Driftwood consignment shop: High-end designer clothing deals come ashore in Madrona

If your taste in clothing tends toward champagne, but you're budgeted for beer, Driftwood in Madrona might be just the solution for your fashion woes. Open since the end of July, Driftwood is a consignment store par excellence.

Owner Natalie Anderson carefully curates what goes on the racks of her diminutive store, carrying gently used clothing and accessories from high-end designers like Prada and Gucci. While she's ramping up her inventory, Anderson will also carry a selection of more middle-of-the-road labels like Banana Republic.

Anderson generally prices her wares at one third of retail, depending on the condition and desirability of the item. She splits the sale price with the consigner, keeping the clothing in the store for 70 days. If something doesn't sell after 40 days, it's marked down 30 percent. At the end of the 70 days, the consigner can pick up the item or donate it to Dress for Success.

While one-third of retail can still be a pretty penny, many items at Driftwood feel like miraculous steals for their level of quality. On a recent visit, I spied a Ferragamo handbag for $102, a pair of red Dansko clogs for $37, Prada sling-back heels for $88 and jeans from True Religion for $92.

Diehard label-lovers will be thrilled by bigger ticket items like a black wool double-breasted winter coat from Moschino ($425), a classic bright red quilted Chanel purse ($810) and an immaculate Gucci bag ($565).

Driftwood has a small but sweet men's section that recently featured a dapper pink-and-grey wool suit from the luxurious Italian fashion house Etro ($380). Dress shirts from Etro go for $37, a real bargain considering they sell for upwards of $300 new.

If you feel like your closet has the chops and you'd like to consign at Driftwood, call Anderson at 206-941-6828 for an appointment.

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