Encore

Profile

Savvy shoppers brave the communal dressing room at Encore because, despite a threadbare carpet and drab stucco walls, most of its consigned designer clothing is barely worn—and first-rate. One flight of stairs above, and a retail world apart, from the luxury-goods stretch of Madison Avenue, Encore has been reselling new or nearly-new castoffs from Upper East Side closets since 1954; according to shop lore, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis both sold and browsed here. With stock as ritzy as its consigners, the store's inventory leans toward old couture or off-the-rack, recent runway fashions. There are always Chanel tweeds and designer pant suits to try on, and a solid selection of Escada gowns, Loro Piana knits, Prada silk blouses, Moschino motorbike jackets and Lilly Pulitzer flower-print shifts—all offered for a fraction of their retail price. Also for sale are shoes with barely scuffed soles, including Tod loafers, Manolo mules, and Ferragamo pumps. A silky cache of Hermes scarves is displayed behind the counter, as are the highly-coveted Gucci and Louis Vuitton bags. — Eve Gerber