Upscale resale always in vogue at
Tustin consignment boutique

Moon Fong Louisa Chan is at home among the designer goods at her Touch of Class ReFinery in Tustin.

PHOTOS: ANNA REED, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER, Orange County Register

BY KATHLEEN LUPPI / STAFF WRITER, Orange County Register

Published: April 25, 2014 Updated: April 29, 2014 7:34 a.m.

“This is it,” says the woman styled in an animal-print maxi dress. “This is my new home.”

Moon Fong Louisa Chan stands proudly before her consignment boutique, Touch of Class ReFinery, in Tustin’s Enderle Center, where crystal chandliers gleam and create a focal point for the showroom’s treasure trove of designer labels. Walls are painted a soft purple reflecting Chan’s favorite color.

“Purple is a royalty color,” she says. “It’s a sophisticated, fun and all-season color. It says what this store is all about.”

Chan, who has worked in the fashion industry for 17 years, opened her upscale boutique seven months ago and has been updating customers’ wardrobes without denting their bank accounts.

Is it any surprise Madonna’s catchy song “Vogue” plays on the loudspeakers?

Here, shoppers find St. John jumpsuits, a vintage Chanel shoulder bag and an unworn Roberto Cavalli beach cover-up jostling for space on the racks and shelves. Sizes range from 0 to 3x.

“Ninety percent of customers don’t know it’s a consignment shop,” she says with a laugh. “They’ll ask for a size in their shoe.”

Chan says she looks for pieces that are new, almost new, unique and are in current fashion. She rotates inventory every other week. She says she carries clothing for different ages. “I now have three generations of clients. I sold a prom dress to my client’s daughter and now she shops here.”

“I take great pride in our displays,” she says. “It tells the story of my boutique. I’m fun, I’m chic and I’m reasonable.”

Consider the luxury designer Anya Hindmarch “Cooper” shoulder bag with gold mirrored metallic trim and gold hardware. It was a favorite of Angelina Jolie. Retail price? $1,800. Chan’s price? $599.

The boutique also features new items from labels such as A.N. Designs and Zoa and jewelry by Mira and Robert Palazzolo. Mira will custom design length and color.

“Everyone is very friendly and welcoming,” says customer Terri Feliciano, who has consigned apparel. “Once she knows your style, she will look for it and call you.”

Chan’s clientele comes from as far as Newport Beach and Corona del Mar to Tustin. “They’re looking for fun and it’s up to me to show them what they’re looking for.”

But there’s a style she personally doesn’t favor.

“Pointed shoes,” Chan says. “If you have wide feet and wear pointed heels, they make feet look larger.”

Add petite girls holding larger bags to that list. “You shouldn’t be carrying a suitcase,” Chan says.

She does love all kinds of hats, scarves, necklaces and belts.

“My style has to be my own statement,” she says. “I don’t emulate somebody else. You have to work for your own body and personality.”

Chan glances around her store and smiles.

“Everything is an expression of my personality,” she muses. “It’s sexy and classy all in one.”