March 18, 2025
The problem with fast fashion is fast waste. We buy, wear, and dispose, and think little of environmental impact. Theresa Mieczkowski, the owner of Stella Rose Designer and Vintage Consignment in New Preston, shares a startling statistic: “Last month, we sold 750 items, which saved over half a billion gallons of water required to grow the cotton and dye the materials.”
Mieczkowsk’s guiding principle—of doing right by the environment—has led to a thriving business.
The shop is a whimsical, sensory delight. Two skeletons greet you. A candle is burning. Necklaces dangle from light fixtures. Shoes fill a repurposed kitchen hutch. And a dog named Mr. Darcy, made from recycled newspaper, sits quietly on a table.
Brands like Hermes and Prada hang not far from J.Crew and L.L. Bean. As you go down the shop’s corridor, so too do the prices, until the final “last chance” room at 75% off. Anything that doesn’t sell is given to local shelters—500 items in the past year.
Lower prices may be a draw, but it’s the partnership with the consignees that keeps the business in high gear. Mieczkowski gets about three new consignees a day. “When I post an outfit on Facebook and it’s one of their items, they share it with all their friends!” Best of all, our planet shares in the upside too.
255 New Milford Turnpike, New Preston
—Stellarosect.com
Enjoy this listing of consignment shops in the area:
The Hunt
This large emporium and beautifully curated space specializes in glassware and other housewares, clothing for all ages, books, jewelry, shoes, purses, and other accessories.
20 Bank St., New Milford
@thehuntct
Rachel’s Quality Consignment
Featuring high-end, gently used designer treasures including clothing, handbags, shoes, furs, fine and costume jewelry, and everyday wear for women, children, and men.
465 Bantam Rd., Litchfield
@rachelsqualityconsignment
Emporium of Litchfield
An eclectic consignment shop specializing in gently used antique and modern home decor, including furniture of all sizes, artwork, and kitchenware.
624 Bantam Rd., Bantam
@TheEmporiumofLitchfield
Stella Rose Designer & Vintage Consignment
New consignments arrive daily at Stella Rose, where stylists help curate women’s fashion, with high-end purses, shoes, and clothing from brands like Prada, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, and J.Crew.
255 New Milford Tpke., New Preston
@stella_rose_consignment_
Thrift Mart of New Milford
A volunteer-run thrift shop with gently used toys, books, shoes, clothing, and home decor, and constant sales.
146 Danbury Rd., New Milford
@ThriftMartOfNewMilford
Thread Emporium
Located in downtown New Hartford, Thread Emporium specializes in seasonal fashion and shoes, offering a comfortable environment with new items every week.
537 Main St., New Hartford
@TheThreadEmporium
Peacocks & Lilacs Thrifty Boutique
Run by a mother-daughter team, Peacocks & Lilacs offers high-end, gently used clothing from brands like Coach, Talbots, and Burberry, with a soothing lilac-painted shop filled with repurposed items and a peacock theme.
452 Main St., Winsted
@Peacocks&LilacsThriftyBoutique
Christina’s Consign Mint
In a brightly colored, welcoming shop, Christina’s Consign Mint specializes in women’s fashion at reasonable prices, with a selection of designer bags and prom/party dresses.
18 McDermott Ave., Torrington
@Christina’sConsignMint
The King’s Closet Thrift Store & More
Located on Main Street with a window display of their treasures, The King’s Closet specializes in modern and vintage clothing, and gifts for special occasions and holidays.
40 East Main St., Torrington
@kingscloset21
Petals and Threads
A trendy consignment shop specializing in the latest women’s fashion, jewelry, soaps, and eco-friendly items, including plants, macrame plant holders, and green gifts.
705 Main St., Watertown
@petalsandthreadsct
Clothes Tree
A nonprofit charitable thrift store offering a large variety of antiques, home decor, and clothing, with a wide selection of children’s clothes and toys spread across five rooms in a home.
906 Bantam Rd., Bantam
@clothestreebantam
