Alexandra's consignment designer fashions (and price tags) are even better the second time around

Looking for high-quality apparel and accessories without the high prices? At Alexandra's Exclusively Designer Consignment Boutique, where everything is 70 to 90 percent below retail, Prada, Louis Vuitton and Jimmy Choo are within reach even during tough economic times.

Housed in Downtown's elegant Times Square building, Alexandra's may be one of Seattle's best-kept secrets for designer clothing minus the pricey sacrifice. The wares look like they could be found in the city's upscale retailers, but in reality come from a variety of well-heeled wardrobes, says sales manager Renee Smith.

"Local closets yield big treasures; we also have longtime consignees from around the country who send us things," Smith says. "We don't take anything that's over three years old and we focus on labels and mostly contemporary items, but we also bring in timeless couture, like Chanel and Valentino."

Alexandra's also receives a steady supply from local, high-end boutiques who want to free up inventory. That's how the shop came by a Pamella Roland white silk blouse that originally retailed for $1,000 and now sells for $149.

Clothing is artfully arranged by type, then color, and the 2,300-square-foot store boasts a generous variety of sizes and styles for a broad range of clientele, says Smith, who illustrates by pointing to a Yohji Yamamoto black wool suit with placket vents, a citrus-hued Dolce & Gabbana three-quarter-sleeve coat trimmed with squirrel, and a Stella McCartney charcoal-brown activewear tee.

"We cater to women who love style and fashion -- we answer to a lot of lifestyles and all ages, from 18 to 80."

For those looking to channel their inner Carrie Bradshaw, a pair of Manolo Blahnik leopard-print mules with gold-plated kitten heels might do the trick. Then again, there's also what Smith calls, "the boot of the season": Chloe, snub-toed, belt-buckled boots with chunky three-inch squared heels. Drum roll please … original retail $1,500, yours for just $200.

On a recent visit, I met first-time customer Betsy Robertson, who eyed a Robert Rodriguez, smoke-colored sequined silk top and a 1920s-style burnt-olive, beaded silk Tahari dress. "I've walked by this place so many times on previous visits to Seattle and I've always wanted to come in," said the attorney from Boston. "We have similar stores, but nothing like this. It doesn't even feel like a consignment store in here."

While it might be hard to justify spending $500 for a black, nearly new pebbled Tod's leather briefcase (original retail $1,500), in the end, it's all about value, says Smith. "It's hard not to have sticker shock when you look at the original retail prices, but when you look at the reduced prices, it makes owning a piece a reality," she says. "When you shop here, it's a trade-up, because you're not paying the original cost, but you're still getting the quality."

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