New Roswell Bridal Boutique Benefits Charity

Times are hard, but giving back doesn't have to be. Or at least that's the theory behind , an upscale Roswell Square women’s consignment shop with a charitable mission.

Vintage & Vogue has been in business for just over a year. Maria Walden-Sullivan, the owner, had a career in philanthropy and recognized that it was becoming harder for people to give to charity in a tough economy. With no retail experience, she opened her shop with the goal of donating proceeds to charity.

 “With the economy the way it is, I think this is a better way to ask for money,” Sullivan said. “People can donate something from their closet and give back that way.”

Here’s how it works. People bring in clothes to sell on consignment and they receive 40 percent of the proceeds. They can keep the profits or donate them to charity. Vintage & Vogue supports 17 area charities and also honors any charity that a consigner chooses. If the clothing doesn’t sell, it is eventually donated. People can also donate clothing outright.

The store offers upscale shoes, clothing and purses from such designers as Coco Chanel and Valentino, as well as professional clothing and jeans from Ann Taylor, St. John Sport, Jones New York and Banana Republic. Merchandise typically sells for 75 percent off retail prices.

Vintage & Vogue has been more successful than Sullivan expected. Within its first year, the shop attracted 175 consigners, and in its first quarter, provided $7,500 to charities.

To date, the store has provided nearly $17,000 in cash to charities, along with numerous donations of clothing.

Now, the business is at a turning point. Sullivan and her four employees have developed a new plan to encourage more charitable donations. Clothing will no longer be sold on consignment for more than one season, allowing the proceeds to go to charity sooner. Also, Sullivan says she plans to narrow the number of charities from 17 to five or six. She would rather give bigger checks to fewer charities to make a difference.

Sullivan has also developed relationships with some of her consigners.

Nancy Votta, a Roswell resident, found the store a month after it opened and has been selling clothes on consignment since. While she often donates her proceeds to charity, sometimes she uses them to reinvest in shopping in the store. She and Sullivan have become friends.

Votta likes being able to give back. “I try to shop and give back to the community as much as I can in Roswell.”

Beyond the charitable donations, Sullivan helps other small businesses, particularly those owned by women. She has helped The Drake House and Chrysalis Experiential Academy set up their own thrift stores, earning her an award from Chrysalis and she has consulted for Dress for Success. She also invites female business owners to the store one evening a month for a wine and cheese event to introduce her customers to them. And she sells hand-made jewelry and art by local female artists.

For Sullivan, it’s not just about donating money. It’s about helping others help others. “We are paying it forward,” she explains.

Part of the reward of running the shop is also the return customers, who sometimes greet Sullivan with hugs.

Last week, Rachel Engle, 17, returned with her sister and a friend. She bought her prom dress there last spring – an Italian gown, cut low in the back and lined with black beads – attracting many compliments. This time, she bought a black leather jacket.

She keeps coming back, introducing the store to family and friends, because she likes the charitable aspect, she said.

“That’s really what attracted me to the place,” she said, “because you’re looking nice and doing good.”

Now Vintage & Vogue is expanding its charitable mission into the bridal industry. Sullivan is opening a consignment bridal boutique next door to the Roswell Square location.

It’s doubtful you will wear your bridal gown more than once. But it could help someone else.

The new boutique, called I Do & I’m Done, is scheduled to open by March 2012 at 45 Park Square. It will offer gently used, new and vintage wedding gowns, as well as attire for bridesmaids, mothers of the bride and other accessories. The shop is looking for bridal gowns and bridesmaids dresses – either to sell on consignment or take as donations.

“We really want to tailor it to the individual who wants a vintage or unique gown,” said Aimee Calhoun, a certified wedding planner who will manage the bridal shop and offer wedding consultation.

“Everybody has a bridesmaid dress tucked away in their closet. We’d love to have them bring it in,” Calhoun said.

Workshops will also be offered on such topics as how to make your own wedding favors or design hair accessories for your wedding.

The goal, too, is to make the gowns personal. Consigners or donors are encouraged to provide photos and narratives, giving a sense of the occasion when the dress was worn.

To donate bridal or bridesmaid dresses, make an appointment by e-mailing Aimee Calhoun, or call at 678-495-4483.