The Closet Exchange

What if nothing fits?

Brenda — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:07:45 +0000

I hear this sad phrase from so many of our customers–I even say it myself. What we need to do is ignore the size on the labels and tags. Manufacturers are playing games with us–it’s mean and frustrating.

We need to be honest with ourselves and realize that there are days that some things just don’t look as good on us as we hoped. It’s OK. It could be better on a different day, with a different mood, or different shoes, or even different underwear–! Be smart–don’t try to wear the blouse tucked in today-wear the tunic with a wonderful pair of earrings. You’ll feel more comfortable , won’t be thinking about the muffin- top, and all others will see is the bright smile, the confidence, and the fabulous earrings that brighten your face!

Stand up straight, wear a heel–practice a smile before getting out of the car–I know it sounds silly–but it makes a difference! We are WOMEN!!! Hear us roar, see us run the world, control the chaos around us, and care for our families and loved ones. We are wonderful and amazing creatures. We are blessed.

Smile at the woman in the car next to you at the stoplight–it could change her day!

Take care, Brenda

Chico’s and Eileen Fisher at 65% off retail!!

Brenda — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:58:38 +0000

When you shop at the Closet Exchange stores, your price is 60% to 80% off the original price! We have a Chico’s rack at the 925 Great Plain Ave. store (best of the mall), and two permanent Eileen Fisher racks at our 906 Great Plain Ave. store (designer and boutique).

Both brands make wonderful transitional pieces–great sweaters and jackets that you can mix with things you already own to make you look and feel like spring! It’s amazing how a little color over the classic Boston black can lift your spirits and your color! It even makes people around you feel better!

One other idea–look at your suits. We don’t wear them as much as we used to, but the jackets now make a great separate! Wear them with your jeans, or a print skirt and flats! Shop the suit racks at our stores–just buy the suit because the jacket is a great separate! Our prices are so low that it’s a smart buy–give the pants or skirt away. ( Never keep something you are never going to wear..)

Come and see us–we have new merchandise every day in all three stores. We can help you fluff up your spring wardrobe without spending a fortune. You’ll look wonderful and ready for these gorgeous days!

You can be best dressed for less! Take care. Think happy thoughts. Brenda and Maggie

Louis Vuitton, Eileen Fisher, Chico’s at Closet Exchange

Brenda — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:12:27 +0000

There are two good reasons for you to shop at the Closet Exchange in Needham, Ma.–saving money and saving time!!!

You save money when you shop because the Closet Exchange price on the tag is always 50% to 80% off the original retail price–before any additional markdowns–and, as you know-there are always markdowns!

You’ll save time because you don’t have to drive from store to store and mall to mall. We have all the brands you’re looking for in our three stores on Great Plain Ave.–park once.

Whether you’re looking for Gap, Louis Vuitton, Coach, Chico’s, Gucci, Banana Republic, Chanel, Seven, Free People,Eileen Fisher or hundreds of other labels–they’re all here–selected for style and quality. We add 100 to 150 new items every day–there are always new goodies.

Consignment is an adventure–come and see us. You can be best dressed for less!

Take care. Brenda and Maggie

Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Valentino, Gucci–

Brenda — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:19:25 +0000

more Gucci, Burberry–we have sunglasses from all these designers at our designer and boutique store at 906 Great Plain Ave! Have you seen the beautiful brown Chloe bag in the window? You just missed the red Louis Vuitton and the bone leather Louis Vuitton–gorgeous! Don’t worry–there are more wonderful bags everyday.

All three stores carry great accessories from Coach, Vera Bradley, Dooney and Bourke, Juicy, Tory Burch, Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, and more. We have jewelry at every store–a large collection of sterling, lots of fun costume pieces, and sparkly goodies too! We carry all the basics, but it’s the details that make the outfit pop! Let us help you complete the picture. We have it all–stop and see us. You can be best dressed for less!

It’s Friday–be happy–the sun is coming. Take care, Brenda and Maggie

Girls’ Night Out–

Brenda — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:20:33 +0000

Did you know that you can book private shopping parties at the Closet Exchange? Just have a group of ten or more and call us to reserve a date. We will open all three stores for three hours on a night that you choose. You can bring refreshments–wine,munchies, sweets,–whatever makes you happy. Everyone gets 10% off their total purchases!

This is perfect for birthdays, showers, women’s groups, or just your buddies! We promise you’ll all have a wonderful time-lots of laughter and uninterrupted time with your favorite people! Want to plan something special? Just talk to us–we can make it happen.

You can be best dressed for less–and have a fabulous time doing it. Let us help.

Take care. Smile–smile bigger-it’s good for your face! Brenda and Maggie

Here is you jeans sizing chart

Brenda — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:37:41 +0000

Hi beauties,
We thought you might like this little guide since jean sizes no longer relate to waist and hip sizes. Remember that size is not the same from brand to brand. Also, more expensive brands tend to run smaller than brands like Lee, Gap and Old Navy. Here are some guidelines, but remember………..you have to try everything on.

Take care,

Brenda & Maggie

Waist————Jeans Size
(Inches)

24—————0

25—————0-2

26—————2

27—————4

28—————6

29—————8

30—————8-10

31—————10-12

32—————12

33—————12-14

34—————14

Brenda’s Beauty Tips

Brenda — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:35:52 +0000

Many women ask me how to wear all the low cut pants and short tops without hanging out (too much skin, muffin tops, etc). Wear a longer camisole or tank under your top. It should cover your hips and be the same color as your top. It should fit snug over hips to keep the silhouette narrow. Wearing the same color as your top also elongates your shape and doesn’t draw attention to your hips! Ta-dah!!

You look 5 lbs. lighter and two inches taller! Try it—you’ll be surprised!

More tips on another day–take care-Brenda

Consignment Shopping Tips

Brenda — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:33:10 +0000

Try to go with an open mind–looking for something specific often blinds you to the great stuff all around you!

Try it on!! Sizes no longer make much sense–I am a medium, but I try on sizes 6 to 14 and I
always find something I love.

Try to remember that the price on the tag is already about 1/3 of the original retail cost of the item, and is often an even bigger reduction–especially on high end and designer goods. I hear shoppers tell each other not to wait, because it will be gone— and it usually is.

Speaking of reductions–unlike most consignment stores–we do not do 20%, 30%, or 40% off! Our first markdown is 50% off our starting price in all three stores! And there are always a lot of 50% off items–look for the stickers and take 50% off the price on the tag. No looking for colors, or watching dates–we do all the work for you!

By the way, the Eileen Fisher racks are overflowing, our furs are priced amazingly low, lots of True Religion and Rock & Republic jeans and great boots and purses at all the stores. Remember, the stores are divided by brand to make your hunting easier.

Come and see us–you’ll have a great time!

Take care, Brenda and Maggie

More Jeans Options

Brenda — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:30:51 +0000

The best choice in jeans for most of us is the “boot-cut”–narrow or straight through hip and thigh and a slight flare at the hem. The flair balances our hips–a really good thing! The leg opening should be about 19 inches and the length should be no more than 1/4 inch from the floor. This makes our legs look long. Always check length in a mirror–too short makes them “mommy” jeans—not good.

A word about rises–length of zipper. Short zipper means “low rise”, best for the young girls. “Mid rise” is just that, just below or at the navel, and what is now called “high rise” means it is actually at your waist. (This can help smooth out the little bulges–do not tuck in your shirt! Mommy look again—)

In any case, try them all on, always look in the mirror for length, and don’t get discouraged. You’ll find jeans that work. More brands: Old Navy, Gap, J. Crew, Earnest Sewn, James Cured, and Twill 22. Good luck. More next time…

Hug your kids–your sweetie too. Brenda and Maggie

Let’s Talk About Skinny Jeans

Brenda — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:29:18 +0000

These are tricky. When the trend started, I hoped at would pass–it hasn’t. We need to find a way to make it work. Even the skinniest model out there says you must cover your butt if you’re going to wear skinny jeans, and she’s right.

Easiest is to wear a longer, over-sized sweater, maybe with a slouchy belt and boots. Another option is a longer shirt or sweater with a cropped jacket. The boots balance out the tops, and keep your ankles from looking like bird legs. If you are very slender, ankle boots or flats would work too.

The best looking skinny jeans are 97 or 98% cotton with 2 to 3% spandex. They have enough body to keep from looking like denim tights (only good if you are under 16). Good brands are J Brand, Rock & Republic, Seven, Gap, and Express. (Of course, there are dozens of other brands.)

Hope these tips are helpful–it’s a great slimming look if you put it together right, and very livable. It’s a lot of work to stay current–but it’s worth it. Have fun. More tips to come!

Take care. Be thankful for every day. Brenda and Maggie