On a normally busy Saturday, things are unusually calm at The Turnover Shop, an upscale consignment store located in the 3800 block of Roland Avenue, on the border between Hampden and Roland Park.

It’s an overcast day, and around mid-afternoon, the elegant shop with its hard-to-miss cerulean storefront is devoid of routine foot traffic. But give it just a couple of minutes, says co-owner Alice Ann Martin.

Patrons, family, and friends begin to float through the store’s entryway, lingering a little to exchange a few greetings and laughs with Martin before dispersing to browse. And across from the register, over which myriad antique light fixtures hang from an ornate ceiling, two men prepare to lift a wooden table onto the nearby curb for pickup. Martin, 59, rolls and neatly wraps an oriental rug that was in the front room. Living up to the store’s name, a near-identical red one then takes its place, covering the Georgian tile that dates to the building’s origins in 1892.

Warmly lit, thoughtfully curated, and whimsical, with each quaint nook and cranny named for its purpose (the bathroom, for example, has long been dubbed “The Necessary Room”), the shop dates to 1943, when it was owned by members of St. Mary’s Church in Hampden.

“They named it The Turnover Shop. I didn’t,” says Alice Ann Finnerty, 83, Martin’s mother and business partner, who acquired the shop in 1978.”The idea was to have a quick turnover of product—that being the clothing and antiques are consigned—and that theme has continued today.”

Clothing sales have since gone by the wayside. Nonetheless, the store’s guiding ethos of quick turnover remains the same. And over the years, a kind of natural selection has occurred—people know to bring only their finest goods to the store for consignment. Items that come through the door are quickly approved, listed, and priced.

As pieces sell, consignors are sent checks for each one sold. Which means what we see today in the shop—from Westminster clocks and throw pillows to Royal Worcester ramekins—is fleeting. Some goods remaining at the end of a 90-day period return to their original owners. Others are donated to thrift stores, including The Wise Penny on York Road.

A few things have changed over the store’s history. In the 43 years since Finnerty bought it, the shop—which recently made the decision to close its doors on Sundays—has undergone renovations. And under the influence of Martin, who started working here with her mother 37 years ago, bookkeeping has gone digital.

But much remains the same since the ’70s. Finnerty still rents out the store’s upstairs apartment. And per her mother’s secret recipe, the much-anticipated “magic eggnog,” is made in the kitchen at Christmastime.

“It’s a family that’s incorporated into a business. That’s really what it is,” Finnerty says, adding that the working relationship she has with Martin—like any mother-daughter dynamic—can be tricky. “But we’re gifted in that we’re able to understand each other.”

Finnerty, who’s recently begun to slow down (today is her first time visiting the shop in quite a while—not that anyone would know it) hopes that its magic will continue on.

“I love The Turnover Shop. And I love the people that are here,” the grandmother of 19 says. “I think looking into the future, Hampden is going to continue to grow,” she adds. “And I think that our presence here will help to establish that.”

“The ‘water year’ begins October 1. That’s when water use drops after the periods of higher use from late spring through summer, meaning precipitation can go toward replenishing the water supply,” explains Jay Apperson, the deputy director of communications for MDE. “Snow that gradually melts into the ground is particularly good for recharging groundwater.” The Baltimore region has recorded 5.79 inches of precipitation thus far in 2017, 2.07 inches fewer than average. The drought warning triggers more frequent testing and evaluation by the MDE, and Maryland Secretary of the Environment Ben Grumbles says, “Water conservation and efficiency are always smart—especially during extended periods of reduced rainfall.”

When sisters Chrissy and Farah Fitzgerald found out their favorite consignment store in downtown Annapolis was closing in 2012, they knew it was a sign that they should start one of their own. And within a few months, that’s just what they did.

Chrissy, left, who has an extensive fashion background, and Farah, a graphic designer, grew up in Severna Park and were attracted to their store’s Maryland Avenue address in Annapolis because of the sense of community.

“It’s like Gilmore Girls,” says Chrissy. “We liked the idea of being able to make a difference in this area. We noticed right away how appreciated we were by the locals.”

The sisters chose the name Navette—which means “little ship” or “shuttle” in French—because when the store opened, they collected consignment from New York City and “shuttled” it down to their shop to mix with the local offerings, allowing their customers access to unique fashions they wouldn’t typically see in the area.

“All of our shoppers have such different tastes,” says Chrissy. “Some want Lilly Pulitzer, some want designer labels, and some want Free People.”

Navette gained popularity by sharing its varied consignment goods on Instagram and other forms of social media, but the sisters always had plans to start their own brand and fashion line. So in March 2015, they began designing their first in-house line of silk shirts and dresses.

“We are really influenced by Japanese designers,” says Farah. “We love the idea of having classic silhouettes with kind of quirky prints.”

The first collection, which consists of four styles in 14 variations, with three original prints and two solids, is designed to be seasonally versatile and day-to-night friendly, not to mention flattering for all ages and body types.

“We kept the working women in mind,” says Chrissy. “Whether you [own] an art gallery or you are an attorney, you can wear [our pieces].”

On Model: Ladakh Lexie Duffle Coat in camel ($148) at South Moon Under. Do everything in Love gloves in ivory ($21) at South Moon Under. Dolce Vita Joust shoe in black suede ($99.95) at South Moon Under. Rich Fern Scarf ($28) at Sassanova. 

MODEL: JAMIE EDELEN.

9th Life
833 W. 36th St., 410-534-9999.
Great for: Funky finds for you or a friend.
Details: This row-house boutique on The Avenue has a mix of vintage, new apparel, and reworked vintage with pieces by local artists. The curated racks of affordable vintage goods for girls and guys are hip and funky, yet totally wearable. Unique accessories and home décor make this a good spot for gifts, too.
Editor’s Pick: A floral print ’70s pleated dress, $23.

B’more Betty
1316 Light St., 443-869-6379.
Great for: Saving on designer pieces.
Details: When you walk into this classy Federal Hill boutique with its upscale vibe, it simply doesn’t feel like you’re in a resale shop. Here you’ll find Louboutins, Gucci bags, and a wall of designer jeans. Every item is handpicked by the store’s owner and looks brand new.
Editor’s Pick: Like-new Tory Burch Bryce clogs with a wooden sole and burnt-orange leather upper, $75.

Debois Textiles, Inc.
1835 Washington Blvd., 410-837-8081.
Great for: Vintage finds and super-cheap bargains.
Details: Just south of Pigtown, this textile warehouse isn’t where you’d expect to find a vintage treasure trove. Debois’s Boulevard Boutique is a hidden gem with quality finds from the ’60s to the ’80s for men and women of all sizes. And thrifty shoppers can score pieces for well under $10 by digging through boxes in the warehouse.
Editor’s Pick: A green and white Lilly Pulitzer sundress, circa 1960, $50.

Fashion Attic
1926 Fleet St., 410-276-0817.
Great for: Stocking up on basics.
Details: This small store is packed with racks of women’s clothing, shoes, accessories, and jewelry. With labels ranging from Forever XXI to Marc Jacobs, you’ll find something special if you enjoy the hunt.
Editor’s Pick: Black and brown woven-leather Cole Haan loafers, $38.

Hunting Ground
3649 Falls Road, 410-243-0789.
Great for: Scoring wearable vintage finds.
Details: In an old church just off The Avenue, this spacious boutique is one of the few offering vintage and small-label styles for men and women. You’ll find graphic tees, button-downs, and flannel for him and chunky sweaters, airy ’90s dresses, and well-styled jeans for her. Accessories, jewelry, and local art round out the mix.
Editor’s Pick: A pair of vintage cognac leather Sebago Campsides, $15.

Killer Trash
602 S. Broadway, 410-675-2449.
Great for: Adding whimsy to your wardrobe.
Details: Across from the Broadway Market, this long, narrow shop is stuffed to the brim with vintage and costume clothing. Gatsby-esque flapper dresses hang from the walls, racks of large-collar polyester button-downs look dance-floor ready, and sequined dresses sparkle on the racks. Amid the costume wear, you’ll also find quality vintage pieces.
Editor’s Pick: A Mad Men-style metallic brocade shift dress with beaded collar, $40.

La Chic Boutique
5614 Newbury St., 443-869-2247.
Great for: A timeless mink fur coat, either vintage or a newer coat made with female pelts for a lighter, slimmer silhouette.
Details: The Mt. Washington staple carries the fashions of Tory Burch, Roberto Cavalli, and high-end Parisian boutiques, all barely worn or with tags still intact. Clients can create a “wish list” and be notified when a certain designer or style hits the racks. Additionally, owner Mary Anne Barker redesigns furniture and creates custom wreaths and ornaments for clients.
Editor’s Pick: Travel in style with a vintage Louis Vuitton suitcase, $3,000.

Little Lamb Consignments
5002 Lawndale Ave., 410-433-9086.
Great for: Gently used baby and children’s clothing from designers such as Polo Ralph Lauren and Lilly Pulitzer.
Details: This one-stop shop will equip a mother with everything she needs to clothe her child, from everyday wear to special-occasion outfits to school uniforms and Halloween costumes. While browsing the racks, you can also find consigned books, strollers, changing tables, and more.
Editor’s Pick: A cozy green Mini Boden coat with toggle clasps and a hood, $75.

Posh Retro
poshretro.com.
Great for: Modern-style vintage finds for work or going out.
Details: Based in Federal Hill, this vintage boutique sells online at poshretro.com. From a silk ’90s LBD for date night to skirts and blouses for the office, these brand-name items won’t break the bank.
Editor’s Pick: Mode Specialé brand brown-leather, blazer-style jacket, $35.

Re Deux
5002 Lawndale Ave., 410-323-2140.
Great for: Preppy, tailored apparel and accessories that would earn a front-row seat at Fashion Week.
Details: The Roland Park store gives runway styles a second life with designers such as Prada, Fendi, and Christian Louboutin. Merchandise is carefully selected to provide a more comfortable shopping experience, rather than searching through an enormous quantity of clothing.
Editor’s Pick: Hermès Grand Apparat scarf, $200.

Ruth’s Closet
9131 Reisterstown Rd., Owings Mills, 410-581-9780.
Great for: Top-tier designer fashions that will make you feel good about your shopaholic tendencies.
Details: Staffed mainly by volunteers, Ruth’s Closet donates all proceeds to House of Ruth Maryland, which aids victims of intimate-partner violence. Pay it forward by purchasing high-end items, including Stuart Weitzman, Escada, and Jimmy Choo, at a bargain price.
Editor’s Pick: A true classic——a vintage black quilted-leather Chanel handbag——will never go out of style, $495.

Ten Car Pile Up
511 York Rd., Towson, 410-832-5246.
Great for: Vintage pieces deconstructed and redesigned for the creatively stylish.
Details: Founder Shane Gullivan accepts consigned vintage pieces and gives them a facelift with the help of his sewing machine, resulting in one-of-a-kind, handcrafted clothing.
Editor’s Pick: A Gatsby-themed ensemble with a white tuxedo jacket and vintage boater hat (prices vary).

Uptown Cheapskate
Several locations, including 1830 York Rd., Timonium, 410-560-5890.
Great for: Any variety of denim, with a huge selection including American Eagle, Gap, and premium labels like Seven for Mankind and Citizens of Humanity.
Details: Emily Schramm and Nancy Kline, the mother-daughter team behind the Timonium, Rockville, and Salisbury Uptown Cheapskate locations, carry everything from
J. Crew to H&M. Although it caters largely to teens and young women, the store also boasts an impressive men’s collection.
Editor’s Pick: A Michael Kors hobo bag in gunmetal with silver chain details, $99.

Wear It’s At
49 Main St., Reisterstown, 410-526-2003.
Great for: Boutique-worthy fashion at a bargain price, as well as personal styling assistance from owner Stephanie Torrible and her knowledgeable staff.
Details: The consignment store in historic Reisterstown carries high-end brands ranging from AllSaints to Tory Burch to Christian Dior and Givenchy, providing a budget-friendly selection of on-trend designer apparel, shoes, and accessories. Items that don’t make the racks are donated to Suited to Succeed and Cinderella’s Closet.
Editor’s Pick: The Christian Dior asymmetrical cheetah print dress, $475.

Vogue Revisited
4002 Roland Ave., 410-235-4140.
Great for: Classing up your work wardrobe.
Details: The first room of designer goods——think Chanel bags, J Brand jeans, Calvin Klein suits——leads to three more meticulously organized rooms with casual and formal clothes, accessories, and shoes. Don’t forget to check the dates on the tags——prices go down the longer an item’s around and new stock arrives daily.
Editor’s Pick: A 3.1 Phillip Lim khaki trench with yellow-trim buttons.

The Zone
813 N. Charles St., 410-539-2817.
Great for: Costume and quirky thrift shopping.
Details: Just north of the Washington Monument, above a barbershop, this store is packed floor-to-ceiling with men’s and women’s fashions. While you won’t find designer brands here, you will find plenty of funky pieces——we’re talking sequined fanny packs, ’80s prom dresses, and neon wigs.
Editor’s Pick: A perfectly worn-in, black-leather biker jacket, $60.

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What I Will Buy

Mary Anne Barker, owner of La Chic Boutique in Mt. Washington, gives her tips for consignors.

Be Seasonable.
Seasonableness is generally my rule of thumb for buying. However, I always take [a few select] items that are “all season,” as people who vacation [in the winter] to the Islands cannot find summer items in high-end department stores.

Stay On-Trend.
Stick with either today’s fashions (within the last year) or truly vintage (before the 1970s).

Tags Equal Value.
I tell every consignor to bring in their items with the original tags——people like to purchase an item with the original tag on it. As a shop owner, it also saves us time researching the original price of the item in order to put a “good selling” price on it.

Prep Your Clothes.
Remember these rules to maximize your chance of success:
• Always clean • Always on hangers
• Barely worn • Preferably with original tags • No tears
• No missing buttons • No damages

Think Consignment.
If you were bored with your items, you could sell it at a consignment shop instead of dumping it somewhere else. The idea of “a person’s junk is another person’s gift” is very true.