BY GLORIA STRAVELLI
Staff Writer

A passion for designer handbags and shoes inspired Jennifer Patrick to open a resale boutique for new, “preloved” and vintage couture accessories. SHREWSBURY — There were early signs that Jennifer Patrick was destined for a career in haute couture. Like her room décor when she was just a teen.

“I always loved fashion, my room was literally wallpapered with Chanel ads,” said Patrick, who even did her high school term paper on French fashion icon Coco Chanel.

But Patrick’s practical nature steered her toward a career as a financial adviser. While she enjoyed success, her inner fashionista was stifled by the conservative suits and business attire she wore.

“I was at work one day, at a business meeting, and found myself thinking, ‘Wouldn’t it be fun to worry about handbags and shoes all day?’ I thought of it, got the plan together and moved in within four weeks. It was pretty spontaneous.”

So, after 13 years, she traded in a six-figure income for a consignment boutique where she is awash in her two fashion obsessions – designer handbags and shoes.

PHOTOSBY CHRIS KELLY staff “These are my two favorite things,” explained the owner of The Couture Exchange, 55 White Road, Shrewsbury. “I have a large collection, at least a hundred pair of shoes and handbags.”

Patrick, Little Silver, launched the tiny, tony boutique and its companion Web site, www.thecoutureexchange.com, on the same day in September to satisfy the need for ever more couture for a clientele of like-minded women.

Her motto: “Is some of your couture becoming a bore? Bring it in and turn that bore into more.”

A native of Monmouth County, Patrick based her business model on high-end designer handbags, shoes and accessories not just because of her own preference, but on the observation that shoppers had to venture beyond the county for couture handbags and shoes.

“In Monmouth County people spend more money on shoes and handbags than they do on their clothing,” she said. “But you can’t get these brands without going to New York City or Short Hills. People want more upscale labels, and there’s no way anyone has as much of them [as this shop].”

She splits proceeds 50/50 with consigners who, she said, mostly use the funds to buy more couture at the boutique.

“Most people give them to the cleaning lady,” she said, “whereas here you can make a couple of bucks to use here. That’s the idea of the exchange. Bring in old stuff and get some new stuff. This is a huge business in metropolitan areas.”

Among the Top 10 reasons customers sell to the boutique, according to Patrick, are impulse buying, items worn only once for a special occasion, gifts they didn’t like but were reluctant to return, and they’re bored with the high-end item and want something new.

At The Couture Exchange, the classic Coach label is considered bargain basement in the company of coveted brands like Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu, Fendi, Burberry, Hermes, Prada, Versace, Gucci, Celine, Dolce & Gabbana, Escada, Dior and – at the pinnacle – Chanel.

Handbags and shoes are organized by price and label into “First Floor Finds” at lower prices and “Penthouse Picks” signifying the top brands.

Merchandise is carefully vetted by Patrick, who has stocked the boutique with “pre-loved,” new and vintage bags and shoes.

“Pre-loved is gently used, consignment items,” she explained. “You can get some really good deals; it’s a way you can afford fine things.”

In this category, the boutique’s inventory recently included a Fendi “Chef” bag from the spring or fall 2004 collections that retailed for $850, and was selling at The Couture Exchange for $435. A Chanel handbag in brown caviar leather was priced at $885, while it retailed for $1,475. “That’s 40 percent off,” noted Patrick, adding, “Chanel has a huge secondary market.”

There are also new handbags and shoes, many in original packaging.

“I scour for deals if I can get them and I bring them into the shop,” she said. “For example, I have a new Chanel bag in the original box with the tags still on. I have a Dior “Street Chic” bag, a new Fendi. I just find them; I find deals all over the place. Initially I did it just to beef up the inventory, but people like it.”

Among the “pre-loved” and new offerings, select vintage handbags and shoes are to be found, also in prime condition.

“Vintage is 10-15 years old, we’re talking early 1990s, late 1980s,” Patrick explained. For instance, a suede Gucci that dates to 1980 is selling at $299.

“When handbags go vintage they can become more valuable. Louis Vuitton doesn’t go down in value at all,” she said, noting that a vintage Louis Vuitton was tagged at $450. “You can get more money for vintage than for something that’s five years old.”

Prices for designer shoes range from a low end of $99 for a pair of Joan & David shoes up to a pair of brand-new boots by Versace tagged at $400 that retailed for $800.

Patrick is highly selective, insisting on well-cared-for, like-new condition, especially in shoes. She also will refurbish them lightly.

“It has look to like it hasn’t been used, especially shoes. I’m very picky,” she said, “no creases. It’s like if someone bought a pair of shoes and they pinched their feet and they never wore them again.”

Items must be authentic, not knock-offs, and she aims to get as much documentation as possible, original packaging and receipts for instance.

Customers include the well-heeled, young girls who want designer handbags and shoes but can’t afford them and parents who can buy the designer bags and shoes as gifts at considerable savings.

And, there are customers who share Patrick’s penchant for couture.

“Some women are into handbags and shoes. They’re soulmates,” she said. “If someone comes in and they’re excited, they get it.”

The Couture Exchange is tucked into a 250-square-foot space in a small strip of shops; hours are Thursday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.; and Sundays, noon - 5 p.m.

According to Patrick, business is brisk on the Web site and busy enough in the shop to be planning a future expansion.

Plans are to move The Couture Exchange to a much larger space on Route 35 in Shrewsbury in the spring. There, not only will she expand the boutique’s inventory of shoes, handbags, wallets, scarves, belts and men’s wallets, but she will introduce women’s couture clothing and expand into men’s ties and accessories. “Word is getting around,” she said.