Score your big find of the season at Clothes Mentor—for way less
By Patricia Nugent
“Since the day we opened, there has been one constant: Style,” says Clothes Mentor owner Randi Zeid.
“Our shoppers come for the cutting-edge fashions as much as the resale prices, which are up to 70 percent off mall prices.”
Shop from everything you need to look your best going out the door, from athletic and yoga clothing to career looks, evening dresses, purses, shoes, boots, belts, scarves, sunglasses, and new and resale jewelry.
Though big sellers range from designer names such as Ann Taylor, Chicos and Michael Kors, she notes they will sell clothes from places like The Gap and Old Navy, too, as long as they are fashion-forward.
“We are debuting fall styles this month, with plush sweaters, chic jackets and go-to jeans in the trendiest designs,” she adds.
The charming shop caters to women sizes 0-26, and offers a substantial maternity department as well.
“Our shoppers are pretty savvy and have a ball interacting with our sales staff to put stunning looks together,” says Randi. “Most shoppers download our App, which features ongoing VIP sales and a fashion blog.”
Almost everyone who shops the store knows the clothing changes constantly, so they come in often. And most shoppers join Club CM, which earns them points with each purchase.
Your Very Own Personal Shopper
Some of Strongsville’s best-dressed ladies in the K-N-O-W have a secret…they work with a personal shopper at Clothes Mentor.
It’s the ultimate luxury—giving a style expert your sizes, color preferences and occasions you’d like to buy for, and having her select from the best items on the floor.
“Ladies simply fill out an online form and we get to work putting together smartly coordinated ensembles, down to the shoes and accessories, to revamp their wardrobe,” says Store Manager Angie Quinones.
You make an appointment and come in to try on a rack of clothes selected especially for you. Surprisingly, unlike personal shoppers at department stores, here it’s totally free.
Randi and her fearless style squad have also just introduced Shopping Therapy Parties for groups of 10 or more friends.
“We arrange for all of the food, and friends enjoy the party, perusing our fashions and enjoying an extra 15-20 percent off everything in the store on that day or evening,” she says.
Fall Fashion Alert: Mod Meets Vintage, Boho Chic
Angie has her finger on the pulse of fall and winter fashions. Here are a few must-have pieces for every trend-conscious wardrobe:
- High-waisted “mom” jeans with frays or fringes
- Longer, narrow scarves
- Carefree, one-and-done wrap dresses
- Cold-shoulder shirts
- Folk festival-ish, appliqued shirts and pants
- Bold stripes and geometric patterns
Passing Along Gently Worn Duds for Cool Cash
Unlike most consignment shops that make you wait until your pre-enjoyed items sell to get your payout, Clothes Mentor pays cash on the spot.
Though they purchase clothing and accessories from any season, anytime of year, now they are taking an interest in coats, jeans, pants, blazers, jackets, sweaters, long-sleeved tops and boots.
Clothes Mentor is located behind Jimmy Johns at 15143 Pearl Road, in Strongsville. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. Call 440-238-8300 or visit ClothesMentor.com for more details. Check out their Facebook pages for all of the hottest merchandise hitting the store.