Tanking Economy Rewards Consignment Shoppers

Lipstick Lounge offers designer items that non-celebs can afford

You might feel like you have multiple personalities if you shop at the Lipstick Lounge (212 Main St., Gaithersburg), a women's shop that carries both H&M and Prada. How is that even possible? Chalk it up to the magic of mixing new pieces with consignment: "an upscale look with rock-bottom prices," says co-owner Jackie Gilligan.

The Lipstick Lounge, opened last week by three friends, differs from typical consignment shops, where sellers only get paid if their items sell to new consumers. If your gear is accepted for sale, the Lipstick-ers hand over cold, hard cash.

Good luck actually getting out of there with it in your pocket though -- seriously, they have Prada on consignment there.

"Because of the economy, everyone is selling their clothes -- we're getting a lot of sellers and therefore we have a lot to choose from," says Gilligan. More importantly, that "a lot" includes names such as Dolce & Gabbana, Ella Moss, Michael Storrs, Theory and Nicole Miller, plus a big selection of denim.

New items include small accessories (beaded coin purses, lipstick holders), candles, soap and bubble bath -- plus, um, helpful gear such as the Yummie Tummie line, "a tank top that holds everything in," says Gilligan.

Duly noted.

Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

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