Upscale Women's Resale Shop Opens

Designor Consignor, a non-profit consignment store that sells gently used, high-end apparel for women and juniors, opened for business Sept. 1 in the Village Square Shopping Center, 737 W. Route 22.

Operated by On Angels' Wings, a non-profit organization that supports animal rescue, Designor Consignor is located two doors down from Trader Joe's in the corner space in front of Tuesday Morning.   

Veterinarian Kathryn Wilkes and Lake Zurich resident Carol Rowe manage the shop. Wilkes, who is a founding board member of On Angels' Wings, manages consignments, and Rowe is in charge of operations. 

In addition to consigning higher-end women's and juniors clothing and accessories, Designor Consignor accepts donations for both the Lake Zurich location and its Crystal Lake thrift store. Donations are accepted daily during store hours.

"For first time consignors, we ask that you call ahead to schedule a visit so we can set up an account," Wilkes said. "Thereafter, if you're comfortable with our pricing your items, you can just drop them off."

Rowe calls herself, "a reluctant volunteer," mostly because she had not signed on as one. 

After finding herself waking up each morning anticipating the drive out to Crystal Lake to, "spend time with my friends" at On Angels' Wings thrift store, Rowe said she just eased into the role.

Nine West, Chico's, Anne Klein, and Coach are just a few of the labels that can be found on items for sale in the store.  On opening day, a short black dress from Bebe by Moda was found on a rack in the juniors section.  There was also a Nine West leather purse for a fraction of its original price on display in the handbag area of the store. 

Designor Consignor also designated a prominent wall area to display work for sale from local artists. Each artist sets the price for his or her work with a percentage going to the store. 

The first artists to have their work showcased are Dixie Rogus and Linda Holway. Rogus, a former elementary school teacher, designs and paints murals in private residences in addition to teaching various forms of art and participating in art shows. 

Holway, who started her formal artist education at the age of eight, continues her own education while at the same time educating others in art techniques.