Kristen Armstrong, Ensemble Consignment Charleston | EP 209

Fashion Crimes Podcast

Welcome back to the Fashion Crimes Podcast!

We're continuing our "Women Supporting Women" series, and this week, we're thrilled to introduce Kristen Armstrong, the fabulous owner of Ensemble Consignment, an upscale resale store located on Charleston's historic King Street.

IMPORTANT: Be sure to watch the full interview on location on our YouTube channel!

Kristen's journey from corporate America to the world of high-end consignment is nothing short of inspiring, and her boutique has become a haven for those seeking unique, luxury pieces with a sustainable twist.

Ensemble is not just a store; it’s a testament to Kristen's passion for fashion, creativity, and community.

Join us as we dive into Kristen's story, her insights on sustainable shopping, and how she's making luxury fashion accessible to all.

Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast or simply someone who loves a great deal, this episode is for you!

Don't Forget: Watch this fabulous interview on our YouTube channel!

Key Topics:

1. From Finance to Fashion: Kristen's Journey
   • Kristen shares her unconventional path from a career in finance to becoming the owner of a high-end consignment store.
   • With no formal background in fashion, Kristen relied on her innate sense of style and entrepreneurial spirit to create a successful business from the ground up.
2. The Art of Consignment: Curating a Unique Shopping Experience
   • Ensemble is more than just a consignment store—it's a carefully curated collection of Charleston's most fashionable wardrobes.
   • Kristen discusses her process for selecting items, emphasizing the importance of quality, style, and storytelling in each piece she sells.
3. Sustainability in Style: The Importance of Second-Hand Shopping
   • Kristen highlights the significance of sustainable shopping practices and how consignment stores like Ensemble contribute to reducing fashion waste.
   • She also shares her philosophy on giving clothing a "Life Beyond the Mall," ensuring that each item finds a new home and continues to be loved.
4. Fashion for All Ages: Dressing Confidently at Any Stage of Life
   • With a clientele ranging from young adults to seasoned fashionistas, Kristen offers insights into how she helps women of all ages and sizes find outfits that make them feel fabulous.
   • From styling tips to overcoming body image challenges, Kristen is a true advocate for fashion that empowers.

Holly's Take on Sustainable Style:

As we delve into Kristen's world of consignment, it's clear that sustainable style is more than just a trend—it's a lifestyle.

Holly believes that investing in quality pieces, even if they’re pre-loved, is the way forward for fashion enthusiasts who care about both style and the planet.

Consignment shopping allows us to enjoy luxury and uniqueness without the environmental impact of fast fashion.

By giving clothing a second life, we’re not just shopping smarter; we’re making a positive difference in the world of fashion, one fabulous outfit at a time.

Closing Remarks:

A huge thank you to Kristen Armstrong for sharing her incredible journey and for being a shining example of women supporting women in business.

Ensemble Consignment is not just a store; it's a movement towards more mindful, sustainable shopping, and we couldn't be more thrilled to feature Kristen in our series.

To all our listeners, remember that supporting small businesses, especially women-owned, is a powerful way to make a difference in your community.

And don't forget—sustainable fashion is always in style!

If you loved this episode, be sure to share it with your fashion besties and help spread the word about the joy of consignment shopping. Stay fabulous, and we'll catch you in the next episode!