In an unpredictable retail environment, consignment shops are among the few to have gotten a boost from the recession. New resale boutique Second Time Around soft-opened on Friday and is hosting an official opening party tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. This is the independently owned chain’s first New York location, though it touts over fifteen outposts throughout the Northeast. (Happily, much of the current stock has been cherry-picked from the existing stores.) The spot carries new and resold clothing from a slew of designer labels for up to 50 percent off, including Lacoste, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Diane Von Furstenberg. (Consignment sales are split 60-40 with the seller.) The selection is organized by category (basics, tops, pants, dresses, etc.), and a packed rack of denim near the entrance sports discounts on brands like 7 For All Mankind, Gucci, and Citizens of Humanity. On a recent visit, we spotted DVF dresses for $80 to $120 and new Gucci jeans for $76 — though the stash ranges from $18 L.A. Made tees to a $9,000 black Louis Vuitton couture dress. Another potentially entertaining reason to stop by tonight: Real Housewife Alex McCord is consulting for the store and is expected to attend.

262 Mott St., nr. Prince St. (212-965-8415); M—Th (11—7), F—S (11—8), Su (noon—7).