Photo by Susannah Moore for Alexandria Living Magazine
Off the beaten path that is King Street, tucked back behind Pedego Bikes, Old Town’s newest consignment boutique opened last month at 210 N. Lee St. in Suite 104. Visitors are welcomed by the shop’s warm, boho style and the shop’s name, Vida Style, is proudly displayed in gold letters on a light pink wall behind the checkout counter.
Alicia Valencia Erb decided to open Vida Style after a 20-year career as a marketing executive for a credit union. It seemed the natural culmination of her passion for clothing, people and her commitment to the environment. The idea to open a consignment boutique first came to her in 2020 while on a road trip to Maine where she pondered what she wanted to do with her life.
Photo by Susannah Moore for Alexandria Living Magazine
Erb realizes that there is no shortage of consignment shops in Old Town but she believes that Vida Style is unique for its commitment to inclusivity, sustainability and helping others.
“I’ve always wanted to help people, and I’m aware that sometimes when you walk into stores, you’re not always seen, and so I want to make sure that this store is not that. There is something here for everyone, yellow, purple, size-wise too. I want to make sure everyone feels included,” explained Erb. She is also planning to add a section for men because she says she has had a lot of people ask about it.
In addition to selling high quality consignment clothing and shoes, she also sells items made by small businesses and makers who are looking to venture beyond online sales into physical retail.
Photo by Susannah Moore for Alexandria Living Magazine
“The name of the store is Vida Style, because I’m selling a lifestyle of sustainability and I really believe in that. Why not use what we have here for as long as possible, and also selling the lifestyle of helping people build their dreams. That’s why I’m here, to build that community of sustainable living and supporting small, entrepreneur businesses,” Erb said.
Even the store’s décor reflects Erb’s commitment to sustainability. The dressing rooms are made from wood by a craftsman on Etsy. She used a lot of repurposed items and natural materials. Most of the furniture was purchased from Craigslist or Facebook marketplace. It all works to create a bright, elevated environment which feels nothing like a typical consignment shop.
One of Erb’s biggest challenges is letting people know where the shop is, since it is not located on a highly trafficked street in Old Town. She plans to host a lot of events at the shop and collaborate with other local organizations and businesses.
The boutique accepts walk-in consignments during normal business hours with a preference for like-new, in-season and on-trend items. Consigners receive 50 to 60 percent of the final selling price for each item. Vida Style is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. The shop is closed on Saturdays. Find out more at www.vidastyleshop.com and follow Vida Style on Instagram @Vida_Style_Shop.
