Fifi’s Fine Resale in Cornelius isn’t your typical consignment shop. With its bright décor, generous retail space, and only high-end items for sale, Fifi’s is more of a boutique — but with prices that won’t break your budget.

Owner Julia Austin, a nurse for 20 years, bought the store a year ago, trading in her medical journals for In Style, Lucky, Vogue, and other fashion magazines so that she could keep abreast of the latest trends. “In healthcare, you rely on continuing education to stay on top of your game,” she explains. “It’s the same thing in fashion. We’re always trying to help the ladies stay trendy, current, and looking their very best.”

Austin is fastidious about the condition of the items she accepts for consignment, and she sells only mid-range to top-designer (think Ann Taylor Loft and up) pieces that are currently in style. She and her staff are happy to help each customer pull together a chic, one-of-a-kind outfit, whether it’s for a cocktail party, a business-casual event, or a trip. The store carries sizes petite to 3X.

Once a month, the store offers DIVA night — an RSVP-only, educational event that features different speakers on subjects from staying healthy and happy, to taking an outfit from day to evening by simply changing accessories.

To ensure a fresh inventory and to contribute to the community, Fifi’s donates items that have been on sale for more than 60 days to groups that directly empower women, including Lydia’s Loft in Huntersville, Dress For Success, area Hospices, local churches, and Hope House. TCW

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Fifi’s Fine Resale is located in Cornelius at 8301 Magnolia Estate Drive, across from the entrance to the Peninsula development. Store hours are Mon. through Sat., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sun., noon to 5 p.m. Call 704/892-7070, or visit www.fifislkn.com for information.