Shop Localista: South Orange Gifts & Consignment

Some embrace secondhand shopping only if it's presented as a boutique experience, and there are a number up upscale consignment shops- with upscale prices-  eager to cater to them. Then there are those who tackle thrift shopping as an adventure, ready to roll up sleeves and delve through a little dust - and a few less than perfect picks - to emerge with a jaw-dropping designer deal. South Orange Gifts & Consignment is their sort of shop.

Snuggled into a well-driven stretch of Valley, this is a place you've probably passed a ton of times. If you  park, however,  look beyond the slightly damaged display window and venture inside, some serious savings await you. For 13 years, Anant and Sangeeta, the father and daughter team that own and run the store, have been catering to a fiercely loyal clientelle well aware of the scores to be found. "I used to live in South Orange, now I make the trip from Montclair," explains Sarah Fleming, a longtime customer. "They have some seriously beautiful stuff at great prices, plus the owner is very nice!"

As Anant sincerely returns her compliment,  you quickly gather why he's gained an enduring following: Eager to assist and point out items he thinks would be of interest without being aggressive in the slightest, he is a charming combination of host and shopkeeper. When he responds to inquiries about prices on the occasional unmarked item, you also quickly realize he's a pretty generous guy as well, "I don't make the prices too high, that wouldn't make my customers happy or keep them coming back," he shrugs.

And happy prices, they are. I found two particularly fetching, designer frocks, never worn, store tags attached: An iridescent tangerine Tahari two- piece originally tagged at $298 for $12 and a chocolate brown, floor-length Liz Claiborne gown with Asian flair, $16- also sporting tags.

In addition to brand new bargains, here's a whirlwind listing of other offerings of gently worn items should catch the eye of bargainista fashionistas:

• Joe Jeans, $6.
• Donna Karan leather bag, $16
• Coach purse, $20
• Gabahn leather bag, $8
• Stuart Weitzman leather pumps, $12.

You won't find fancy dressing rooms, expensive fixtures or froufrou displays here, but those willing the really peruse the racks will rake in some impressive prizes, I promise. The shop carries a wide range of sizes, from petite to plus, sizes 0 to 24. In addition to women's clothes, shoes and accessories they also offer a small section for the fellas.

If you need more incentive to stop in to see what this intriguing little consignment shop has to offer, here you go: Anant is kindly offering the Shop Localista special of the week: Just mention this Patch article and he will nip an additional 5% off your entire purchase! Offer good from Thursday, September 3rd  through Wednesday, September 9th.

Hours: Mon - Sat, 10am - 7pm; Sun, closed