Wheeler Deal(er)

Today I joined the faithful who line up every year outside the gym at the Wheeler School in anticipation of the 10 am opening of their annual (secondhand) clothing sale. Wheeler is a wealthy private day school in Providence, and this clothing sale is regarded as quite an event. 

An acquaintance who has a child there told me that lots of Wheeler moms volunteer to help with the sale, because that way they get sneak peeks at the merchandise. And it's well worth it - they regularly get donations of high-end designer clothes, sometimes with tags still attached. And I mean designer - Chanel, Prada, etc. Thus they have a "boutique" section with higher prices than the rest of their merchandise (although I once found a pair of Prada loafers in my size that were somehow NOT in the boutique section - and therefore only $2!)

The sale is impressive in both its organization and in the sheer volume of stuff for sale (which includes books, sportswear, and a white elephant section). But I never made it outside the boutique section today. 

Here's what I didn't buy: a J. McLaughlin vest that was about the best Hermes knockoff I've ever seen (like this but lined with fake fur). Too small. And then there was a vintage Guy Laroche "dress" (I guess) that was a black, straight wool sheath with a slit ALL THE WAY up the side of the leg, nearly waist high. Stunning, but also very transparent. It was gorgeous, but made for someone far longer legs. I'm sure it will go to a good home.

But I didn't leave empty-handed. I spotted a skirt that I knew immediately was either Orla Kiely or Marimekko. Sure enough - Orla Kiely. It's a heavy wool knit, and fully lined. It fits really nicely. 

Orla Kiely wool knit skirt: $25 

(retail likely in the $300-$400 range, judging by prices on the current Orla Kiely website)

Anyi Lu heels: $50 (retail $395)

The big find of the day, though, was a pair of great heels by Anyi Lu. I love it when secondhand shopping acquaints me with a designer I don't know, as was the case with these shoes. I learned that Lu is a former chemical engineer and competitive ballroom dancer who designs gorgeous, funky shoes that are handmade in Italy and known for being really comfortable. I'll admit that these are a little tight through the toes, but I wore them the rest of the day. Not only is the leather is incredibly high-quality, but I didn't get blisters on my heels! I'm thrilled. 

Here's another view of the shoe:

I went with my friend Shauna, who got an adorable jersey dress by Milly in a Pucci-type print that will serve her extremely well this summer. What's fun about the boutique section is the informal and organic camaraderie that springs up. Everyone is rooting for each other, offering encouragement and support. In the dressing area, four of us were in our bras and underwear, trading stuff we had brought in that didn't fit and asking for each other's opinion. I think this is quite a lovely thing. Perhaps it's because it's all secondhand. We're all paying for the privilege of wearing somebody else's clothes, so all we can be is humble and kind.