PHOTOS: Thrifty threads for the high-end, budget conscious woman

Photo by QUENTIN ROUX, Staff
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Lindsey Johnson, an early shopper at 2TWICE AS NICE, models an outfit she liked and bought on opening day.

Photo by QUENTIN ROUX, Staff
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An array of shoes, typical of the line-up available at the consignment boutique.

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Christiane Marques is the hands-on manager at the boutique. Co-owner is Judy Barney.

Photo by QUENTIN ROUX, Staff
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One of dozens of outfits already available at the boutique, which offers clothes, shoes and accessories through a consignment policy.

Detecting a niche opportunity amidst the still-hobbled economy, two local women have opened an upscale women’s clothing consignment boutique opposite the Marco Island Marriott Resort.

Cristiane Marques and Judy Barney have called their store 2WICE AS NICE, and are selling new or “gently used” women’s clothing, shoes and accessories at about a quarter of typical retail prices.

The split is 60 percent for the store and 40 percent for consignees, Barney said.

During the Oct. 23 grand opening of the store, Lindsey Johnson was one of the first takers.

She’s being rewarded with an overseas trip by her parents for being accepted into pharmacy school, and was looking for a formal dress.

She found it after just a few minutes, and was delighted, even though it needed a little shortening.

Marquest said she and Barney have known each other for about 15 years, and were thus comfortable heading into a business partnership.

Marques was formerly with a software company, and spent five years in Brazil before returning to Marco Island about a year-and-a-half ago.

“They don’t have anything like this on the island, and we thought the timing was good,” Marques said.

As for the ample amount of merchandise already in the store, Barney credited Eagle columnist Don Farmer for fanning interest in a recent article.

The store, formerly Valentine’s Perfumes and more recently La Di Da Gifts, is at 291 Collier Boulevard.

Barney is also co-owner of Arturo’s Ristorante Italiano with Arturo Perez.

The boutique is open Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday by appointment; Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Those interested in putting clothing on consignment should call 389-0227.