Cindy McCartney opened her shop, Diva Designer Consignment and Other Delights, in Alexandria in October of 2006. The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce named it New Business of the Year in 2007.
What made you decide to open a consignment store?
I had been in the cosmetic industry for 23 years and worked with corporate, and I think I just reached overload on corporate. I’d always wanted to do something on my own, and I love fashion. Not to mention the fact that I was a confirmed shopaholic. And I’d always consigned things myself.
Why did you choose Alexandria?
First of all, I’m an Alexandria resident. Second, I just think that anyone you talk to from anywhere in the country knows Alexandria — it has such a distinct personality. We’re in a town house from the 1880s.
Which designer brands do you see the most of?
We have people of all ages bringing things in — from high school on up — it’s really an interesting mix. Our niche is pretty much clothing from the last year or two — it’s not vintage at all. We have a lot of Diane Von Furstenberg, Trina Turk, Milly, Catherine Malandrino. It’s all women’s, and we have accessories and shoes.
When is the best time to buy, and how discounted are the clothes?
In February we’re going to start taking spring things. Usually, the clothes are a half to a third of what the original price was, but a lot of it depends on the condition of the dress. Is it this year’s style? Is it worn, or does it still have the tags on?
What are some of the most spectacular clothes people have brought in?
We had a Chloe dress that was gorgeous — it was a flowing peach one with black ribbon. It was exquisite. And we had a Prada twinset — it was cashmere and had jewels all over both pieces.
