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| Took and Johnnies' Boutique |
The owner of Aunt Elsie's Attic, Wright said her mother was a constant shopper at consignment stores. "I was raised in consignment stores; that's just the way my mother shopped," Wright said. "I learned real young that consignment shopping was cool..."
Now Ruidoso residents can discover just how cool it is when they browse through the racks and shelves at Aunt Elsie's. Open since May 3, 1997, the shop offers an affordable alternative for those wishing to dress themselves in style.
Shopping at Aunt Elsie's also affords shoppers a degree of originality. "Because there is only one of everything, you can find more unique things," Wright said, "and the prices are much more affordable. I like finding things that are a 'great find.' It's like being on a treasure hunt."
Her own appreciation for the finer points of consignment shopping has inspired Wright to turn Aunt Elsie's Attic into a veritable treasure chest. The cozy rooms of her store on Sudderth Drive are lined with clothing, handbags, belts, shoes, lingerie, jewelry, hair accessories and even a wedding dress. In addition there are a few vintage dresses. And some speciality items like fun wine bottle toppers and hammers that look like high heels.
She takes great pride in choosing the offerings at Aunt Elsie's (now Took and Johnnies') so customers can take pride in their appearance. "I hand-pick everything," Wright said, "only top-of-the-line merchandise. (consignment items) have to be neat, clean, on hangers, no buttons off ... that's the way consumers want them."
She also tries to keep up with fashion trends by keeping the clothes current. Wright said she doesn't buy clothing that's older than 3 or 4 years old, unless they are vintage items.
Wright wants a shopping trip to the Attic to be an all-around enjoyable experience. she has gone all out to create some atmosphere, as well as offering up some bargains. she has lovingly selected the furnishings, much the same way that the Attic's namesake fostered a loving relationship with Wright and the affectionately treasured antique collectibles she passed on to her niece. The stuffiness and lingering smell of moth balls found in the average attic have been replaced at Aunt Elsie's with the scent of potpourri and sun-light streaming through the storefront windows. "I wanted to make it a place people want to come back to," Wright said, "or a place that people just had to stop."
Dated Friday, May 23, 1997.
Article initially published by,Julie Baxter, Ruidoso News Business Writer.
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PS: Hello, my name is Darla June. I believe timing is of the essence so next time you are in mid-town Ruidoso you should stop by and say hello. We believe and take pride in "old-fashion" customer service and will always have a smile on our face when we greet you and tell you about the sales for the day. That's our promise to you. And we look forward to helping you find that special something that you can't live without.
