New Goodwill Boutique offers Armani, Burberry and Coach

The only person who makes bargain shopping look easy is my sister, Ashley McIntyre.

Wondering how she finds the patience to touch every single skirt, blouse, dress and suit, hanger after hanger, rack after rack, gives me a headache. I’d almost rather fork over the additional dough to have Stacy London, from TLC’s “What Not to Wear” series, dress me rather than sift through those racks myself.

Lucky for me — and all the other women who love dressing to impress — it just so happens that Goodwill Industries Manasota has opened its first “boutique only” store, located off Clark Road, at 5831 Derek Ave. In fact, Daniel Hancock, who handles direct retail sales for the boutique, has only one thing to say about it: “Can you believe this is Goodwill?”

The space is sparkling clean; some of the clothing still has its original price tags; and the racks are full of designer brands, minus the high price tag. Inside, you’ll find names such as Sue Wong, Oscar de la Renta, Burberry and Tory Burch, plus St. John, Ferragamo and Coach.

You want sassy shoes? Check. Need a floor-length gown to ring in the New Year? Check. Looking for that perfect little black slinky, sequined number? Oh yeah — they’ve got it.

Pictured here, see what I uncovered on the first day the shop opened. There is no doubt I’ll be back to search for more upscale bargains.

Donation Nation
The Goodwill Donation Center accepts items such as gently used clothing, books, furniture, toys and small appliances. The opening of the new boutique and donation center will provide five new jobs for the Sarasota community. Boutique hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Visit www.goodwill-foundation.org.