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Take a Second Run at buying and selling formal wear
Kelly McLain photos
Formal wear and wedding gowns will have room to breathe -- and sell -- at an expanded Second Run consignment boutique.
Cocktail dresses. Evening gowns. A black beaded dress that I wore once to the Anchorage Opera and have never worn since. While I have a penchant for dresses with pockets, I've acquired a variety of dresses that I wore once or twice for special occasions. For many women, this category often includes prom, weddings and holiday events. Luckily for those with furs, dresses and bridal gowns in good condition, Anchorage consignment boutique Second Run is expanding its business to accommodate evening wear. The newly-acquired space is around the corner on D Street, in the storefront where About Face was located (the lingerie boutique has moved to a new spot on Dimond Boulevard). When I spoke with Second Run owner Ellen Arvold on Tuesday, she was enthusiastic about the expansion. She says the newly-acquired space is a better facility to accommodate their garments. Similar to the store's stylish window displays, the new space will allow Second Run to showcase evening wear from designers from Rodarte for Target to Dolce & Gabbana. 
Second Run (formerly Out of the Closet) will expand in the space recently vacated by About Face, which moved to a location on Dimond Boulevard.
Adding bridal to the consignment mix seems like a risky business move, but Second Run employees receive calls about wedding attire on a weekly basis. For instance, someone called the store on Tuesday and asked if they could take a Vera Wang wedding gown she wore earlier this year, Arvold said. But not all brides-to-be are in the market for a designer gown. I know women who spent months searching for the latest bridal creation by Monique Lhuillier, while others were drawn to rare vintage finds. I have a hunch that with Arvold's eye for style, you won't have to sort through monotonous frocks. Arvold also plans to carry new items like refurbished furniture and local pottery in the new space. The boutique will host a private opening on Sept. 25, followed by a grand opening on Oct. 1. With percentage discounts and giveaways being offered at the opening events, Second Run gives you a reason to shop early for the holiday season. Second Run Contact Kelly McLain at kelly(at)alaskadispatch.com. |
