Go exploring consignment shops on the Peninsula and points farther north

Ladies, pack some lunch money.

On Saturday, we rated the South Hampton Roads consignment stores that sell women's clothing. But our shopping squad knows well that women will not hesitate to drive (or swim) across the Chesapeake Bay in search of a spectacular pair of sandals at a sensible price.

And there's a demand for children's consignment clothing, as well.

So for the next few weeks, we'll investigate other stores, including some on the Peninsula and farther north.

Our first stop: Act II, the 37-year-old women's consignment shop in Hilton Village in Newport News. This turned into a several-hour spree.

We entered, ignoring the endless glass case of estate and costume jewelry, and began riffling rounders of jackets. Our pulse quickened. We stopped at a snowy silk Halston (size 8, $21) and a boxy, white cotton-spandex number by The Works Saks Fifth Avenue (size 10, $17).

Then, we found ourselves in a sunny alcove containing a cache of such high-end designer clothes and shoes that it made us dizzy with delight - Etro, Armani, St. John, Misook, Stuart Weitzman and Donald Pliner. The prices are higher at this altitude. A creme-and-navy Escada zipper-front, lightweight wool jacket was $375, but it was brand new, and the tag said $1,190.

Around the corner, past a rack of new Lilly Pulitzer capris and tanks, Act II's 7-Eleven-sized main room opened before us. There was the wall of shoes (yes, a full wall!) and racks and racks of tops and trousers and skirts and suits and blouses and dresses and capris and overcoats with brands such as Orvis, Harley-Davidson, Sigrid Olsen, Cache, Bebe, Life is Good, Ann Taylor and a full rack of Chico's.

There's a nook just for juniors. Brands there included Rue 21 and Aeropostale.

We spent more than an hour shopping the main salon; the clothing was in very good condition, in season with sizes from 0 to 3X.

It all led to the "blue room," which has an ever-changing collection. It was stocked on our shopping day with sports pants and shorts. Beyond was a corridor of belts and handbags.

What was that to the left? A chamber blooming with party and formal wear. Finally, the shop dead-ended in the bargain room, where discounts are deep, including a rack of $2 items. By that time, we were starving.

Nearly 8,000 consignors provide Act II with stock, said Manager Karen Gray. Clothing comes from as far away as California.

"It allows us to pick the best of the best," she said.

Another cool thing is that you can feel good about shopping here. This is a nonprofit, and proceeds go to Women's American ORT Inc., a nonprofit educational organization.

We think this is worth the 22-mile trip from downtown Norfolk. Check the sale calendar at the door - this Thursday through Sunday all shoes are 15 percent off.

And if you get hungry, Gray pointed out a place with the best chicken salad within walking distance.

Lorraine Eaton, (757) 446-2697

lorraine.eaton@pilotonline.com