Looking for a quick way to make a buck and make room in my closet all at the same time, I braved Brentwood's oldest (and often reported "best") consignment shop: P.J. London. Though it has a huge neon sign and is located on the first floor of a business complex on busy San Vicente Boulevard, P.J. London is surprisingly easy to miss. For nearly two years I dined and shopped in the area and was completely oblvious of it's existance.
Typically I'm not a fuge fan of "used" items (although antiques and vintage items get special dispensation), but P.J. London has changed my tune a bit. My original intention was to sell unneeded clothing, but I was effortlessly converted into a buyer... It's very difficult to walk in to the store and not be tempted by the racks of designer labels (all for a fraction of the retail cost). Old and new favorites are nestled together: Gucci, Chanel, Marni, Prada, Dries Van Noten, Armani, Alaia, Hermes, Moschino...too many to name. Owner Phyllis Davis prides herself on only accepting items that are "gently worn," and indeed many items are brand new or never worn. On my first trip "selling" clothes, I left with a brand new Gucci bag and a vintage necklace from the '20s. And of course I felt virtuous--I saved money!
Speaking of money, prices are usually 60% or more off retail. Sometimes you'll find things for a fraction of the retail cost (not necessarily good if it's your item for sale...but in her defense Phyllis sends the seller a list of their items with the prices she assigns, and you can ask her to make a correction). The sales spilt is 60% - 40%, with the lion's share going to the house, and nothing is paid up front, checks are sent out periodically. After 90 days you must collect your unsold items, or they are automatically donated to charity (though you get a tax write-of).
P.J. London, 11661 San Vicente Blvd, Brentwood, CA.
(310) 826-4649
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