My Daughter's Closet Opens in Caldwell

Dale Lazarovitch and Cindy Schechter hope to fill their new "closet" with your daughters' outgrown and unwanted clothing. 

The co-owners of the resale boutique, , opened for business this week at 3 Brookside Ave. in Caldwell, where they are starting to fill their racks with gently used fashions for tween and teen girls. 

The consignment shop accepts party dresses, special occasion dresses, jeans, skirts, sweaters (in season), jackets, belts and handbags. All items should be in good condition, washed and on hangers. All sizes are welcomed. There are some no-no's—the shop will not accept lingerie, boots, shoes or bathing suits. 

My Daughter's Closet will consign items for 90 days, with the consignor getting 40% of the selling price. If the items don't sell in that period of time, they may either be picked up or donated to a non-profit organization, such as Catherine's Closet. The consignor will receive a tax credit for the donation.

Lazarovitch and Schechter, both of North Caldwell, know first-hand the ever-changing fashion needs of a young girl. They are respectively the mothers of 16- and 12-year-old girls attending West Essex Schools.

Lazarovitch said her experience as an event planner gave her the idea for My Daughter's Closet.

"When I was planning events I saw all these beautiful dresses," she said, adding, "and they were wearing these dresses once."

She said even with the tight economy parents want their daughters to look beautiful, and it's not unusual for them to spend a couple of hundred dollars on a dress for a prom or other special occasion. 

The new merchants think their shop will be a welcome addition to the business mix in Caldwell. Their aim is to offer good deals on "gently used frocks that totally rock" while putting a little cash back in the pockets of parents. 

Schechter said when it comes to pricing, 50% of retail is a good rule of thumb. "But we will work with the consignor," she added.

My Daughter's Closet will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through the end of the school year, as well as by appointment. Look for hours to be modified for the summer and ramped up again in the fall.

Visit My Daughter's Closet's website for more information and to download a consignment contract.