I recently went to the Lighthouse’s Posh Sale. The Lighthouse on Manhattan’s east side is devoted to helping the blind and visually impaired. Two or three times a year they have a weekend sale of new and gently used clothing. The clothing is donated by stores, designers, and women who have worn them.
A friend and I went and as usual and enjoyed it very much. My friend made out like a bandit. She bought a very gently worn jacket by a very famous Italian designer for a little over $100. New, his clothes start at about $1,000. My friend bought another cashmere jacket for $140 and a knit dress for a little over $100.
She saw a number of other things that fit her so well and looked so beautiful on her that I pleaded with her to buy them. Fortunately, she’s more practical and pointed out that she had no place to wear such dressy things. We saw a silk and mink long dress and jacket for less than $500. Again, she said she had no place to wear it.
Because of my size, a 0 or 2, it’s difficult to find something to fit me. But I did find a beautiful, never worn, cotton shirt by Brooks Brothers for $10. Brooks is my favorite store and I know their shirts usually sell for around $70. Needless to say, I bought it. I also bought a leather and silk tote with Oriental designs. For $20, whether it’s really leather or silk, who cares, I love it.
They had a number of furs, too. Minks, beaver, rabbit. Some new and some not. All looked very well cared for. They have outerwear, suits, dresses, separates, jeans. Also some shoes and purses. They also have men’s clothes.
They have brand-name pantyhose for $1 a pair. Last time they had a selection of beautiful clutches. This time the only purse I saw that I liked was the one I bought. It’s hit or miss. But you can really hit it big if you’re lucky and patient. Patient because people take things into the dressing room to try on and if they don’t buy it, it might be awhile before it goes back on the rack. So you have to keep looking around the room before leaving.
The people working there are very nice and helpful. And it’s such a good cause. Do try it next time you read about it or happen to get a flyer in the mail.
Miriam Silverberg is a freelance journalist and owner of Miriam Silverberg Associates, a boutique publicity firm in Manhattan. She may be reached at [email protected]
(*Woman shopping photo via Shutterstock)
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