Hamptons Shopping Spotlight: Corner Closet

Corner Closet in Sag Harbor is for people who know and love fashion. The owner of this charming and eclectic designer resale boutique certainly knows her stuff. With 35 years in the fashion industry under her Hermès belt, Seena Stouberg is now going on her third year running Corner Closet. The shop is small and intimate, with a sampling of only the very best designer shoes, handbags, apparel, and accessories. Don’t be surprised to find most pieces with their original tags, as Stouberg’s consignors wear a dress once, if that, before sending it her way, probably via FedEx from Monaco. Good news for the Hamptons party-goer who can pick up a fabulous Thakoon frock for a fraction of the price they would pay at Saks!

Before making it two feet inside the shop, my eyes were bouncing everywhere, and landed on a pair of furry Jimmy Choo booties. Visions of Dr. Zhivago danced through my head as Stouberg presented a long Ralph Lauren vest made of black fur and shearling, a made-to-order winter coat, and a Loro Piana cashmere cape. It was a particularly cold day in Sag Harbor, but suddenly winter didn’t seem
so bad.

The markdown is generally 75% off the retail price on new items. There were one or two vintage dresses, but for the most part everything is less than two years old, making it easy to find fashion-forward and classic pieces without having to sift through shoulder-padded suits in Valentino red. (Fun if you’re headed to a 80s theme party, but…)

Speaking of fun, Stouberg has stocked the racks with unique cocktail dresses from Stella McCartney, Azzedine Alaïa, Dries Van Noten, Missoni, Celine and Alexander McQueen, as well as classics from Prada, Chanel, Burberry, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Versace. A low-back, pale-pink chiffon, crystal encrusted cocktail dress caught my attention and Stouberg explained that it was a one-of-a-kind by Jenny Packham, like the one Sandra Bullock wore to the 2011 Golden Globes.

Beneath the clothes, lining the perimeter of the shop, are all the shoes you could imagine; everything from simple black Louboutin flats to timeless Ferragamo pumps to Lady Gaga-esque studded spike heels. Up at the register, a glass counter encases beautiful Hermès scarves, Cartier, Dior and Emmanuel Kahn sunglasses, Chanel bangles, pearls, coral necklaces and more.

To think we haven’t even gotten to handbags! Stouberg authenticates, so fear not, no fakes. Bright-hued Nancy Gonzalez totes get you ready for spring, while brand new black Chanel shoulder bags do a great job of holding you over in the meantime. Goyard St. Louis and Louis Vuitton totes, in immaculate condition, are priced to perfection.

Don’t worry, men, there’s plenty for you too: Brunello Cucinelli shoes, Prada messenger bags, funky leather jackets, and plenty of casual and dress shirts by Ralph Lauren and others. And all menswear is currently 20 to 30% off to boot.

Anyone who mentions reading this article in Dan’s gets 10% off!

Corner Closet, 108 Main Street, Sag Harbor, 631-808-3005. Open 10:30 a.m.–6 p.m. daily.