Debutantes – Low Cost Shopping in Moorestown
Debutantes has been in business for the past five years, and has been thriving ever since it opened its doors. Located at 101 East Main Street (telephone 856/222-0075), this stylish shop has been a well-kept secret amongst the wealthy residents of Moorestown and surrounding areas ever since. Parking may be a bit of a problem; the store is located at the corner of Main Street and Chester Avenue and does not have its own parking lot. However, like anything worthwhile, if you take just a few extra minutes to find parking either on Main Street itself or in the free parking lot about 300 feet away, it will be worth the effort. The store’s hours are 10 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Saturday; occasionally the store’s owner, Sandy, will host special shopping events in the store on selected Sundays when the prices are slashed even lower. Be sure to sign the book which Sandy keeps on the front counter to be invited to these special sales – they are really worth it!
Perhaps the best thing about Debutantes is the fact that it is not a ‘thrift’ store in any sense of the word. What it does offer is high to very high end womens’ clothing, shoes and accessories at prices that will knock your socks off! Rarely, if ever, will you find an Old Navy item. On any given day, you will find designers such as Prada, Gucci, Chico’s, Coach, Vera Wang, Sue Wong, Cachet, Louis Vuitton, Dooney & Bourke, Fendi, Ralph Lauren, Laura Ashley, Izod, Bebe, BCBG, MaxAzaria, Miu Miu, Lily Pulitzer and many, many more in stock. Amazingly, all items are very reasonably priced – most are at least 50% of retail or less, many are brand new and still have their original tags intact or come with their original boxes. Debutantes also has a huge jewelry selection ranging from high end costume jewelry to Waterford crystal necklaces to estate sale pearls. Consigners are held to very rigorous standards; only current season, stylish, dry-cleaned, and gently worn items are accepted by Sandy, who is scrupulous and somewhat ruthless in her selection of inventory items. You’ll find new Coach black flats (with their original box, never worn!) sitting next to a Chico’s pants suit with the tags still attached…a flowing selection of beautiful scarves, many of them silk…cowboy boots in a variety of sizes and colors, so popular this year…and an amazing selection of furs in all colors, sizes and cuts.
Debutantes itself is a very charming store, beautifully decorated by Sandy, who has a real flair and eye for color. In the back room closet, you’ll find items slashed to rock bottom; there I found two Vera Wang navy blue sheer skirts with delicate bows at the waist – for $10 each! If you’re looking for a particular designer, Sandy will make a note of your selection wish list and size, and call you when items that may interest you arrive in the store. Located in the wealthy community of Moorestown, many of Debutantes’ items come from the best families in town. Sandy also has other consignors who have ties to New York City deisigners who bring in sample dresses and skirts, and stewardesses who bring in gorgeous items purchased from all over the world while on duty, to name just a few. It will take you at least an hour, probably more, to fully search the store – there really is something for every lady of good taste and a good eye for a very well priced item!
Debutantes accepts both cash and credit cards; lay away is also an option. (One day while I was there browsing, along with the wife of a local doctor and a local well-known real estate agent), a very attractive women rang up purchases in the amount of $1,755.00. As it turns out, she lives in Atlanta but travels to Philadelphia (only a 20 minute drive away from Debutantes) on business, and makes a point of stopping in to see what’s new and exciting. Among her purchases was a dropdead gorgeous black mink jacket trimmed in silver fox, with a matching hat. She also had two huge shopping bags full of her other purchases as well. (Sandy also has a policy of giving her consignors a 10% discount off of their own purchases at the shop.)
Since many of us are looking for holiday wear, it’s great to know that you won’t break the bank with a purchase of an evening or cocktail dress at Debutantes; as a matter of fact, you’ll save enough money to buy both! This is also a great place for gift shopping. Again, much of the stock is brand new and comes with their original boxes and wrapping; you can’t go wrong with an elegant Coach, Prada or Dooney & Bourke handbag which comes with its original box, wrapping paper and registration cards, sure to please even the most stylish of ladies! The shopping experience here is unrushed, unobtrusive, very helpful if asked and frankly downright fun! You honestly have no idea what great items will show up each day. I highly recommend Debutantes as a shopping adventure not just for the cost-conscious but also for those looking for exciting, often rare fashion find. If you can’t find it there, you won’t find it anywhere!
