Williamsburg shop delivers the total experience

Williamsburg - We drove directly through a rainstorm to get to Twice as Nice. When we crossed the store's threshold, it was as if the clouds had cleared.

The feeling didn't just come from seeing a mannequin decked out in a pretty, pink Lilly Pulitzer sundress. Or the white picket fence. Or the living roomlike nook, complete with overstuffed chintz sofa and a coffee table strewn with glossy magazines.

Or the fact that we were shopping in the middle of a weekday - another stop on The Pilot's mission to scout consignment shops from here to Richmond, in this time of economic uncertainty.

Twice as Nice also had lemon-sherbert walls and skylight and ample space between the racks. And a big selection.

Laura Deeds Brooks opened the store in Williamsburg about three years ago. The 2,800-square-foot shop (more space than a lot of local condos) accepts clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories from about 1,000 consignors.

We saw brands like Old Navy, Gap, Talbots, Ann Taylor, BCBG, Banana Republic, Michael Stars, Forever Twenty One, Abercrombie & Fitch and Karen Kane. There's a rounder filled with just Chico's, and nearby, a rack with St. John suits and sportswear.

There are no secondhand shadows, either, no pills or pulls or stains or stretched-out fabric. The clothes are pressed and up to date, and the sizes span from 0 to XXL.

Brooks describes her boutique's stock as "stylish and all-American classic." She strives to cater to everyone from teens to her 75-year-old aunt, who is a frequent shopper.

Riffling through the racks, we found many things that a 20-something might like. For example, a brand new, white, tissue-weight cotton, long-sleeve wrap top, large, by BCBG MaxAzria for $18.

For a more tailored taste, we spotted a polyester and linen Garfield & Marks pantsuit in fine taupe and black stripes, with a stylish two-button jacket, size 8, for $120. But wait - the tag indicated 50 percent off, making it just $60.

Twice as Nice also carries purses; we paused over an olive-green, felt Kate Spade number ($120) and a dusty blue Coach pouch with navy piping, for $56.25 (after the 25 percent discount).

A wide shoe selection included brands like Marc Jacobs, Donald J. Pliner and Dr. Scholl's.

Prices drop every four weeks, starting with a 25 percent discount and moving up to 50 percent and then 75 percent. A large sign decodes the discounts on the clothing's color-coded tags.

And don't miss the 75 percent off rack at the rear of the store. Unlike many shops, this one contains clothing appropriate for the current season. For example, we found a baby-doll top by Bebe with a lace bodice for $3 after the discount.

There's also a wide selection of quality children's clothing and some home decor items - perfect for easing the guilt that might accompany you to the register with a few too many finds for yourself.

Lorraine Eaton, (757) 446-2697, lorraine.eaton@pilotonline.com