Shabby Chic Boutique on St. Croix allows women and men to purchase high-end merchandise at low-end prices while giving back to the community.
“Shopping at Shabby Chic is a way to feel good and look beautiful at an affordable price,” said Mary Mingus, co-director of the Women’s Coalition, which runs the boutique at the Closet to Closet resale shop in Peters Rest. “And at the same time customers give back to the community by shopping. This is a winner for us and the community.”
The coalition opened its first small thrift shop for clients in the 1990s, and in 2006 it opened the larger shop at 15 Peter’s Rest next to the Brass Key Home Store. The shop is an example of a community working together, according to the coalition, because it relies on donations and volunteers. Warren Mosler donated the store space to the coalition.
Around five years ago, Mingus came up with the idea for the boutique after seeing really nice items donated to the coalition’s resale shop. Volunteers originally stocked the racks of Shabby Chic in a corner of the store next to the in-take room.
That was until John and Barbara Revolta, volunteer snowbirds from Illinois, took on the project of designing, constructing and furnishing a separate room for the boutique. The white louver doors of the boutique were formally opened on March 10.
The displays and décor of the boutique have an upscale look, from the the mahogany display hutch to the stylish island print curtains on the dressing rooms. Eyes are drawn to pretty displays of home decor and fashion accessories in shades of blues, purples, pinks and browns.
Many items still have original store tags, and everything is in tip-top condition. The boutique is stocked with formal, business and casual wear. There are brand new men’s and women’s shoes by Sperry and Nina and lovely accessories such as hand-beaded necklaces, scarves, straw hats and handbags.
There is a nice selection of Lilly Pulitzer island wear for women, and for men, Nautica and Banana Republic sport shirts. The racks are full of items such as skirts, shorts, sheathes and sun dresses by Ann Taylor, Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger.
Viviana Padilla Cohen, Closet to Closet manager, pointed out a Lafayette 148 N.Y. oatmeal-colored, lightweight, loose knit swing sweater that had a manufacturer’s suggested retail of $298 on the original store tag.
The price at Shabby Chic was $35.
“People are really excited about the boutique,” Cohen said. She suggested stopping in for gifts for Mother’s Day.
Mingus said the proceeds from the boutique will go towards the on-going rebuilding of the crisis center in Christiansted that was destroyed in a fire in August.
“The boutique has taken off really well,” Mingus said. “We are thrilled with the support from the public. We really encourage people to donate clothes for the boutique so we can continue to help people in the community.”
Juana Fuentes-Bowles, coalition board member, said the store is fabulous, explaining “There are fantastic designer items here. People will enjoy the shopping and the prices are great.”
She added the coalition is thrilled with the support for the boutique. “People can donate and have fun shopping,” Fuentes-Bowles said.
The focus of the coalition is helping women who are victims of violence as well as working to eliminate and prevent future abuse of women on St. Croix. The coalition provides services and programs for women, men and children. For more about volunteering, donating, or services at the coalition call 773-9272.
Closet to Closet is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The boutique is only open Saturday from10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
