Shop Localista: Renaissance Consignments

I'd seen—and shied away from—Renaissance Consignments on Ridgewood.

I'd eyed their eye-catching array of antique pieces outside and passed by because I'd assumed the price tags would be just as commanding.

Boy, was I wrong.

The two levels of this shop showcase fashion and home furnishing items of impeccable quality at insanely savvy savings. Renaissance is seriously one of those rare retail experiences that combines high end finds with pulse-poundingly low prices.

Owners (and sisters) Nancy and Jean are Maplewood-born, South Orange-raised and set up shop 25 years ago, making them original Ridgewood retail pioneers. The top floor showcases Nancy's flair for fashion, and the lower level spotlights Jean's dynamic eye for interior design. Both woman exude a knowledgeable, grounded enthusiasm for pairing shoppers with perfect pieces and sincerely seem as happy about the great deals as the customers do during the final transactions.

"We have regular customers who like to joke that they need their 'Renaissance fix'," says Jean. "They say they're a bit spoiled by the shopping experience here and would rather avoid the mall to come visit us." An undoubtedly smart decision, being that even finicky fashionistas would salivate at the labels peppering these racks: Chanel, Prada, Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors to name a few—some even boasting original tags, and all marked to sell at a fraction of the cost.

I found a number of deliriously great deals like brand-new Michael Kors jeans for $22 (originally $109), Coach suede clogs for $45 and an adorable Adrienne Vittadini handbag for just $38. Sizes, styles and age ranges run the full gamut, too, so you'd be hard pressed to skim the racks without scoring a phenomenal find or two.

"Many folks have an appetite for great style," explains Nancy. "We just make satiating that appetite an affordable option as opposed to an extravagance."

Downstairs Renaissance houses a substantial, beautifully displayed collection of eclectic pieces that vary in age and genre while sharing an overall sophisticated sensibility and style. The price points on larger pieces are exceptional enough to turn Ikea's prices green with envy:

• A two-leaf extendable table large enough to fit 8-10 people? $295.
• A drop-leaf cherry heirloom quality Victorian table? $250.
• A country gate leg table from the 1880s? $195.

You'll also find a wide array of lighting fixture, art, mirrors and decor.

The sisters have built up a loyal clientele of both local shoppers and consigners, but gather their goods from as far away as California and Florida, which insures that their ever-updating inventory keeps pace with styles and the seasons. The ladies will also happily help you hunt down items on your wish list—so if you don't see what you want in store, don't hesitate to mention what you're hoping to find before you leave. Jean and Nancy also do interior design consultation which can help give tired spaces a new look.

If the big names for little prices weren't enough to get you to hightail it to Ridgewood, this will: Renaissance is offering the Shop Localista discount of the week. Just mention this Patch article and Nancy and Jean will graciously clip 10% off the total purchase of EVERYTHING in the store (10% discount offer good from Friday, August 13 thru Thursday, August 19). Yup. EVERYTHING. I'll race you there, and, in case you get there first, that Vittadini bag is MINE!                                                                                                                                

Renaissance Consignments: 410 Ridgewood Road (873)761-7450

Open: Wed. Thur. Fri. and Sat. 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.