Boutique sells designer consignment

Call it upscale for low-end prices.

The Sagebrush Boutique, Carson City's latest addition to the consignment and second-hand clothing scene, sells designer women's clothes without the designer price tags.

"We try to keep everything new within two years - clean and pressed," said owner Jinx Bailey, a Dallas transplant. "You never know where you are going to find it, but I have it all."

Located at the former site of Sagebrush Realty in a nondescript house on the corner of Telegraph and Stewart streets, four rooms of merchandise practically overflow. Bailey said she already needs more room.

Despite the quantity, Bailey keeps merchandise well organized. Everything is in good shape, organized by size and style.

The prices are based on one-third retail value, although they do vary. For consignment clothing, she splits the sale 50-50 with the owner, 70-30 (70 percent to the owner) for furs.

"I try to keep it current," Bailey said. "All the sizes are right and we try to get the stuff off that's out of season."

In addition to designer outfits and casual wear, Bailey sells and rents wedding dresses. So far she has about 20, and plans to eventually convert an upstairs room into a wedding boutique. There is also a handful of girl's pageant dresses.

Bailey brings an interesting flavor to Carson City' business community.

She once raced cars in Texas, securing the state championship for the powder-puff division in Texas in 1951. She was also instrumental in construction of the first NHRA-sanctioned raceway in Texas. She has been a realtor and even worked the trapeze in the Gainesville circus as a young woman.

Now, starting out in Carson City, she hopes to become involved in community life, starting with the Carson City Soroptimists.

Bailey, a professed animal lover, also owns Carson City-based Pets R People 2 pet sitting service with daughter Shelia Boughton. She also has a daughter Michelle Pizio, of Dallas, and a son, Joe Bailey, of Chicago.