Déjà Vu Offers Women a Second Chance at Fashion

Whether you are looking for a Coach bag, a custom made vest or a dress for the big holiday party, chances are you can find something at Déjà Vu Designer Women’s Consignment in Simsbury.

The shop opened Nov. 15 in Simsmore Square (it’s around back), and is operated by Claudia Cousins and Brittany Vaughan.

The two, both Simsbury residents, have known each other for years (Vaughan is in a relationship with Cousins’ son) and decided to open this shop as it is “a dream come true” for both.

“It’s a family business,” said Cousins, whose daughter Kristina Capeles does all of the displays for the store. Capeles worked in New York City in fashion for a period of time.

“We thought this would be a real fun adventure to do together,” said Cousins.

Vaughan owns (and still teaches classes) at Jazzercise in Avon and Cousins has retail experience, as well as a long history of consignment shopping. Vaughan for a time lived in Florida and would go to New York City with her mother once a year to shop for clothes, so in addition to her business background she knows brands.

“It’s a perfect combination,” said Vaughan of their strengths.

The shop has no connection to Touch of Class consignment that was housed upstairs in the same building and recently closed.

The two figured with residential and commercial properties so close to the location, it would be a good spot.

“It’s been busy,” said Vaughan, who said they opened with plenty of stock as people responded to their advertisements looking for items.

People who wish to drop off items for consignment can so at any time. The shop asks that the items you bring in be clean and in good shape and the correct season (fall/winter is fine now).

“Walk in, we take care of you,” said Vaughan.

A quick look around and you’ll see bags, shoes, gown, jackets, jewelry, business suits and causal clothes.

“We’ve got everything from Gap to custom made clothing to Coach purses to Louis Vuitton purses,” said Vaughan.

The shop also offers an online auction service for some of the pricier items. The online business is also used for collectibles, so if you have an Easy Bake Oven from the 1960s, you might want to bring that by with the clothes you are dropping off.

The shop caters to women, said Vaughan, who mid-sentence can be distracted by a beautiful item being dropped off or considered for purchase — “Don’t you love that bag?” she said to Fran Becher of Glastonbury.

It was a Brahmin bag, which can be found at Nordstrom, and it had it paperwork (yes, just like anything valuable there is paperwork attached authenticating it).

Ann Taylor, J. Crew and other brands are on the racks as are one of a kind gems from shops around the globe. Becher recently moved back from Europe and was dropping off a few items, as well as shopping.

“It’s great,” said Becher of Deja Vu. “They are wonderful.”

When she moved back she took a drive out to Simsbury to see if the shop Dana’s was still in business (another consignment store). It wasn’t, but she found Déjà vu.

She found two items she wanted that day and has been coming back since.

“These women are phenomenal,” said Becher, who was trying on some consigned custom made clothing that fit her as if it were made for her. “I could spend $1,000.”

Cousins and Vaughan say they want the shop to have a casual atmosphere, a place where people feel they can drop by and hang out, as well as shop.

The way it works is you sign a consignment agreement that splits the profits 40/60 (the consigner gets 40 percent). Items stay on the floor for 60 days; after 30 days the price is cut in half. Certain items such as shoes, bags, gowns and specialty items do not see a price reduction (unless it’s the end of the season).

Déjà Vu is located at 524 Hopmeadow Street, Simsmore Square. It is located around back. The phone is 860-651-4400. Hours are Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. On Thursday the shop is open until 7 p.m. Saturday it’s open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is closed on Sundays. For more go to www.dejavudesignerconsignment.com.