Unforgettable ©

2435 Polk Street San Francisco, CA 94109
Oakland, CA 94611
(415) 474-0115

Proprietress: Denise Morden

Shopping Hours:
W - S, 11:30 – 5:30; SU 12 – 4
(M or T by appointment)

Purchasing Hours:
W – S from 11 – 4 by appointment

Walking into UNFORGETTABLE I felt somewhat like Dorothy must have felt when she first encountered OZ – or Alice falling down the Rabbit Hole! I was immediately swept up by the shear fantasy of it all . . . like emerging from a time-machine into a world populated by glamorous and romantic memories of women who came before. I was embraced by racks bursting with intricate Victorian lace, starched crinolines of the 50’s, glamorous satin sheaths cut on the bias from the 30’s and 40’s, oversized hats probably once worn with white gloves at afternoon tea parties by San Francisco’s Grand Dames. . . . sigh.

“This is what it’s all about,” I mused as UNFORGETTABLE’S gracious Proprietress, Denise Morden lovingly explained the role of each article of clothing – each rhinestone-studded broach – each matching hat and bag – each glorious negligee. “This is where clothing, costuming and personal expression intersect; where rules are cast aside and we can reach for the era and image which most reflects our inner-woman.” Somewhat embarrassed to find myself so completely enamored, I wondered just how difficult it might be to sell everything I owned to make room for these individual works of art. After all, the best-dressed starlets in Hollywood and artistically-attired doyens of New York City search high and low for such treasures as these to create unique looks separating themselves from the masses. In fact, UNFORGETTABLE items have been sported by such notables as Kyra Sedgwick, the magnolia-tongued steely-willed star of TV’s “Closer,” who recently purchased jackets from Denise to wear on-screen.

Snapping out of my reverie, I soon found myself enjoying a spirited conversation with Denise, whose obvious love for her work goes far beyond that of most retailers. Denise was collecting and wearing vintage clothing since her teens; her passion first translated into a career when collecting old jewelry evolved into a business as she designed replicas from old pieces. Now working with clothing as well as jewelry, you’ll find lovingly restored items and “original” pieces she reconstructs by salvaging pieces from the same era to recreate items true to the time, yet uniquely hers. Her one-of-a-kind Edwardian-remakes incorporate a contemporary eye while hearkening back to gentler times. The shop has been featured in such premier magazines as San Francisco 7: The Best of San Francisco and Victim’s Italian Edition.

UNFORGETTABLE is truly a place where a woman can ask herself, “Who do I wish to be today?” assured that somewhere amidst the crowded racks and display cases she would find the type of beaded cashmere sweaters her mother wore, and an outstanding collection of Bakelite jewelry to give that perfect accent to add that unusual twist to a contemporary outfit. You’ll find authentic Victorian pieces (circa 1900’s), luscious lingerie pieces in silks and satins, gossamer summer silk garden-party perfect dresses, fun and flirty retro skirts and dresses from the 50’s and 60’s sharp “band-box” suits, luxurious gowns, beaded-velvet or fur opera capes, fabulous beaded bags and simply outrageous hats of feathers, flounces and flourishes.

For those who like to sparkle . . . there is a case groaning with Rhinestone jewelry in floral, fluted, animal or deco designs; as well as beaded tops for evenings on the town. Looking for an outrageous accent? Try a feathered fan, or boa! If you’re feeling worldly, you can walk away with Mexican felt skirts, or more intricately-ornamented beaded numbers. Chinese jackets and kimonos in silk brocades are wonderful for entertaining at home, or dress-up events over one of the slinky 40’s black cut-on-the-bias dresses.

Knowledgeable vintage collectors will recognize such labels as: Lilli Ann, De Mura, Johansen, Ceil Chapman (the designer for Marilyn Monroe), Lanvin and Fortuny. The typical price range is from $50 for some of the simpler fare up to $500 for a sumptuous beaded velvet opera cape. In the winter months, you’ll find a fantastic selection of Persian Lamb coats and other furs, swing jackets and snuggly cashmere. Look for sales after Valentine’s Day when some of the coats and furs are marked down, but otherwise the very fair prices marked on the tags don’t change. Remember . . . true vintage clothing is an investment as fine pieces in good condition actually appreciate over the years.

If you happen to have inherited some wonders of your own, Denise purchases individual pieces, or an entire estate (for which you will need to call ahead and make an appointment) outright. Items must be “true vintage” and in fabulous condition (unless sufficiently unique for Denise to apply her skills to restoring them to their original splendor). Consignments are considered only for “museum quality” pieces.

I have been to many vintage clothing stores before, but UNFORGETTABLE is an experience beyond mere shopping. The two dressing rooms are beautifully appointed and Denise Morden is nothing less than a Fashion Historian – a visit with her is like sitting at the foot of the most knowledgeable museum curator, or art gallery docent. When you purchase an article of clothing from Denise you’re not only buying the blouse, dress, suit, coat, necklace, shoes, hat, gown, or skirt . . . you’re buying a piece of history with its story intact. Don’t miss this true “San Francisco Treat.” Bring your friends and make it an outing followed by lunch, or High Tea on Nob Hill (like many of the ladies whose clothing fills the shop once did.)

Sneak a peak at some of the wonders you’ll find at UNFORGETTABLE on THE ALTERNATIVE SHOPPING MALL to get a head-start before you shop. Dorothy may have had to ride a tornado to get to OZ and needed to click her ruby-slippers three times to get home . . . but if you click once on this link to UNFORGETTABLE, you’ll be there in a flash! Don’t forget to say “Hi!” from THE CLOSET COACH and have an UNFORGETTABLE time! (GOLDEN HANGER MEMBERS receive a 10% discount!)

Christabelle's Closet ©

www.christabellescloset.com
New York City, NY
Owner: Christina Carathanassis

Shopping Hours: 24/7 Online

Shipping: USPS 5 – 10 business days after date order received.

To Consign: Click the link "What's In Your Closet" in the pink bar for a page detailing the consignment program.

Spending much of my time glued in front of my computer screen to bring Alternative Shoppers new goodies housed within THE ALTERNATIVE SHOPPING MALL’S HOTLINKS CAFÉ, I decided it might be fun to review an ONLINE store that would be accessible and available to everybody. Out of the many I have discovered, perhaps one of the sites I most admire has to be CHRISTABELLE’S CLOSET.

This clever online Consignment Shop has found a way to bring together many of the same features which make actual consignment shopping such fun without ever having to leave the comfort of your home. Christabelle Carathanassis, a die-hard Fashionista, has created a unique approach to on-line consignment shopping. She is assisted by a talented group of friends who help out with everything from taking in and sorting through consignment wannabes that arrive via USPS, UPS, FedX and probably carrier pigeon . . . to offering their individual takes on fashion trends based upon their varying tastes (which range from jeans-casual to haute couture).

Everything featured is current, in excellent condition, authentic (e.g. must arrive with labels, receipts and/or tags) and quite reasonably priced. In many respects, it’s sort of like shopping at an “e-Bay with class!” (Christabelle wanted it to feel as if shoppers were browsing through a friend’s closet and I believe she has quite handsomely done just that.) Another plus will please those of us who may have purchased items at auction and found them woefully less grand than expected. CHRISTABELLE’S CLOSET practices a level of quality-control that removes some of the risk of such on-line shopping. Shoppers will find such excellent labels as: Amanda Uprichard, Emporio Amrani, Calvin Klein, Ralph, Lauren, Chanel, Prada, Kenneth Cole, Blahnik, Tods, Marc Jacobs, Vittadini, Moschino, Tahari, Albert Nippon, DKNY, Dianne Von Furstenberg, Gucci, Ferragamo, Dior and Hermes, BCBG, Juicy Couture, Michael Stars,– and can take advantage of frequent markdowns on all items.

While I initially thought might be difficult to describe the site’s “display” – “browsing ease” and “service,” the clever, interactive and fun layout is quite easily navigated. Guided by simple cartoon images, visitors can search for items by type: bags, shoes, dresses, casual, accessories, outerwear, formal wear, suits & 2-piecers, separates, or by size. Be aware that the more common sizes are most difficult to find – probably due to the fact that they are snatched up as soon as they arrive. For those who are on the outer rings of the Bell Curve, you may find more of a selection. No matter what your size, the site was specifically designed to maximize each shopper’s time by making it quick and easy to determine what is available – with a special emphasis on “new moms” who have little time (or funds) to spend on themselves.

You’ll find simple instructions on how to pack up your own items for consideration (consigners receive 50% of the sale price) and then all you need to do is sit back and admire your items in all their glory on-line, while CHRISTABELLE’S CLOSET places them before a national – even an international buying audience. If you’re more interested in shopping than selling, you can sign-up for her email blasts to be kept informed as new items arrive. What I especially like is that once you’ve decided to search for that new dress you’ve been seeking, it’s simple to cut to the chase by searching only for dresses that are within your size range.

The fashion tips are a hoot! You can read a bit about each of her helpers (dubbed “belles” for fun) to get a sense of whose advice you are most apt to find compatible with your own. Whether you are seeking clothes that reflect the current “young and trendy” styles, a bustling business woman, or a mom seeking the advice of one who knows what it’s like to need clothing that can easily be tossed in the washer. . . one of the “belles” will certainly have insights which you will enjoy.

And there’s MORE! Christabelle did not stop with women’s fashions and accessories . . . you can find goodies for expectant moms, kids, men and even your pup! It’s truly a “one stop shopping” site! In fact, if you are very clever . . . show it to the man in your life by taking him around the entire site so he can presumably find things for himself (make sure to stop for the appropriate “oohs and ahhs” at anything which your heart desires to fill out your own wardrobe) and he may even find it an ideal place to shop for gifts for any upcoming occasions for you!

I did mention that CHRISTABELLE’S CLOSET was one I admired . . . the reason goes far beyond the obvious quality shopping for great prices. To be sure, the website was launched as a way to combine Christabelle’s love for shopping and finding amazing deals to pass along to others . . . but the underlying purpose goes much further. When her mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, she dedicated herself to fundraising towards a cure. If you check out the “Clearance Closet” you will find great deals AND contribute to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease (I believe it’s a 50/50 split). Several important people in my life struggle with this devastating illness and when we can enjoy Alternative Shopping prices AND benefit the work of this extraordinary non-profit . . . life is doubly blessed. Please make sure to pick up some goodies at CHRISTABELLE’S CLOSET’S Clearance Closet and tell her THE CLOSET COACH sent you!