It’s out with the old and in with the new-to-you in Aspinwall.
Nouveau PGH is a new designer consignment store offering upscale women’s and children’s clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories. It’s located at 21 Brilliant Ave.
Owner Jessica Rehling Vukmir of O’Hara owns Dovecote, which is located right across the street. Vukmir said opening a second store in Aspinwall has been on her wish list.
“I’ve always loved consignment shopping, and there’s a real lack of it in this area,” Vukmir said.
Nouveau opened in the storefront previously occupied by Sol Collective, a shoe store that moved one door down.
“It feels surreal and wonderful,” Vukmir said of opening another business. “I’d had this vision in my mind for so long. And seeing it come to life really took my breath away in a super emotional good, happy way.”
Choosing a clever name for the boutique was a priority.
“Nouveau literally means ‘new’ in French, but it also means ‘new to the owner,’ which is exactly the concept for consignment,” Vukmir said, who has a degree in French and has traveled extensively in France.
Vukmir, 44, grew up in Cincinnati and moved to Pittsburgh about 10 years with her husband, Eric. They live in O’Hara.
She calls Pittsburgh her “home away from home” and credits Dovecote as being her introduction to Aspinwall.
A former Aspinwall Chamber of Commerce president, Vukmir is active in the community, volunteering with Light Up The Wall, Fall in the Wall, Wine in the Wall and numerous other borough events.
Dovecote sells vintage and eclectic home decor, gifts and clothing, and it offered consignment options. But Vukmir says that store lacks the space needed for her vision.
“We had a few pieces at Dovecote, but such limited space that I really wanted to expand into one large shop or have a separate shop just for consignment pieces.”
Vukmir took over Dovecote from its original owners in 2015, after working there as a buyer. She brings a background in finance and marketing to her retail work.
“I want both Dovecoate and Nouveau to be a fun, happy places that make you feel good,” Vukmir said. “Good vibes only.”
Nouveau employee Lucy Hainan said customers can expect the consigned clothing to be unique and in excellent condition.
Clothing may be brought in for consignment consideration, without an appointment, anytime during business hours until one hour before closing.
“There’s always a need to empty out your closet and consign. Where do you take some of these pieces? Here. Someone can definitely appreciate it and reuse,” Hainan said. “It is new to you.”
All sizes of clothing are accepted for consignment.
“We want to be open to everyone and anyone that comes in — all sizes,” Hainan said.
First-time customer Paige Regan, 26, of Aspinwall shopped for Christmas gifts Monday and had her eye on a black ruffled sweater.
“I love Dovecote, and I’m loving this,” Regan said. “I love the decor and it’s all organized by color — that’s how I organize my closet.”
Nouveau prices range from $20 to $300. The split is 50/50 and there are no fees to set up a consignment account.
Items must be in season, in nearly new condition and along the designer lines of Nordstrom level or higher.
Unsold items not picked up will be donated to Second Harvest, a community thrift store in Sharpsburg.
Knock-off designer pieces will not be accepted. Designer brands such as Prada, Chanel and Louis Vuitton are especially in demand.
Customers can expect to find designer names such as Anthropologie, Tory Burch, J.Crew, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Talbots, Coach, Ted Baker, Athleta, Free People, Joseph Ribkoff, Lululemon and Ugg.
“We’d love to get more designer handbags for consignment,” Vukmir said.
Nouveau PGH store hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Joyce Hanz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Joyce at 724-226-7725 , [email protected] or via Twitter .