Repurpose Boutique

If a friend of mine hadn’t told me about this Carthage store, I would never have known that it existed.

But now I do.

So I stop.

And shop…and shop.

Oh, Repurpose Boutique, how I love thee! Let me count the ways.

Ode to Repurpose Boutique

(To be accurate, this is actually a list of praises rather than a lyric poem; but I like the title, so I’m keeping it.)

1.  You carry the trendiest clothing. Forget looking in fashion magazines – all I need to do is walk through your door and glance at the new clothing racks and I instantly know what I need to wear in order to be in style.

This is because your owner Heather Orscheln has a knack for understanding fashion trends, and she consistently purchases fresh, hip merchandise.

2. Your clothing is affordable. I appreciate being able to come in each season to buy several contemporary pieces to update my wardrobe without breaking the bank. There are even times when I don’t have to spend a dime because…

3.  You sell my old clothes and allow me to use my consignment proceeds towards store merchandise. This is why the name “Repurpose Boutique” is perfect for you!

By “old clothes,” I don’t mean parachute pants or neon blazers with big shoulder pads (I never owned any of those – I swear…). Heather is as particular with choosing items to sell from consignors as she is with choosing new merchandise to sell. This means that I’m just as likely to find a fun dress in your consignment section as I am from your new inventory section. Either way, the dress is new to me.

Whenever I change my closets for the seasons, I’ll find some items that are still in excellent condition but I’ve grown tired of wearing. So I’ll bring you these offerings, Repurpose Boutique, in the hopes that someone else might enjoy them as much as I did. And when someone does, you’ll pay me a percentage of the sale and I’ll be very, very happy.

Because I usually use that money to buy something from you, Repurpose, I never feel bad about treating myself to new things. Guilt-free shopping – got to love it!

4. You sell more than women’s clothing. When my kids have outgrown their clothing (or if they refuse to wear something that they begged me to purchase just a few weeks ago – and I’ve already washed it), I’ll bring it to you so that you can find a good home for it.

And you cater to the fashionable male types, too.

5. You support local artisans. You provide a well-trafficked space where talented locals can display their creations so that people like me can discover them.

6. You’ve got spirit! People from Carthage, Joplin, Webb City, and Carl Junction can browse through your spirit wear items to find creative ways to show their support for their respective schools.

7. You let me shop in my jammies. No, I don’t mean you let me pass through your doors while wearing my penquin-print fleece pjs (yep, I’m that glamorous). I’m referring to the fact that I can shop for Repurpose items online, at any time – even from my cozy bed.

To be able to do so, I first created an account on RunShip. Now, whenever I see something cute that you post on your Facebook page, all I have to do is type #RunShip in the comment section and it’s mine! Well, I have to pay for it, but it’s all done through my RunShip account.

Hip fashions (both new and gently-worn), locally-crafted accessories, a plethora (love that word) of spirit wear, and convenient online shopping for when I can’t come visit you in person – you’ve got it all, Repurpose.

Are you feeling the love yet?

Repurpose Boutique is located at 500 Peach Tree Drive in Carthage.

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This article was commissioned by the Joplin CVB, however the opinions expressed are purely my own. The purpose of Joplin MO Life is to highlight all the best that our area has to offer, and when an article is written about a restaurant, business, attraction, or event, it is because I have had an enjoyable experience and want to share it with others.

Click here to visit the Joplin CVB’s Facebook page.

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Living Life to The Fullest!

I love seeking out new experiences and finding places off the beaten path. I started Joplin MO Life in August 2013 as a way to share my discoveries with others in the Joplin community so that they can learn about the resources that exist right in their own backyards.

I have worked in education and event planning, and have always loved to write. I hold a master's degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and a bachelor's degree in marketing from Tulane University.