The Dresser opening in Carmel Valley
Treigh Mulvaney got hooked on consignment shops the day she found a pair of $300 Gucci boots for $60. Now she is opening a consignment boutique, The Dresser, this month in the Piazza Carmel shopping center in Carmel Valley, aiming to help women get their high fashion fix at not-so-high fashion prices.
The beauty of consignment, she said, is all the great brands available for a fraction of the cost. Some of the clothing in her store still has the tags on, never worn, just like new.
Mulvaney has lived in the Torrey Hills area for almost 11 years; her children attend Ocean Air Elementary School. A fashion lover who worked primarily in new home construction sales, it had been her dream to open her own shop.
Friends have encouraged her for the last five years and now her dream is reality, taking over the former Shoe Line store, which moved a few doors down.
“This window opened up and I went for it,” Mulvaney said. “I wanted to do it somewhere close to home and there happened to not be a consignment shop in the area. It was calling my name.”
Mulvaney completely transformed the space when she took it over. Pretty blue walls are reminiscent of Tiffany boxes, and chandeliers dangle from the ceiling. Crisp white dressers, in a nod to the store’s name, will be brought in to help show off shirts, hats and shoes. Clothing hangs on velvet hangers and is sprayed daily with perfume.
Mulvaney wanted to get far away from the consignment shop experience that sometimes feels cramped and musty.
“My whole concept is to look like a boutique to get people in the door,” Mulvaney said.
And they are coming to the door — on June 5, Mulvaney said 18 people wanted to come in to shop and some people stopped by just to inquire about the beautiful paint color. Women are already dropping off clothing. One customer filled up a whole wall after cleaning out her closet.
“Everyone’s really excited,” Mulvaney said. “I’ve been really inspired by all the comments I’ve been getting.”
The Dresser, which will open by July 1, is in Piazza Carmel, 3830 Valley Centre Drive, Suite 701, San Diego. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday. Now accepting consignment items. Call (858) 768-9190.