First Look at the Second Time Around Uptown
Tuesday night, SBS joined guest of honor Alex McCord on the Upper East Side, for the grand opening of the consignment boutique, Second Time Around. Her husband Simon van Kempen, along with Bravo TV's The Real Housewives of New York City, Bethenny Frankel, Kelly Killoren Bensimon and Ramona Singer, were right by Alex’s side to celebrate.
Among the stylists, shoppers, socialites, and camera crews, I quickly recognized several other A-list names in the room. The store was resplendent with like-new and new designer apparel, shoes and accessories by Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Ralph Lauren, Moschino, Kate Spade, Escada, St. John, and Oscar de la Renta, to name a few. I am still kind of obsessing about a certain fuchsia Nanette Lepore shift dress…
However, I fared relatively well in the face of a trifecta of temptation. I resisted attractively priced designer duds (up to 75% off retail) and tiny but delectable treats from Cupcakes by Melissa (my trainer would be proud). Yet, I did indulge in a little sparkling wine by Voga...
I was also treated to a chat with Alex about her involvement with Second Time Around (aka: STA). She informed me that attendees and shoppers had the chance to feel twice as nice last night. Through joint efforts with STA, a portion of the proceeds from the evening’s sales would be donated to Bottomless Closet. Founded in 1991, Bottomless Closet is the first workforce development nonprofit organization of its kind to address the need for services that would increase the potential for low-income women or those on assistance to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Many of Bottomless Closet's clients are single women, forced to choose between providing necessities such as food and shelter for their children, or having the right clothes to wear for a job interview.
As Alex was giving me the scoop on the cause, we were joined by fellow supporter, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, who joked that it was her “second time around” joining Alex for a Second Time Around grand opening. (The Soho store at 262 Mott St. opened in June.)
Shortly after, Ramona made her grand, wide-eyed, entrance, with wrapped gift in hand. No, it was not a congratulatory gift for Alex. Ramona promptly handed the ribbon-adorned box to Bethenny. All smiles, Bethenny opened it to find a cute white and green onesie for her recently announced baby on board. Aww…
I was also delighted to meet Simon, who graciously introduced our own Scene B Seen Editor, Britten Heft, and I to Sophie Newman, Manager of the STA Soho store. Sophie gave us some insight on how the consignment process at STA works. Generally, prospective clients make an appointment to bring in garments and/or accessories for consignment. STA then carefully reviews all items, as the donor is asked to enjoy the neighborhood shops for a half an hour, to ensure they are in exceptional condition, in season, and in line with current trends.
Consigned merchandise remains on sale for ninety days (proceeds are split 60/40). Clients are able to track the status of their items through their STA online account. Any unsold items, are returned to the consignor. FYI: Unsold or ineligible items can also be donated by STA on behalf of the client to various charities.
After another quick survey of the shop, and maneuvering my way through the cameras, the cameramen, and their conjoining cords, I made my way towards the exit. Just as I hit a bottleneck at the door, a tall woman called out, “Where are my interns?”… Enough said.