milmil: DON'T THROW THEM, CONSIGN THEM!

How many of us have been in that predicament where we are no longer game to open our wardrobe doors at the fear of being buried by an avalanche of clothes, shoes and bags?! Where we sigh in disbelief at how many pieces we have accumulated over the seasons, that probably cost a pretty penny, but which we have worn once! - or worse - not at all! (guilty), and if your anything like me and try and be proactive about 'planning' to do that wardrobe clear out and re-sell all those good quality pieces at markets, or on Ebay, then come to that stark realization - WHO REALLY HAS TIME TO DO THAT?!?! - then I have found the place for you!!

I bet most of you never thought to consign your second hand pieces and get something back for it?! And now you're probably kicking yourself for throwing out that bunch of stuff you wore once for that wedding, or races day that you went to, but rest assure you never have to reluctantly throw out your clothes again!

Red Finch Boutique is a lavish little store, hidden among the regular businesses of the pleasant and picturesque suburb of Eltham. Established by a gorgeous and lively woman, Sarah. Born and raised little town just outside of Boston, Massachusetts in the United States, Sarah, started the innovative Red Finch consignment store from the simple realisation that she had so many clothes that she could quite literally 'open a store' - and that she did.

Red Finch is now an establishing place for women to easily sell those special, too good to give away pieces, as well as a place where they can buy new and good quality, second hand designer and top label items they would love to have at an affordable price - So how does it work you ask? - Simple, Pieces can be taken in and dropped off to RF where an initial receipt for all items will be given to the consignor on the day of receipt. A second receipt will then be emailed within 48 hours indicating items accepted and their new selling prices. All clothing and accessories are then held in the store for a period of 90 days, whereby at the end of 60 days, all items will be marked down by 30%. If your item sells, the sales are split 45% back to the consignor (you) and 55% back to Red Finch Boutique.

However, Red Finch is not just all about the clothes! Sarah also hosts a number of interactive and fun events via the store throughout the year, with "Wine and Consign" evenings and VIP nights, as well as the encouragement of community spirit by providing aspiring local jewellers and fashion designers a place to showcase and make available their creative designs. Red Finch is also a dedicated supporter of Breast Cancer awareness and research and helps contribute to this amazing charity with fundraisers throughout the year.

Last Friday night I was lucky enough to spend the evening in store with Sarah and her gorgeous staff, as well as with a group of other budding and local bloggers, for the ultimate Red Finch experience. The girls hosted a lovely evening with delicious canapés and wine, an in-store treasure hunt an even a mini fashion parade showcasing some of the stores best pieces. All in all it was a great evening with lots of laughter and making new friends, not to mention finding some super cute pieces in store. So ladies, no more throwing out our expensive, unworn clothes and shoes or bags, and no more excuses for them to be sitting in among straining coat hangers and over-stuffed shelves, collecting dust, do yourselves a favour and take those beauties down to Sarah, her warming smile and cheerful self will be just one of the reasons you will keep going back! and next time you get one of those last minute invites to cocktail events or weddings and birthdays, and before you lose your mind in that state of last minute panic, pop down to RF, you might just find exactly what you need at a price that won't leave you cringing!