Want a Deal on an Escada Bag? Consider Consignment

Luxury-retailer Escada at the Americana Manhasset offers "It Bags" from $1,500 to the vertiginous $18,500. Not willing to blow the monthly mortgage payment on a bag? Head to Port's newest consignment store, Bella Tesori 4 Tu, where a pebbled, black leather Escada carryall was recently in stock for $525.

Billing itself as an "upscale boutique" specializing in the unique and unusual, Bella Tesori 4 Tu carries women's, men's and children's clothing and accessories as well as an eclectic range of household items. Merchandise includes high-end labels such as Movado, Cartier, Coach, Diane Von Furstenberg, Versace and Michael Kors, mainstays of better department stores.

Yet shoppers at consignment stores can expect to pay "65 percent less than retail," said owner Christine Rallis. The store, located at 4 Carlton Avenue, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Rallis said attractive discounts and the thrill of the hunt are what sets consignment stores apart in a crowded retail landscape. "Shoppers range from the sophisticated, who don't want people to know they're shopping here, to the treasure hunter," she said.

Are you getting a deal? Items that jumped out included never-worn J. Crew black satin/velvet evening shoes sporting both pave crystal accents and original tags for $178 (original retail price, $248) and a Coach sateen lurex logo bag for $165. Similar bags are listed on Coach's Web site for $298. A Movado watch priced at $285 retails for $995 on Amazon.com.

Still the store isn't jam-packed with deals and steals. Red leather Miu Miu shoes seemed dated and down at the heels. And the selection of kids clothing featured far too many tired looking jeans from Target. The biggest-name label? A sweatshirt from Aeropostale, but at $12 not a dramatic discount. 

Household offerings also disappoint, giving off a grandmother's-attic-vibe with inventory heavy on cut crystal and china. Other items include a mahogany curio cabinet for $280 and a vintage baby pram for $235. But shoppers needing a Wedgwood service for 14 ($1,675) should hurry over.

Still, there are bargains to be had if you dig around regularly and Rallis said she will keep an eye out for wish-list objects.

Keep in mind new inventory is added daily and perhaps the dearth of kiddie-couture and contemporary housewares presents an opportunity for fashion-forward moms to unload a stylish offspring's outgrown items or for serial decorators tired of a certain look.

Others with overflowing closets can also monetize yesterday's favorites. Bella Tesori 4 Tu accepts gently-worn items in clean and like-new condition. The shop works with clients to set prices; consigners can expect 60 percent of the sale price if an item moves within 30 days, 40 percent if it lingers up to three months. After 90 days, the item is reconsidered for sale; consigners have the option of taking it back or donating it to charity.

"Consignment makes good economic and environmental sense," Rallis said. Put your pocketbook to the test and give Bella Tesori 4 Tu a try.