Last Thursday I had great fun attending a night of shopping and champagne at Castro consignment boutique suiGENERIS, where 20% of each purchase went to the Women’s Initiative.
I had never been to suiGENERIS before so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but they’re a very upscale consignment boutique carrying brands such as Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, etc.
Bulgari purse, Stuart Weitzman heels
I had the opportunity to meet Julia Rhee one of the graduates of the Women’s Initiative, a non-profit which provides high-potential, lower-income women the training, resources and on-going support to start and grow their business. Julia co-founded Retrofit Republic, a “sustainable vintage store with a social impact”. In addition to offering a hand-picked selection of vintage clothing and personalized styling services, Retrofit Republic donates a portion of their profits to groups that serve under-resourced populations and the environment. Julia also told me that Retrofit Republic wants to show people that vintage can be modern, personalized, and not costume-y. Based on images from their summer lookbook, they’re doing a great job!
Katie Zambrano: Editor, Refinery 29; Julia Rhee: Co-Founder Retrofit Republic
Continuing through the boutique I was content just looking at the beautiful pieces because, although they were all priced affordably for the highest of high-end labels, they would still be a splurge for me. But then I saw these:
Super bad-ass, studded suede, open toe booties; magically in my size and – best of all – under $100! With 20% of the proceeds going to a local organization that empowers women entrepreneurs, buying them was an absolute no-brainer.
suiGENERIS (illa)
2265 Market St, San Francisco
Mon-Sat: 12-7
Sunday: 12-5
What's your opinion?