Top drawer

High end, low dollar

Champagne tastes on a PBR budget? No problem — many local consignment shops carry designer labels at bargain prices. Now, shopping consignment takes a bit of commitment. It requires searching through the gently used items for that perfect sweater or skirt, and there’s not likely to be more than one of any item. But most consignment stores reserve their racks for only the best pieces, and — even better — shoppers can further reduce their bills by bringing in their own previously worn clothing to sell. Here’s what Xpress found in some of Asheville’s favorite second-hand boutiques (keep watching Top Drawer for more consignment shops):

•*Miss B’s Consignment Shop (81 Weaverville Hwy., Ste. 2, 658-8249) is a small storefront near to bursting with women’s clothing. And knickknacks. And children’s toys. The over-full hangers make it hard to spot that made-for-you pair of jeans, but for shoppers with time to browse, there are plenty of treasures, like interesting shoes and cute ponchos. Designer labels: Ann Taylor, 9 West. Bonus buy: Vintage jewelry.

• Excellent Seconds (959 Merrimon Ave., #4, 251-2332) is in an unassuming row of businesses across from Fresh Market. The plain exterior hides two rooms filled with high-end bargains for all tastes. Denim minis share space with sweater sets; J. Crew rubs elbows with Valentino. Shop the occasional sales for the best deals. Designer labels: Ernest Sewn. Bonus buy: Designer handbags by Fendi and Dooney & Bourke.

Clothes Encounters (340 Merrimon Ave., 251-5651), a long-standing institution, still carries the occasional piece of Pattiy Torno’s Tornado Clothing — a label coveted by Asheville fashionistas in the early ’90s. But these days, the bright, easily accessible shop is geared toward more of a preppie look, suitable for the office or a night at the symphony. Designer labels: Isaac Mizrahi, DKNY. Bonus buy: The jeans rack located in the entryway.

Enchanted Forrest (235 Merrimon Ave., 236-0688) sells an array of new yarns for crafters as well as second-hand women’s clothing. The atmospheric shop organizes apparel by color rather than size, and shoes are displayed over the racks for added inspiration. Enchanted Forrest’s niche is comfy, natural-fiber-oriented styles, so look for flax and hemp. Designer labels: Michael Kors, J. Jill. Bonus buy: New silver and semi-precious stone jewelry.