If the adage “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” rings true, then the gently used items at T.L.C. Consignment Boutique are diamonds in the rough. From purses to shoes to aloha wear, jewelry, women’s and men’s clothing, and even
If the adage “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” rings true, then the gently used items at T.L.C. Consignment Boutique are diamonds in the rough.
From purses to shoes to aloha wear, jewelry, women’s and men’s clothing, and even custom-made costumes, T.L.C. prides itself on carrying the best for less.
Not only is the shop selective about the second-hand clothing it hangs on the racks, but owner Terri Schield also sources merchandise from fashion wholesalers as well as upscale island stores that prefer not to have sales.
But Schield doesn’t stop there. A designer at heart and by trade, she creates costumes from scratch. Whether a head piece for $25 or a head-to-toe ensemble for $250, Schield and her team offer a little something unique on Kaua‘i for Halloween.
And she comes with credentials: The 20-year Kaua‘i resident was a designer to the stars before moving to the island.
As part of a five-person team, Schield created clothes worn by David Lee Roth, Mick Jagger, David Bowe and other celebrities. In addition, high-end boutiques around the country carried the clothing line, and the label, called Sili, had its own store in New York City.
Though Schield long ago left behind full-time design — she’s owned T.L.C. for 14 years — she manages to find an outlet for her creativity by constructing Halloween looks and a dress-to-order here and there for special clients.
“It fulfills a real need for me to have that outlet for incredibly creative and beautiful clothing,” Schield said.
So far this year, Schield has taken eight orders for custom costumes. But there’s always time for more, she said. Even the day of Halloween, she’s willing to sit at the machine and sew for hours.
Of course, the more elaborate outfits take time to construct, as the process begins with a consultation and ends with fittings.
“It’s a whole ensemble that’s created out of thin air,” she said.
According to store manager Brenda Vidinha, who doubles as a seamstress, each costume is custom-fit to any person’s size.
In addition to tailored looks, T.L.C. has amassed a collection of new and used ready-to-wear costumes, which can be hard to find on Kaua‘i outside of prepackaged outfits from Big Box retailers.
From biker to police officer to princess, fairy, goddess and angel, there are still plenty of options on the racks.
“You can walk in off the street and be a Cleopatra or a pharaoh,” Schield said.
Customer and model Lindi Lauren said she visits Schield before any special occasion.
“They design all my clothes for me, unless I’m at home in my shorts and flip flops,” Lauren said.
In addition to her “Sheena, Queen of the Jungle” get-up, which she plans to wear this Halloween in Los Angeles, Lauren has commissioned multiple red carpet dresses from Schield over the years.
Marcia Favaloro, also a longtime customer, started shopping at T.L.C. five years ago. She said the people, as well as the brand-names-turned-affordable, are what keeps her coming back.
“Almost everything I own comes from this shop,” Favaloro said.
While clothing is the focus of the business, Schield said that T.L.C. has come to be known as “The Ladies Club” because of the shop’s friendly atmosphere and camaraderie.
Schield and her staff — Vidinha and Tanya Hashimoto — provide personal shopping and color consultations to help women find their style.
“You can find the most amazing treasures here,” Schield said.
• Blake Jones, business writer/assistant editor, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or bjones@kauaipubco.com.
