What a Stash

Yesterday was The Stash Consignment sale. I got there early to make sure that I could have a chance to see all the fabulous things before someone else bought them. Immediately, I was greeted by the lovely Élan Kaplan Barish, founder of The Stash, and darling Julia of Sunshine Sachs. Julia had on killer gold & black leopard pumps that immediately caught my eye... until I saw the mimosa bar.

Oops 11:30AM on a Wednesday and a mimosa was the only thing I had consumed. Ok, ready to shop, mimosa in hand, Élan and Julia took me through the racks of designer deals. The silver Marc Jacobs coat almost made me spill my drink- it was stunning! And when Julia tried on the rose pink YSL jacket we all just about lost it. We went through racks of Dior (I die), Missoni (oh my) and had the best time searching for more treasures.

Julia pulled an amazing Miu Miu navy and royal blue tunic that she insisted I try. You don't have to twist my arm to try an a $100 silk Miu Miu tunic! (Which, by the way, we decided could be a dress with the proper undergarments.)

As I scanned the shoes I cursed my genes for giving me a size 9 because I saw the most adorable Gucci flats - size 6. I felt like the Ugly Step Sister trying to squeeze into Cinderella's glass slipper. Oh well. I had my prince, and his name was Miu Miu.

I could have stayed all day, watching everyone try on these great pieces. An editor from Ebony tried on a sassy Alexander Wang romper and Barney shoes and the whole room went wild. There was no way she was leaving without her new outfit.

And there was no way I was leaving without a mini banana cupcake. They were bite size so I can still fit into my new tunic/dress and I really needed substance. Plus, it was banana, and that's healthy, right? I left the sale a very satisfied recessionista.

The Stash Sale Tomorrow!

Remember that tomorrow is The Stash's Stretch Your Summer Sale.

You don't want to miss this insane sale with all of your favorite designers reduced 20% off their already 75% markdown. If that's not enough to get you running in your Louboutins, let me add that there will be cupcakes and champagne cocktails.

Click here for details.

The Stash "Stretch Your Summer Sale"

Élan Kaplan Barish is the Robin Hood of the fashion world - except she's probably doing good in Chloé boots and a Balenciaga cape.

This entrepreneur, wife, mother and fashionista is the brains behind The Stash Consignment. After her friend, a closet organizer, visited a client who still had many new clothes with tags, Barish saw an business opportunity. She visits high profile closets around NYC and works with the women to pull top designer items that they no longer wear - always making them hold on to classic pieces that may one day come back or be perfect for their daughters. The items are then resold on her Web site and sales The Stash hosts. Sort of buying from the rich and selling to the budget babes at a very affordable price, all in "the spirit of sisterhood, fashion and honesty."

"Because of the economy, people aren't spending $2,000 on a bag anymore," Barish said. "We support the conscience of the fashion conscious."

Barish started the company last summer and has since grown a successful business, she nearly sold out each of the sale events and continues to do online business. And she makes sure her customers don't just feel like another sale as they would shopping at Bergdorf.

"I care about all of my clients. Being able to sell your friend a Birkin bag that she can afford feels great."

No bow and arrow in hand, just an honest eye for what can sell, Barish is making items accessible to women who wouldn't necessarily be able to afford it.

This native New York City gal knows that our summer weather isn't over after Labor Day. She also recognizes that women don't necessarily want to be buying full price summer items in August. To solve the dilemma, The Stash is hosting a "Stretch Your Summer Sale." Do just that - stretch your summer wardrobe and not your wallet.

Your favorite and most coveted designer duds will be discounted 20% off the already 75% markdown. Yes, you read that correct. The Stash is practically giving away Alice + Olivia, Fendi, Dolce & Gabana, Hermes Missoni, Prada and more.

Expect sample sale prices without the wild frenzy of a warehouse sample sale. No fighting for the last Chanel jacket or knocking down shoppers for a pair of Louboutin pumps. Instead, sip on a Fashionista cocktail specially created by Perrier-Jouët and Absolut, have a cupcake, and find your next treasure to take home.

Shop new with tags and pre-loved items on August 12, from 12 - 7PM at the home of Dana Haddad, 1182 Broadway. Cash and checks only. RSVP weiskopf@sunshinesachs.com.

Champagne cocktails, cupcakes and designer discounts; it's every woman's fantasy world. Maid Marian never had it so good.