with $50 (from Creative Loafing's Fashion Issue)

2010-11-15T08:08:00.000-08:00

I get the e-newsletters from Creative Loafing and I love to peruse the reviews of new restaurants or nightly haunts. So when an article title in last week's newsletter had two of my FAVORITE words: Thrift and Fashion, in the title, I cozied up on my couch with my laptop to see what the fine people at Creative Loafing had to say:

Thrifty with $50
Who says money buys taste? These six Atlantans shopped on a budget — and ended up looking like a million bucks.
by Bobby Feingold and Amber Robinson

Fashion dictator Karl Lagerfeld once said that fashion isn't for the poor. Or was it not for the fat? Anyway, we disagree. Some of the best-dressed people we know find their duds in the bargain bin, which makes thrifting an indispensable part of Atlanta's style. Anyone can drop a mortgage payment on this season's hippest clothes — and even when they do, it's not always a good look, Housewives — but it takes real panache to pull off a look for $50. That was the challenge we issued to some dapper Atlantans, forcing them to forgo Phipps for faded strip malls in funkier hoods. Our style mavens hit the pavement and proved you can pull off major style in Atlanta without dropping major cash. We're not Paris. We're not Milan. But we do have Value Village, damn it.

For the full article and pictures of the "thrifty with $50" outfits click here.

COLOR

2010-11-11T06:53:00.000-08:00

I'm always ready for fall and winter fashion to make its yearly debut. Of course here in Georgia patience is required as we wait through several rounds of temporary cool-downs before fall finally and permanently descends on our southern state (usually in time for Thanksgiving... although I do recall a Christmas morning in shorts some years back, but I digress.)

In the past I've only had one bone to pick with winter-wear: the unceremonious pallets of gray, black, navy, and other equally quiet neutrals. Don't get me wrong - neutral can be chic, interesting, and down-right daring. But sometimes I look back forlornly at the season before and reminisce about the jewel tones of spring and summer splendor. However, fashion trends from the past few turns of the calender seem to be with me on this colorful matter, and welcome with open, covered arms a bolder and brighter color pallet. Purples, pinks, (side note: I heard coral was the new "it" holiday color...) greens, teals, and more are just as much of a winter wardrobe staple as a khaki coat or a black pair of boots. Tis the season to decorate... yourself!

Food Drive Success!

2010-11-09T12:15:00.000-08:00

Last Friday and Saturday Boutique hosted a food drive to collect canned goods for D.E.A.M. - Decatur area Emergency Assistance Ministry. And our customers delivered! We collected 140 cans! Food pantries are reporting critical shortages, so we were so happy to be able to help. Thank you SO much to everyone involved!

Our Gift to You: A pre-holiday secret!

2010-11-05T09:28:00.000-07:00

Psst – the price tag on your party dress doesn’t have to look like your car payment. Finders Keepers Boutique has three secrets to share this holiday season:

* Save: Our prices are at least half-off the original retail price, and most of our dresses are under $100.
* Sparkle: From sequins to silk, DVF to D&G, you can shop sexy and smart for your special attire.
* Sell: There’s a lot of party left in your holiday wear. Give it another spin on the dance floor and give yourself some cash back on your investment.

We are consistently voted the best consignment shop in Atlanta, and we would love for you to come see why.

2130 N. Decatur Road, Decatur, GA 30033

http://www.fkconsign.com/
404.634.6995

Storewide Sale and Canned-Goods Drive This Weekend!

2010-11-03T07:41:00.001-07:00

So here's the meat and potatoes of the situation: This Friday and Saturday we're taking 20% OFF storewide at Finders Keepers Boutique... Sounds good, right? Well what if you wanted to enjoy 30% OFF storewide instead? The power is in your hands, well, your pantry. Just bring in 2+ canned goods for our food drive and we'll take 30% off of everything you wanna buy. Let's see what happens when we all give a little...
So come shop with Boutique this weekend and save either 20% or 30% STOREWIDE! The choice is yours! All goods collected will be given to D.E.A.M. (Decatur-area Emergency Assistance Ministry Inc.) for distribution.

P.S.
Friday we will stay open 'til 8pm for your shopping convenience.

Consignment Bus Tour This Saturday!

2010-11-03T07:29:00.000-07:00

So I went shopping at Home Depot yesterday and couldn't believe my eyes: Home Depot already has her party dress on! Christmas trees, lights, ribbons, ornaments, wreaths, snowmen, and reindeer were everywhere. And then I realized with a start: "I haven't gotten anybody anything yet."

Why am I telling you this? Because this Saturday, from 10am - 5pm, Back By Popular Demand is hosting its own Consignment Store Bus Tour - which means you can be chauffeured around Atlanta on a chartered bus, enjoy a catered buffet lunch, go home with a goody bag, and find gifts for loved ones (and yourself!) from FIVE of Atlanta's fantastic consignment stores. AND bus tour participants will enjoy 20% off their purchases all day long.

All of the sudden this whole holiday shopping madness seems a lot less like work and a lot more like spending a great day with people who love resale shopping just as much as I do...

Tickets are $35 a piece, or $70 a pair and are available for purchase online at http://www.bbpdconsignment.com/

I only wore them once

2010-10-27T10:49:00.000-07:00

"I only wore them once." It's something we hear a lot from our consignors. Maybe they purchased the piece for a special event or maybe the sizing was just too uncomfortable. Well these to-die-for unbelievably adorable Tory Burch shoes were just the case: the consignor wore them to her wedding! Fantabulous shoes peeking out from a glamorous gown is a trend I'm definitely into. A friend of mine got married over the summer in a traditional Hindu wedding celebration. Her own little secret: royal blue Jimmy Choo stilletos. (Now if she never wears THOSE bad boys again I'll cry foul... unless ofcourse she consigns them... Hey, a girl can dream!)

Just In: Tory Burch Heels size 7

Regular Retail: $425
Our Price: $269

Featured Item: Vivre Clutch $75

2010-10-16T09:18:00.000-07:00

Label: Vivre
Manufacture: Handmade woven metal and wire; made in London; opens by pulling apart
Measurements: 5 3/4" long by 3" tall
Condition: Good - some discoloration of metal (see images); with dustbag
Color: Metal
Retail Price: $300
Finders Keepers Price: $75

Front View

View of wire detailing on corners

Clutch pulls apart to open

View of Inside

View for size

Featured Item: Philip Treacy Clutch $150

2010-10-16T09:06:00.000-07:00

Label: Philip Treacy
Manufacture: Made in Italy, genuine leather
Measurements: 11" long by 5" tall
Color: Steel (snake texture)
Condition: Good - some wear and discoloration of hardware
Finders Keepers Price: $150

Front View

View of Name Plate (and discoloration)

View of Inside

View of Back

Featured Item: Manila Clutch (silver) $65

2010-10-16T08:54:00.000-07:00

Label: Manila
Manufacture: Made in Italy; limited edition #0255
Measurements: 8 1/2" long by 4" tall
Condition: Fair - some visible wear on edges and discoloration on back (see images)
Color: Dark silver
Retail Price: $695
Finders Keepers Price: $65

Front View

A view of the inside flap

A view of the inside

A view of the back - note the wear

Upclose view of the discoloration on the back

Featured Item: Bottega Veneta Evening Handbag $450

2010-10-16T08:37:00.000-07:00

Label: Bottega Veneta
Manufacture: Made in Italy; satin with leather handles and tassles
Color: Black
Measurements: 10" long by 5 3/4" tall (handles add 8" in height)
Condition: Excellent
Retail price: $1200+
Finders Keepers price: SOLD

Front View

Leather draw-string style straps

View of compartments

Inside view

Feature Item: Lana of London evening bag

2010-10-16T08:17:00.000-07:00

Label: Lana of London
Manfacture: Made in Italy; lizard trim
Measurements: 7.5" long by 5" tall (height of strap = 24")
Condition: Very good - discoloration on lining. See images.
Color: multi-shades of gray and silver
Finders Keepers Price: now available on ebay!

Full view

View of beaded tassles

Discoloration along edge of lining

View of texture

Featured Item: Armani evening bag SOLD

2010-10-16T07:59:00.000-07:00

Label: Armani
Manufacture: Made in Italy; tag info: Mod. YGD 159, Art. YAO56, Col. 80001
Condition: Very good, with dustbag
Color: Black
Measurements: 10" long by 8" tall (+3.5" in height when including handle)
Retail Price: $600
Finders Keepers Price: SOLD!

Front View

View of Texture

Inside View

Featured Item: Joyce Frances Clutch $950

2010-10-16T07:46:00.000-07:00

Label: Joyce Frances
Manufacture: Hand-carved Lucite; "Flora-Fest" 2002; carved signature by artist
Condition: Excellent
Measurements: 4" long by 3 1/2" wide by 6" tall
Color: Translucent spring green
Retail Price: $2500+
Finders Keepers Price: $950

Front View

Opens from the right-hand side

A view of the closed lid

Back View

Picture of signature (camera couldn't focus on it very well)

Featured Item: Manila Clutch (Green)

2010-10-16T07:32:00.000-07:00

Label: Manila; Limited Edition #0978
Production: Made in Italy
Measurements: 9 1/4 inches long by 5 inches tall
Condition: Good condition - 2 spots (one outside and one inside. See pics below)
Color: Kiwi green
Retail price: $695
Finders Keepers price: now available on ebay!

Front View

View of inside flap (dustbag underneath)

Manila Plate with limited edition number (0978)

Inside View

Condition Note - rust colored spot on right edge (front)

Condition note - pen mark on inside flap

Back View

$165

Fall Fashion Guide 2010

2010-10-12T11:02:00.000-07:00

It’s a good thing that a picture is in fact worth a thousand words, because this season’s fashion favorites come to you from across the Atlantic Ocean. Here’s the back story: for Bonnie’s (owner and fearless leader of Finders Keepers Consignment Stores) 29th wedding anniversary, she and hubby Parke hopped the big blue pond and spent two weeks touring Italy. She came back inspired – and with about ten pounds worth of Italian Vogue Magazines for me to devour. I definitely can’t read or speak Italian, but fashion, my fabulous friends, is universal. Analyzing each image without the guidance of expert commentary was both daunting and liberating. And “liberated” is an essential word not only in European fashion but also in this season’s style on this side of the pond. Smart, strong, structured, and sexy, this fall's fashion is a head-on collision of Madonna and Marie Antoinette. While their many differences could span the Atlantic, both controversial, capable icons could totally rock a corset. Leather and lace, texture and tulle, details and drama, welcome to Fall 2010.

Legs: From the ‘that’s-right-I-did’ mini shorts and dresses to fishnet tights to boots, boots, and more boots, fall’s fashion themes pull out all the stops to accentuate, decorate, and celebrate your legs. For those of you who gulped at the end of that sentence, remember that those legs of yours work hard, so they should play hard too. Experiment this season and see where an inch or two of liberation leads you. (Hey, there were a few pictures in the Italian magazines where models ONLY wore shoes, so take a deep breath and a baby-step out of your box.)

Purple: That rich, satisfying color is back this season. From jewelry to shoes to dresses, purple made its mark on fall fashion runways. Italians seemed to like purple so much that it was one of the few English words in the entire magazine. In fact, one issue had an entire section devoted to purple, which was curiously titled: “Purple Haze Lyric.”

Mini: Fall’s teacher’s pet is quite a sassy student: mini-length leather shorts go the distance – from work to weekend wear and everything in between. Not so sure that leather shorts will play well with others in your closet? A button-down blouse and a chic blazer add structure and style, and I’d bet they’re pieces you’re already comfortable wearing.

Boots: Stilettos have taken a back seat to boots this season. And in perfect harmony to the mini-length of shorts and skirts, over-the-knee boots are fall’s most coveted footwear. But booties would not go quietly, and are still making noise on this season’s scene. If boots just aren’t your thing, opt for clogs or wedges.

Texture: You know when you feel it – when what you’re wearing says something about your insides that words just won’t do justice. And this season’s fabrics and details make you want to reach out and touch them: fur, feathers, fringe, lace, netting, leather, darts, tiers, tulle, beads, silk, and sequins, to name a few. The textures of fall pay tribute to the fact that fashion at its core is truly a work of art.

Wild: Wildlife is often a major player in a designer’s inspiration, and this season was no exception. Zebra and leopard lead the way in the jungle’s takeover of fall patterns. From insect-inspired pendants and broaches to full-length feathered gowns, nature gives a nod to fashion pieces of all sizes.

Neutral: A focus on neutrals is spring’s gift to this season’s style. The structure and hues of last summer’s safari trek forward into fall. Cream, gray, ivory, chocolate, khaki, cinnamon, and more delicious colors make for a smooth, sleek look and are easy to accent with splashes of jewel tones or metallics.

Bejeweled: Big, bold, beautiful necklaces step into the spotlight as the must-have accessory of the season. And you better scoop up a couple of them, because a single strand simply won’t do. Mixing and layering statement necklaces take last fall’s trend a step further this year. And this season’s neutral stage is a perfect back-drop to show off your bejeweled neckline.

Welcome, Fall!

2010-10-08T13:44:00.000-07:00

Fall is finally here. And I'd like to welcome the deliciously bold leaves, the cardigan I'll wear 100 times this season, seeing my breath in the morning, October's sapphire blue sky, boots (and more boots!), listening to the high school marching band's cadence that hangs in the air like stars every Friday night, and, of course, the fashion. Fall is perhaps my favorite season to dress for: cool enough to entertain my desire to layer, but not so cold that I have to compromise cute for cozy or vice/versa. I worked in the Boutique on Wednesday and felt invigorated by the crisp, clear air - and then the most adorable coat I may have ever seen came in for consignment. Inspired, Stephanie and I whipped up a fun fall look and called Heather to see if she'd come play dress up, and she was more than happy to oblige. I think she loves fall too...

On Heather:
Coat: Idra $95
Vest: Le Chateau $10
Blouse: Etro $104
Shorts: AGB $15
Boots: Coach $199
Necklaces: $40
Handbag: Furla $265

Quickie!

2010-10-06T11:11:00.000-07:00

Just a quick little note to show off these ADORABLE Emilio Pucci heels that just came in!

p.s. Pics of Jessica's wedding coming soon...

New Arrivals!

2010-10-01T07:58:00.000-07:00

I worked in our little Boutique on Monday for our first Ladies' Night Out for the Fall Season - and I heard it again and again: "this is the best inventory you've EVER had." And it's so true! Not only is it *amazing* but there's a TON to look at. Stephanie, the manager of Boutique sent me these pictures of some fantastic new arrivals: A Gucci patent leather handbag and shoes, a Diane von Furstenburg handbag, and a pair of killer Coach over-the-knee boots (size 38)! Blogger keeps automatically rotating the pictures, but you'll get the idea!

p.s. check out our new website because I worked really hard on it! :) http://www.fkconsign.com/

Bag Sale - September 2010

2010-09-29T07:59:00.000-07:00

We spend a couple of hours setting up bag sale: roping off the parking lot at our Fashions location, blocking off the driveway to thru-traffic, rolling out racks (and racks) of clothing, lining up shoes, hauling out armfuls of handbags, and mentally preparing ourselves for the best kind of madness and mahem there is: the first five minutes of Bag Sale. And last Saturday was no exception. The line started before dawn, and by the time 9am arrived over one hundred people stretched across the store front and down Lake Street.

And then Bonnie, owner of Finders Keepers and our Fearless Leader, introduced Haji, a refugee from Sierra Leone, who works at our Furnishings location. Haji and other refugees are the reason - the real reason - that we hold this semi-annual event. Shoppers can stuff bags full of clearance merchandise for only $10 a bag and 100% of the proceeds from our Bag Sales go directly to Refugee Resettlement and Immigration Services of Atlanta (RRISA.) Last Saturday's Bag Sale raised $1638 for this very worthy, very necessary cause. I couldn't help but wonder what he thought about the event. But just the idea of it made me burst into big, pregnant-lady tears and I didn't want to be a blubbery, teary mess when I asked him because I have never seen him cry. In fact he smiles. A lot.

I've posted pictures below. Be sure to check out our youtube page for video clips of interviews and the total madness of Bag Sale! And take a peek at our blog for Finders Keepers Furnishings to see pictures from RRISA's Artists Market.

Now that's my idea of a buffet!

Tessa and Leanne from RRISA helped set up the Bag Sale!

So many shoes!

Mother Nature generously donated a beautiful morning for the event.

The line kept going and going!

Jessi was ready to collect money!
She is having a wedding ceremony this Saturday - congrats Mr. & Mrs. Ross!

Bag Sale 90 seconds after opening!

Bag Sale at 3 minutes in...

Way to get in a morning work out!

Jackie was a formidable and fashionable line guard :)

Time elapsed: 5 minutes...

Hi Haji! I wonder what you think about all this...

It's been a good day!

2010-09-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

It has been QUITE a day! For starters, I finally finalized the new website (the test address for the new site is: http://www.finderskeepersconsignment.vpweb.com/ if you want to check it out before it goes live.) And fantastic news just keeps coming in!

The Atlanta Journal Constitution's Blogger Rena Cash picked up the email we sent out about our bagsale and posted this on her blog:
Finders Keepers semi-annual bagsale

As the weather cools, it’s a great time to think about summer clothes. Seriously. Finders Keepers is holding its semi-annual bagsale on Saturday from 9 a.m.-11 am. in front of the store. During this time period, stuff as many summer clothes and accessories from Finders Keepers Fashions and Finders Keepers Boutique into the bags they provide and pay only $10. Only cash will be accepted and all proceeds will be donated to Refugee Resettlement and Immigration Services in Atlanta. Additionally, everything in the store will be 20 percent off.

And then we opened the much anticipated Best-of-Atlanta 2010 Issue of Creative Loafing and saw that... YES! Finders Keepers Consignment Stores won best consignment stores in Atlanta! Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who voted. We are so grateful for your support. We love what we do, and winning these titles make us feel like you love what we do too!

In Transition

2010-09-17T07:54:00.000-07:00

The store - and the state - are both in that splendidly awkward time of transition between seasons. (It came back to bite me yesterday when I opened all the windows the night before and turned off the AC then tried to grin and bear it as the temperature climbed almost 30 degrees - and into the 90s - the next day.) The store is packed to the gills: the summer merchandise is in its final stage of clearance - 1/2 off the lowest price! - and the fall and winter inventory has come in like a tide: engulfing every rack and shelf. And fall/winter pieces take up almost twice the room as the summer apparel as we trade in tank tops for thick wool coats. In brief: space is always a precious commodity during this season. But the good news: the inventory is amazing!

The Heart of an Artist

2010-09-07T13:55:00.000-07:00

We women wear many faces: the face we keep on for an eight hour day at work, the face that smiles when our kids or significant others come home and ask us what's for dinner, the face we pose in a social setting when we don't really know anyone there... it's safe to say that we keep ourselves in check... a lot. But what we wear can set us free and speak for us when saying exactly what we think might not be the most productive course of action. Our style lets us spend a little time each day with that artist that lives in each of us, oft neglected but always ready to rise to the occasion.

Total Regular Retail Price: $1735
Total Price at Finders Keepers Boutique: $739

Boutique Girl: Julia (styled and photographed by Carrie)

On Julia:

Dress: Atos Lombardini $229

Cardigan: Tracy Porter $39

Boots: Stuart Weitzman: $219

Beaded Belt: Donna Karen (NWT - retail $500) $219

Sequined Hat: $33

It's A Burberry Patch!

2010-08-31T10:40:00.000-07:00

Now that I only work in the Boutique a few days a month, I always feel like I'm walking into a brand new store. And yesterday was no exception. Only I didn't have time to take a closer gander at the new merchandise covering almost every possible, hangable square inch of our little shop because even MORE consignment arrivals were pouring through the door!

One consignor brought in her 25 potential pieces and, with a wave of her hand, said: whatever you don't want just donate to charity. Well, there wasn't a single piece we were willing to part with! Several pieces of Burberry were among the oh-so-fun drop off, and I've posted some pictures below for you!

p.s. there were 2 signature Burberry scarves, but one of them sold before I could even take a picture!

The scarf that already sold was the same signature plaid, and was made of merino wool. But this Burberry cape is still available as per this post!

An adorable, red plaid Burberry scarf used as a decorative belt for this classic Burberry skirt!

My personal favorite: (if only I could fit into it) this quilted Burberry vest

Take a Vacation from the Mall - Summer Clearance Starts TOMORROW!

2010-08-23T19:21:00.000-07:00

Two is Better Than One! And this applies in TWO ways:
1) Summer Clearance starts at BOTH of our clothing stores - Finders Keepers Boutique AND Finders Keepers Fashions - TOMORROW! As soon as those doors open, all of our summer merchandise will be marked 50% OFF the original price!

2) When prices have been cut in half, you get to buy twice as much.... right? (Well, that's what I'm going to tell my husband when he eyeballs the stuffed shopping bags I'm sure I'll bring home tomorrow...)

We've got really *really* cute summer inventory still hanging on our racks. And it's so easy to use your summer wardrobe in the fall months. A sundress with a cute blazer and boots is a simple, chic way to make your closet go the distance. Not sure how to pull it together? Our store associates will be happy to help!

Check out our sister store's blog for pictures of their inventory: http://www.sidestreetstyle.blogspot.com/. Finders Keepers Fashions specializes in great quality clothing and accessories for men and women, and they have one of the best consignment plus departments in Atlanta!

Feet on the Ground, Head in the Clouds

2010-08-19T09:02:00.000-07:00

Imaginary friends, a plastic playhouse becomes our own castle, brides, queens, mothers, astronauts, doctors, veterinarians, cowgirls. From our tender, toddler minds could grow the most astounding adventures. A treasure chest of costumes and dress-up clothes could carry us a world away in the blink of an eye. As we grow older we learn how to balance our ever-present imaginations with the responsibilities of our daily lives. And maybe fashion is an outlet for the oft-denied imagination, teaming with don't-you-want-tos. Some outfits make us feel capable, daring. Others make us feel protected and hidden. Our wardrobes are our grown-up treasure chests. If we let them, they can carry us away, even for just a moment...

Boutique Girl: Heather (pictures by Carrie)

On Heather:

Dress: Karen Millen $140
Handbag: Louis Vuitton $488
Boots: Nine West $49
Scarf: Pashmina $28
Earrings: $21
Bracelet: $7

Finders Keepers Fall Bag Sale 2010 - Round 1!

2010-08-13T10:31:00.000-07:00

Round 1? Yep! Does that imply a Round 2? Of COURSE! For those of you who have never rushed a Bag Sale Event, I'll give you the run down: inventory in our clothing stores expires after a certain amount of time. So we take it off the sales floor and either donate it directly to a charity, or we save up a stock pile for our Bag Sale event - which is also for charity. But instead of giving them clothing we raise money from the sale of the expired clothes and we send 100% of the proceeds to one of our favorite charities: Refugee Resettlement and Immigration Services of Atlanta (RRISA).
The best part, here's how the money is raised: We take all of the stockpiled expired merchandise from the whole season (and from both stores) and hang it up in the parking lot of our location in Avondale Estates - Finders Keepers Fashions. You get to take our medium-size shopping bags and stuff them as full as you can get them for $10 a bag - and you can stuff as many bags as you want. 100% of the money raised go DIRECTLY to RRISA - we don't keep a single dime. This bag sale raised $2200 for RRISA's work with the Haitian Medical Evacuees from the January earthquake disaster in Haiti. That $2200 brings us to a total of over $10000 raised so far since the January earthquake.

Want a peek at the madness? We've posted a video below of a short clip from the Bag Sale held last Saturday. Our next Bag Sale will be Saturday, September 25th!

It's a Man's World

2010-08-13T09:38:00.000-07:00

Not anymore! But combining menswear with your girlie wardrobe can result in a super sexy chic look. As much as I heart skirts, pants and shorts are more functional, especially for us gals about town. Hopping in and out of the car, zipping through the grocery store, picking up or dropping off kids... needless to say, we're busy. And clothes that go the distance make our daily triathlons easier. But that's no reason to sacrifice style. Let's show the boys how it's done...

Boutique Girl: Heather (photography and styling by Carrie)
Shot in Rainbow Groceries on North Decatur Road - we LOVE their hot bar!

On Heather:
Straw handbag J Crew: $17
Scarlett Turquoise shorts with sash, size L: $25
Tory Burch blouse, size 4: $20
Harley Davidson black boots, size 8 1/2: $65
Mizzae black jacket (new), size 1: $37
Silver/Clear flower ring: $12

This Week's Blogger Inspiration: The Only Fashion Princess

2010-08-09T06:06:00.000-07:00

Meet the Only Fashion Princess, a seventeen year old student from Amsterdam that possesses style and confidence well beyond her young years. When I come across girls willing to shrug off conformity as teenagers I can't help but think: I WISH I could have been so bold at her age: because it 100% rocks! This princess knows how to work anything from floral prints to biker chic and everything in between - and sometimes, all together. She's sexy and edgy all the while maintaining a sense of class and self-worth. We can't wait to see what's coming next for this fashion princess.... and her backgrounds make me really (really) want to hop a plane to Amsterdam.

Check her out at: http://www.theonlyfashionprincess.blogspot.com/.

Take a Stand

2010-08-05T07:36:00.000-07:00

"Stand for something or you'll fall for anything." That was an oft-sung phrase in my house and one I intend to foster in this new adult home of my own. Our current reality has created many lines that slice across culture, politics, religion, wealth, war, love, marriage, and more - and these lines don't often lend themselves to a gray area. Fashion and style have long stood as means to make a statement: burning bras, women in pants, the grunge movement, the goth movement, the prepster era, hippie trends, mc hammer pants, cross-dressing, punk... you name it. Fashion allows people to literally wear their beliefs on the sleeves (or lack of sleeves.) A person's style allows him or her to live their convictions out loud without ever saying a word.

Continuing Education

2010-07-29T05:58:00.000-07:00

Hey y'all! So I'm sitting in a classroom for the first time in five years! I enrolled in a couple of continuing education classes at Gainesville State College - just up the road from our new house. The campus is beautiful - the class size is tiny (only 4 or 5 students enrolled) and the professor seems really nice. He's already cracking Baptist jokes so it'll be interesting to see where the day goes from here. I've got six hours to learn how to design a webpage, because my next big online adventure is going to involve completely rennovating our http://www.fkconsign.com/ website - which needs a little bit of a facelift. I'll let you know how it goes...

*peace*love*fashion

Casey

Inspiration - Marie McGrath and The Joy of Fashion

2010-07-22T10:17:00.000-07:00

Here at Finders Keepers Boutique, we love and live for inspiration. We spend countless hours searching other bloggers to see what they're up to, revel in some stroke of fashion genius, be moved by someone's words, or to feel connected to that universal sisterhood of style. So, once a week, we're going to repost bloggers who made us say wow - who kept us on their blogs for hours and hours as we scrolled through their pictures and thoughts.

This week: Marie McGrath with The Joy of Fashion @ http://www.thejoyoffashion.blogspot.com/

Marie takes pictures of her daily ensembles and she has grown quite a following. Her creative use of colors in combination with classic lines makes for a sophisticated, inviting style that I know our customers would love. She's Kate Spade's take on Audrey Hepburn, sweet through and through with a glint of sass that she'd be remiss not to satisfy. In one of my favorite recent posts, Marie adorned a side ponytail with vibrant little butterfly clips. Brilliant! Infact, I'm infatuated with so many of her looks that I kept changing my mind about which one to use. As soon as I settled on an outfit she'd post something else that caught my eye. So, I'll post a couple of looks (I couldn't choose!) featuring a favorite theme of mine (mixing black and white accessories) and leave the rest for you to discover!

Visit Marie McGrath at http://www.thejoyoffashion.blogspot.com/

It's a High-End Handbag Reunion

2010-07-16T09:12:00.000-07:00

Now that I am only in the store a couple of days a week I realize how fast the turnover of inventory is. The Boutique feels like a whole new store every time I walk in. One shop tendency that continues to hold true is the waves and patterns of inventory that comes in. One day we might have every consignor bring in at least one piece of "Free People," or Anthropologie labels, or maybe it's a day of boots. The long and the short of it: Birds of a feather tend to flock together, even in things unfeathered.

I decided to come into town yesterday to take pictures at all three of our stores. Stephanie had called me the day before about a F*A*N*T*A*S*T*I*C Chanel quilted handbag that arrived on Tuesday, and I just had to see it for myself. It was all I hoped and dreamed, by the way. But I digress. Next to the most-perfect-Chanel-bag-ever was a candy apple red ankle-wristlet... also from the fine people at Chanel. I managed to close my mouth and tear my eyes away from the quilted sisters to stumble upon not one... not two... but three Louis Vuitton handbags. A couple of classics for the tradition LV fans (a speedy, in particular) and an oh-so-cute slouchy-denim number that puts the polish on any ensemble.

Since I was determined to pop into all 3 stores I didn't have time to style the bags, only to let them shine in all their glory - which they did and did well. BUT I couldn't help but take a picture of this adorable Marc Jacobs yellow floral handbag against Stephanie's yellow floral Maxi dress and also of a classic Burberry handbag against Carter's striped cardigan.

Oh Chanel! No such thing as too big... or too small

I had to do a close-up!

"I don't get it... ohh!!" So. Freakin'. Cute.

I did a double take when I saw them in the case!

Louis Vuitton: for the more classic fans

Another classic Louis Vuitton model

A more daring rendition!

Marc Jacobs: just perfect for summer!

Burberry Bliss: couldn't have styled for it any better!

Bohemian Rhapsody

2010-07-14T11:29:00.000-07:00

I am a hippie. Total, can't-deny-it lover of cotton, linen, flowy stuff, messiness, easy-breezies, and sunshine. It turns out Barbara, retired school teacher, military wife, and marriage-counselor extraordinaire (who VOLUNTEERS at Boutique... works her hiney off for free with us 'cause she likes it so much) is too. It made me think that perhaps we all have an inner flower-child that we secretly (or not-so-secretly) like to get in touch with every now and then. Another bit of proof: we can't keep skirts in the Boutique. Not for five seconds. They come and go as fast as the Georgia temperatures rise in the morning (and for you northerners, it's quick... really, freakishly fast.) For those of you who aren't making bracelets out of clovers just yet, skirts are an absolute staple in any Bohemian's wardrobe. The good -- scratch that -- GREAT news, is that skirts are coming in just as fast! New consignments tend to taper off in July, but that has not been the case at the Boutique this summer. We opened ten NEW accounts on Saturday alone. So, it's safe to say that if you come in searching for that perfect summer skirt, we've got you covered! But back to Barbara: she makes the perfect summer hippie in this fabulous, free-flowing ensemble. Barbara, I'm jealous. Just so you know...

We Wanna Win Best Consignment Stores in Atlanta for Creative Loafing's Annual Survey!

2010-07-14T10:32:00.000-07:00

Yeah, we want it!

Winning a "Best of Atlanta" consumer vote is like the ultimate shopper's high. It means you like what we do. It means a nifty newspaper article that we'll frame and hang proudly in our stores. It means we're doing right by our customers and our mission -- and that's what we work to do every single day.
And right now, we need you! Creative Loafing is holding its Annual Best of Atlanta Survey now through July 31st. This year they've made it oh-so-simple! Go to their website: www.atlanta.creativeloafing.com and click "vote now." You only have to vote for five categories for your votes to count. We want to win like a six year old at a kickball game.... really (really) bad! And we can't win without you!

Do I Dare? Oh yes I do

2010-07-03T13:01:00.000-07:00

Do I care? Nope. Fashion, above all else, is suppose to be fun. It's not suppose to be a source of stress or anxiety. It's practically its own sport... at minimum a wardrobe should be a recreational outlet. Have you ever watched children make up their own games or imaginary worlds? They become so entrenched that reality slips away and this fantastical world that they all really see becomes utterly, absolutely real.

On Meghann:

Romper: Miss Me $36

Heels: Qupid $33

Handbag: Coach $118

A customer's 5 week adventure with Finders Keepers!

2010-06-25T15:38:00.000-07:00

A customer wrote me a letter about her 5 week "adventure" with Finders Keepers Furnishings and Boutique. I'll let her tell it from here:

My husband Richard and I had lived in Decatur for more than 20 years. We loved our home on Pinecrest and had many happy memories of our time there. However, as with many people our age, we began to think of downsizing and simplifying our lifestyle. Therefore, it was not a surprise when one evening at dinner we began a discussion regarding moving back to our condo near Emory University. The decision to sell our home and move was made that evening! However, the five weeks that followed our decision were filled with many unexpected surprises and events.

Week One
A move to the condo would be a major downsizing on my part. My first task was to determine which articles of clothing and accessories I would move from my home's attic storage space and three closets. At the condo I would have one small walk-in closet. The downsize seemed overwhelming--for help I went to Finders Keepers Boutique...

Finders Keepers Boutique to the Rescue!!

The boutique staff offers a wonderful service for a small fee. A staff member comes to your home and she helps you evaluate your wardrobe piece by piece. I made an appointment and me, Julia and I, worked through one apparel season at a time. We divided my clothing, handbags, shoes, etc., into several different collections -- clothing for me to keep, items for their boutique, clothing for the main store in Avondale Estates, and items to be donated to charity.

Once Julia had removed the clothing and had left my house I felt a great sense of joy. I recognized the advantage of working with a clothing specialist and felt confident regarding the apparel that remained for my use. A great sense of accomplishment swept over me. I realized one of the major downsizing chores was completed. I really would be moving.

This was the week Rick had the first of two successful surgeries at Emory University Hospital. Finders Keepers Furnishings held a series of Saturday morning Workshops in March and April. One of the Saturday seminars led by a local realtor was entitled "Staging your House to Sell." I knew there must be some tricks of the trade to ready a house for the real estate market. I decided to attend the seminar -- I had a house to sell. What better way to get started than attending a free program, presented by a certified staging realtor? Also, parking at the Furnishings store is always easy. The event would be hassle free for me.

The store's staff offered cheerful greetings and breakfast snacks to get the seminar off to a great start that morning. Our speaker was wonderful -- knowledgeable, friendly, funny, and willing to remain and answer questions at the conclusion of her presentation. Armed with my seminar handouts I asked if she would be available to drop by my house for a quick walk through and to make specific suggestions for staging my house. If there were some items I needed to update our house, I knew I could depend on the inventory of Finders Keepers Furnishings. The seminar had taught me that many of my personal pictures, etc. needed to go into hiding when the house was being shown.

Week Two
The seminar speaker really impressed my husband when she came over for the staging walk through. We asked her for sales representation and decided to list the house with her. Our realtor brought the other members of her sales team to see our house. One of the Realtors commented he was going to sell our house that weekend.

Week Three
Several Realtors stopped by to look at the house, and for the first time a realtor showed our house to a potential buyer. The next day that couple made a second visit to our house. The following day they submitted their contract for the purchase of our home. Negotiations followed, and terms were agreed upon. A closing date was set for the end of the month. (This allowed about 20 days for me to complete the downsizing process and move out of my house!) An "Under Contract" sign went up in our front yard. So much stuff, so little time...

Finders Keepers Furnishings to the Rescue!!

The staff of the Finders Keepers Furnishings store offers their customers a selection service. For a small fee they will come to your home and help you select items to keep when downsizing, selling your home, or remodeling. They will also make item selections to go into their store for consignment sales. Their furniture store was a great place for me to sell linens, rugs, and furniture that I couldn't use in my condo. They also helped me select items for donation to a local charity.

My realtor helped my find someone to conduct garage sales at the house. Downsizing was now in full swing. Friends helped me start packing. Movers were selected and a move date was scheduled.

Week Four
We moved into the condo. Rick had the second of two surgeries at Emory University Hospital. Unpacking continued in the condo was done as time and energy allowed. Rick continued to recover from surgery and helped unpack when he could.

Week Five
We closed on the sale of the house. Rick's health continued to improve with each passing day. Rick set up his office and was officially "back in business." I named our condo "The Hutch." Our space is small but cozy. Everything I moved has a place in our new home, but there are some furniture items I need to purchase for the condo. New porch furniture and a new headboard, to name a couple of items.

Beyond Week Five

S-o-o-o where is my car taking me several times a week? Why Finders Keepers Furnishings, of course! I am finding great accent piece to spice up "The Hutch" and give my older items a fresh feel in their new spaces. One of these days I am going to walk into Finders Keepers and there will be the perfect headboard and porch furniture for our condo.

Footnote of the downsized wardrobe at the hutch. There hasn't been a single time I have stepped into my closet that I could not find the perfect outfit! Truth to tell, I am inventing new "outfits" - what fun! I have purchased one great jacket from the Boutique since I moved. Did it fill a hole in my wardrobe? NO, but it was just so cute I couldn't walk away and leave it in the store.

Special thanks to the staffs in all three Finders Keepers stores. You have all been major players in my move. You were there with professional services, good humor, and a "we can do this, let's get it done," attitude. You were all the UNDAUNTABLES!"

Will I forget your kindness during these past weeks? NO

Am I a customer for life? YES!

A Date with Nature

2010-06-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

I gather such inspiration from my surroundings. There's a steady hum in our environment: a crescendo of energy downtown as the people pulse up and down the streets like tens of thousands of heart beats; the silent roar of the wind as it tosses branches and brambles about with its mischievous, invisible grin. Our concrete jungle and the splashes of green we're graced with are equally as alive...

On Meghann:

Vest: J Jill $25

Dress: MNG $24

Belt: $7

Shoes: Prada $120

Earrings: $13

Hair Clip: $4.50

Clutch: Clarita $30

A man in need found some friends indeed!

2010-06-23T12:49:00.000-07:00

Rare is the sight of a man in Finders Keepers Boutique. (Well, there was this one time that a guy came in who was a huge emo-fan and merrily fit into a pair of size 4 red skinny jeans from H&M that I couldn't get above my knee - but I digress.) So when Ben stepped into Boutique with a pair of pants, some suspenders, and a mission, he got way more attention than he bargained for. "I wanted to wear these suspenders with these pants when I go out tonight. But I don't know how to attach them." He said. Silly Ben! His contemporary corduroys didn't have the inside buttons that fasten the suspenders in place. But don't you worry Ben; we're consignment chicks! We live to improvise. Ben, I hope your night was a success, and I hope that you had as much fun as we did!

Meet Ben!

Stephanie and Sandra come up with ideas

Boutique girls getting it done!

Stephanie and Ben celebrate the success!

Ben models the get-up. He had to step into them fireman-style, but no one else will ever know!

Stephanie and Ben were unknowingly at the same restaurant that morning watching a World Cup soccer game. Ben: you and Stephanie should spend some time together. She's one of the sweetest, most fun-loving people I've ever known. And y'all practically sparkled together. I'm just saying...

And the winner is...

2010-06-21T10:38:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for every one's participation in our first-ever giveaway! I am so excited about how many people voted, and I loved reading what style means to different people. My favorite aspect of the whole process was how friendly and willing each of our contestants were when we interrupted their evening for a picture and a few questions. And most of all, I *love* to be inspired.

Our winner: Bren! (center)

Bren's popularity was immediately evident - even at the Jezebel event. Stephanie and I were interviewing another contestant, who said: "I really appreciate you picking me, but have you seen the woman in the purple hat? She's incredible. It wouldn't be a contest without her." She wasn't kidding! Her look was brilliant and gutsy, and she truly was the fashionista of the evening. Once voting opened, Bren gained the support of many other bloggers, online stylists, and of course, Finders Keepers Boutique! Congratulations, Bren!

Our editor's choice: Charlotte!

Charlotte's fantabulous dress was the stand-out piece of the evening. The tailored cut and conservative lines were a serious departure in this sea of strapless attire. And the bow *swoon* need I say more?

We asked: Define style. We loved: William!
"Style is the ability to shine without glare." Brilliant, succinct, and artsy. William, I don't know what you're going to do with this lovely red clutch, but I just had to pick your definition!

Winners: please email us with your contact info and to let us know whether you'd like your prize shipped to you or picked up in the store. Thanks again! (bianca.gellar@gmail.com)

Girls of Summer

2010-06-21T08:54:00.000-07:00

Girls are summer's true butterflies. Our oft-shrouded skin is like new wings as our shoulders peek out of strappy dresses and limbs bask in the joy of sunlight (sunscreen, ladies - a tan lasts a week, but the wear and tear is forever). I imagine most think the cover of the night is what triggers the voice of the inner vixen we all feel, it's whispered breath a curious temptation. But I would challenge that is in fact the sun that stirs at our taxed, quelled femininity.

Boutique Girls: Meghann and Heather (styled by Carrie)

On Meghann:

Dress: J Crew $37

Shoes: Guess $18

Bangles: $12 - $15 a piece

Belt: $5

Hat: Tracy Watts $28

Scarf: $6

Handbag: $22

On Heather:

Dress: Missoni $330

Top: Ellen Tracy $69

Shoes: Yellowbox $22

Sunglasses: Prada $138

Accessories Sale Friday ONLY

2010-06-17T16:16:00.000-07:00

Hey Y'all! Casey here. I've been working at the other stores this week, so when I came into Boutique today I was *stunned* at the AMAZING shoes and handbags that have arrived in the past few days. Chloe, YSL, Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Fendi, Cole Haan, Coach, Juicy, Bally, Tods, Christian Louboutin, and more. I had to take a few pictures just to entice you in case you were on the fence about making Finders Keepers Boutique a stop in your day tomorrow. Remember, all accesssories are 25% OFF from 4pm-8pm this Friday (tomorrow!) ONLY!

That's one heckuva case! Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Lambertson, Tiffany, and more!

Three beautiful Bottega Veneta Handbags

Blueberry Chloe Handbag *yummy!*

So many shoes... so many opportunities!

Pretty in Pink - Coach and Longchamp handbags!

Nothing makes quite as much of a statement as a killer pair of heels

YSL's signature handbag

Devil May Care

2010-06-17T12:56:00.000-07:00

Layering is haphazardly artistic... it's like a 14 year old boy who works and works and works to get his hair that perfect kind of messy: like he didn't care or try at all. And sometimes it is as effortless as it looks. Comfy, easy layers make me feel intune with something larger than myself - perhaps because if I spend less time getting ready then I've likely gotten more sleep.

p.s. giveaway contest on the post before this! super cute alfanai, leather, cranberry-red fold-over clutch is the prize for the winner... please check it out!

Finders Keepers Boutique Back Alley Fashion

We're streamlining!

We're having a party and you're invited!

We will never forget - 10 years later

We'll be open for business TOMORROW!!

oh. my. handbags.... and a hole in the wall!

We're moving!

Why. I. Love. Fall.

A woman's work...

The Man Chair

These boots are made for walkin...

look of the week

New Arrival: the perfect summer Gucci handbag!

Look of the week!

What's in a Name? Name our new store and win $100 cash!

catching up! 2 looks this week :)

Look of the Week!

How Can 50 Cents Change a Life?

and... i'm back!

I almost fainted... literally

New Arrivals - Judith Leiber, Prada, Dooney and Bourke, and Ellen Tracy

Q+A with our fearless leader, Bonnie Kallenberg

OMG - awesome new arrivals for spring!

Spring Cleaning

Boutique's Look of the Week

Getting RAD

Free Workshop: Closet Chaos to Closet Confidence

Falling in love... with some AWESOME new arrivals!

News from our Furniture Store!

Quick Update!

Signed Manolos, classic Louboutins, and more!

Boutique's Look of the Week

Quick News!

She's not afraid of a little hard work...

Talk about do-it-yourself!

Day Three: Do-it-Yourself!

Another Day, another project!

What a great day for a treasure hunt!

NAPO... GO... what??

Finders Keepers Saturday Workshop Series is Back!

Did You Know?

These are a few of my favorite things...

candy colored

All I want for Christmas is...

You've got stuff. You want to help charities. Now what?

It's beginning to look a lot like...

Black Friday Sale Announcement!

We Need Your Help!

Thrifty with $50 (from Creative Loafing's Fashion Issue)

COLOR

Food Drive Success!

Our Gift to You: A pre-holiday secret!

Storewide Sale and Canned-Goods Drive This Weekend!

Consignment Bus Tour This Saturday!

I only wore them once

Featured Item: Vivre Clutch $75

Featured Item: Philip Treacy Clutch $150

Featured Item: Manila Clutch (silver) $65

Featured Item: Bottega Veneta Evening Handbag $450

Feature Item: Lana of London evening bag

Featured Item: Armani evening bag *SOLD*

Featured Item: Joyce Frances Clutch $950

Featured Item: Manila Clutch (Green)

Fall Fashion Guide 2010

Welcome, Fall!

Quickie!

New Arrivals!

Bag Sale - September 2010

It's been a good day!

In Transition

The Heart of an Artist

It's A Burberry Patch!

Take a Vacation from the Mall - Summer Clearance Starts TOMORROW!

Feet on the Ground, Head in the Clouds

Finders Keepers Fall Bag Sale 2010 - Round 1!

It's a Man's World

This Week's Blogger Inspiration: The Only Fashion Princess

Take a Stand

Continuing Education

Inspiration - Marie McGrath and The Joy of Fashion

Featured Item: Armani evening bag SOLD