NEW TIMES What is the vibe like on Garden Street?
FERRIN It’s eclectic yet familiar. I can walk out and recognize almost everybody. Between Linnaea’s and the brewery, it’s like a small neighborhood.
NEW TIMES How’s business?
FERRIN Business is really good; this is our busiest season. The fall is when we get our most high-end items for the year. The return of the students also helps pick up business as well. Women dress pretty casual in the summer. In the fall, women look for high-end boots and cashmere.
NEW TIMES What do you look for when finding items for your store?
FERRIN We look for designer pieces, under three years of age, and in like-new condition, including clothing, shoes, and handbags. Clothes that are in style now with a higher designer label. We also take it by season.
NEW TIMES Where does your product come from?
FERRIN About two thirds of consigned items are from local women from Santa Maria to Paso Robles. The remaining third comes from consigners out of the area and even out of state, including Scottsdale, Ariz.; New York City; Santa Barbara; San Francisco; and Los Angeles, among others.
NEW TIMES How do you feel fashion has changed in recent years?
FERRIN I would say the trends from year to year are more varied. Rather than having classic staples in you wardrobe, younger girls are buying into seasonal trends. The quality of clothing and fabric is not what it used to be. Now that the Internet is so big, anybody can have access to anything, and designer labels become much more attainable.
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