Fresh Threads Designer Consignment Boutique Offers Fashion for Less

Juli Halifax admits she isn't much of a shopper.

But that didn't stop the former real estate agent from opening Fresh Threads Designer Consignment Boutique in South Tampa. The boutique, 1543 S. Dale Mabry Highway, offers everything from costume jewelry to handbags, boasting brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Mark Jacobs.

Halifax, married with a young son, said one thing that sets her boutique apart from others in the area is that each month, a stylist is featured on the company's website, http://shopfreshthreads.com.

"They write a blog once a week or every other week," she said. "They put together outfits in the store that are in trend, like pattern mixing, vibrant greens and oranges. They write a blog and take pictures and put it on the website."

We recently talked to Halifax of Clearwater about why she started the boutique - which began operating at the south Dale Mabry location in January - and her thoughts on South Tampa's fashion scene.

On why she opened the boutique: "I've always wanted to have a boutique since I was really young. I'm from Brooklyn New York. I used to go around in Park Slope and different parts of the city. I wasn’t much of a shopper, and I always liked retail. I liked displays and merchandise and customer service. I worked retail in college and high school. I really liked it. When I moved here, I got into real estate. I was a real estate agent for 10 years. It was lacking in that you have a transaction, and you're gone. With retail, you build relationshipss with the community."

The price range for her items: "Costume jewelry and earrings go for about $12 and handbags are up to $1,500. We have Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Coach, Mark Jacobs, Prada, Jimmy Choo, Dolce & Gabbana."

Her thoughts on opening a boutique during a recession along a competitive business corridor: "I felt like being in a recession was a great opportunity to step in and grow a consignment shop. When I took over the shop, we were at 153 consigners. Now, we're at 700."

On South Tampa's fashion scene: "I feel that people in South Tampa are very trendy. They want to get what's in the magazines, but they also like to save money. I think the women here are fashion savvy."

To contact the boutique, call 813-449-3578.