Events abound this time of year, from office parties to family feasts. Some soirees require something special to wear, but in a time of gift giving, it can feel wrong to self-indulge. Enter New to You, a luxury consignment boutique at 108 West Broad Street in Falls Church City. Lightly used designer clothing and accessories are in abundance in this quaint boutique in the heart of the Little City, offering luxury goods at discounted prices, so shoppers can relish in finding the perfect bag or dress, knowing they’ve shopped economically and sustainably.
Owner Christina Novak’s love of timeless fashion prompted her to open New to You in January 1992. A newly single mother, Novak wanted a career that allowed her to maximize time spent with her daughter, Arianne, so she opened the store. “I didn’t want to leave her with someone else, so I set up a play area for her, so she could be at the store and hang out with her mom,” Novak said.
Her definition of style has been influenced by both her parents beginning at a young age. Novak’s mother enjoyed scouring thrift shops for unique and irreplaceable finds, while her father had an immense appreciation for luxury goods and liked dressing up. Her father also worked for the State Department, which gave her the opportunity to witness styles from different cultures, influencing her own sartorial tastes. “My dad was fastidious…and my mom loved classic pieces. She was British, so she wore lots of plaid and cashmere sweater sets. Things like that.”
Born in Germany and spending most of her adolescence in Pakistan, Novak admired different cultures and their clothes. With an eye for the exotic and the ability to spot a quality piece, New to You was a natural career outcome. She returned to Falls Church with her family in the 60s and has been here ever since.
In the words of the store’s philosophy, Novak hopes to “take the hard work out of resale shopping by selecting the highest quality and cleanest items.” Among the selection of men’s and women’s clothing, patrons can find pieces by classic designers such as Chanel, Hermes, Burberry, and more, as well as contemporary brands like J. Crew and Tory Burch. Items are mailed in from around the country, so the store’s selection is expansive.
Additionally, you can take your unwanted high-end goods to be considered for consignment. While the store is currently accepting fall and winter clothing, there’s an especially high demand for men’s leather belts, Hermes scarves, and designer sunglasses. When you stop in to consign, you might even discover that irreplaceable, one-of-a-kind gift for your loved one. Novak hopes you do. “I always like to say, ‘fashion is fun.’ I think that’s something that women forget about nowadays.”
To check out the store for yourself, stop by Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information on how to consign, visit newtoyou.net