I’d like to think that I’m a simple woman with simple tastes, but I had to re-evaluate my inner truth when it came time to shop for clothes in Memphis.  There were only a few stores that matched what I was looking for in style: comfort, sleekness, quality and classic design.  I’m the type that likes to buy quality the first time around and keep it in my closet for many years to come.

When arriving in Memphis back from Camp Lejeune, the first thing that I did was cozy up to Ann Taylor, one of the only stores that I frequent incessantly.  The second thing I did was find a good shoe store.  I was horrified to find that the only store to fit my big foot was Nine West.  The soles don’t hurt and the shoes don’t crush my toes.

We’ll talk about Victoria Secret, the best place to find perfume, lotions and hosiery on a later post. 

So, if I don’t go online and grab something from Saks Fifth or Neiman Marcus, then I’m at Ann Taylor.  Needless to say that my wardrobe is pretty boring, except for the occasional haul-ass to Muse for nights when I really want to impress.  My favorite color in the world is black.  I buy black Armani everything, and I get a good buy on Armani.com, where I often jet off to the Armani exchange for sales items for daily wears.

Then one day, I was in Ann Taylor at WolfChase and this woman leans into me and says that she should have gone to Celery before coming here.  I stood there puzzled.  What was Celery?

She told me that it was a high-end boutique right in the heart of Memphis on Brookhaven circle that carried Ann Taylor among a thousand other names that I nearly choked after hearing.  This nameless saint did not have a card from the place but told me exactly where to find it.

The next day in between house errands and working at the office, my interest peaked and I found myself at Celery.  Sure enough, it was right where the woman said it would be.  

It is a lime green building with white border right in the middle of Brookhaven cove.  In truth, it is less than intimidating.  It looks like a secret hiding place for girls.  I immediately thought that on the screen door there should have been a sign – No Boys Allowed.  It gives you a giddy feeling when you pull up, like you’ve arrived at an adult playground for women with discriminating tastes. 

I was greeted by a nice young woman, a graduate of University of Memphis I believe, who gave me a ticket with three types of sales: 75% off, 50% off and 25% off.  As a budding penny-pincher, I felt proud that I was actually in a place where I could spend some cash and save even more to spend later on the kids who suck me bone dry.   

As I entered this secret layer covered in jewelry, fine silks, purses, belts and other accessories, the sales women were right there beside me. They wanted to know what I was looking for, what were my favorite labels, etc. It was very helpful when I realized what a gold mine I had fallen into.  I needed a seat!  I needed to catch my breath!

You see, this place, this Celery had Armani, Coach, St. John, Dolce & Gabanna, Ann Taylor (of course), Bowl of Cotton, Chanel, the list goes on and on.  Most of the clothes still had the price tag on them from the original purchase, everything looked brand new, everything was incredibly priced, everything was incredibly cute and jazzy and it was all mine!

Overloaded, I had to sit down for a minute. The women there provided top-notch service, offering a glass of wine, a fitting room, great smiles, good conversation and they had the nerve to play great music. 

The greedy and spoiled Trivi felt like this was one secret that I could not share.  If I told everyone why I was always dressed so smart and had extra money to spare, they might overrun my new haven and take all the deals for themselves.  But the good witch Trivi knew that there are far too many women out there who work themselves to the bone, want to look good and don’t want to spend retailer’s price for top-drawer fashion.

So, here I am pouring my name brand heart out to you and telling you my secret.  The best boutique in Memphis is a little place off Poplar on Brookhaven Circle called Celery.  They have everything: dresses, shoes, accessories, purses, suits, jeans, t-shirts, tank tops, cocktail dresses, evening gowns and I think I saw a unicorn!

Tell them that I sent you and get 10% off.

On Wednesdays, they have the mother of all sales.  Wine and Snacks from 4-7 and a preview of some killer summer styles.

What’s the address?

728 Brookhaven Circle

Memphis, TN 38117

http://www.celeryresale.com/

The concept is just ingenious.  Consignment of only designer, in-season labels in the best condition.  What more can I say?  You’ll do yourself a favor by stopping by. 

Until the next extry, take over the world one idea at a time.

XoXo & all that jazz,

Latrivia