Former Councilwoman Opens High-End Consignment Shop In Batavia

BATAVIA, IL --- A new boutique in Batavia has opened its doors just in time for the holiday season. Paula's Couture Consignment, which opened in late November and hosts a grand opening on Dec. 6, is owned by former city councilwoman Paula Mueller.

Mueller's shop accepts gently used designer clothing on consignment and carries a selection of high-end items for women. She then resells the items at a discount of up to 70 percent, depending on the brand. Some of the brand name items you might find on Paula's racks include blue jeans by Citizens of Humanity, outerwear by Anthropologie, and bags by Coach and Louis Vuitton.

In an email, Mueller, said that she's always been fashion-minded. Before opening Paula's Couture Consignment, she further honed her style know-how at Boutique Repeats in Aurora. When someone offered to invest in Paula's Couture Consignment shop, Mueller says she "Couldn't pass up making [her] dream a reality."

One of Mueller's favorite parts of owning the shop is helping the women who come in find a style that makes them feel good. She says that the most rewarding part, though, is "the joy of meeting those new and old friends" from Batavia and surrounding towns in her shop.

"I love Batavia and see a long future here! I love being a part of making someone feel special, if I can find that perfect necklace or dress then my day is made," she says.

Dozens of those "new and old friends" attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening at Paula's Couture on Dec. 6, including Batavia mayor Jeff Schielke and his wife, who Mueller said browsed the shop and even "found a few treasures."

Paula's Couture Consignment is currently accepting gently used brand name women's clothing styles from the last two or three years, accessories, and other items. She's also looking for "gently sprayed" colognes and perfumes, along with men's accessories.

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