Magic at Miss Daisy’s
Exploring the Central Coast’s biggest consignment shop
By Maureen McFadden Photos courtesy of Miss Daisy’s
In the world of pre-used goods, sustainability has become a buzzword. But for treasure seekers like myself, the passion for vintage and gently used items long predates the eco-friendly buzz. It’s all about the hunt and finding that perfect thing you just have to have. Still, it’s a nice perk to know thrifting and antiquing is actually good for Mother Earth!
The Central Coast is brimming with sustainability in the form of antique stores, collectives, and consignment stores. One of my favorites is Miss Daisy’s Consignment & Auction House, on upper State Street in Santa Barbara. When you enter the shop in La Cumbre Plaza, you’ll feel yourself slowing down to meander through the aisles, discovering gems along the way. In a place like this, it’s easy to lose track of time — and no wonder. With 16,000 square feet of floor space, it is the largest consignment store in the region.
Glenn in the shop.
Strolling down the aisles at Miss Daisy’s, I can sit down on a piece of furniture, feel the fabric, and imagine how it might fit in my world. If you’re like me, these previously-loved belongings spur ideas, inspiration, and memories.
Rashonne Carruthers, Miss Daisy’s store manager who goes by the nickname Roach, is a great resource and wealth of knowledge on the store’s wares. Roach points me in the direction of a very colorful Murano glass chandelier, and then to something a little more unusual: a set of carved wooden panels depicting the The Rat Pack, by Christopher Guy. These three panels, which measure 12 feet tall, are awesome representations of the hip Las Vegas vibe from the 1950s and ‘60s.
Roach continues with some of her other favorites at Miss Daisy’s: antique brass cash registers from the collection of longtime Santa Barbara businessman Peter Jordano, player pianos, carousel horses, Salvador Dali prints, and a Mysterious Dante Magic poster from the 1930s. “We’ve sold four Steinway baby grands,” Roach adds, “and two baby grands are in the store now.”
One of the things that makes Miss Daisy’s so special is where it’s located — or, more accurately, what’s located nearby. It is in close proximity to incredible estates in places like Montecito, Hope Ranch, and the Santa Ynez Valley, and it is from these estates that Miss Daisy’s sources some truly beautiful, rare, and fascinating treasures. But that’s not the only place Miss Daisy’s owner, Glenn Novack, finds his wares. With Hollywood a short drive away, Glenn also pulls from movie studios, prop houses, and sets.
The result? A collection that just pops.
Glenn has a great eye for interesting items, no matter the source. Miss Daisy’s inventory ranges from current decor to Asian antiques to ‘70s vintage. Find furniture like coffee tables, dining sets, over-stuffed chairs, lighting, and rugs, as well as children’s furniture and patio sets. Smaller treasures abound, as well — think cribbage boards, glassware, and old toys.
And the art! “There’s a new gallery space for art. We have so many new canvases just waiting for a place in your office or home, we had to create a special place for them,” says Glenn. Find lithographs, photographs, mirrors and other architectural elements, as well as remarkable fine art from the likes of Calder and Basquiat, and even a floor-to-ceiling oil on canvas by Henry Bouvet.
No matter what you’re looking for, Miss Daisy’s has a fabulous staff. They’re like Sherpas for the customers — vital, in such a big space. As store manager Roach told me, “We have customers who come in daily and weekly. Our customers are awesome people with whom we have established meaningful relationships. We all get so much joy in helping them find just the right thing. They send us photographs of our items in their homes … We become a part of their lives.”
Making the shopping experience fun is a key ingredient to the Miss Daisy’s recipe. On Sundays from 2 to 5 pm, customers can enjoy live music while they shop. But no matter when you come into the store, look for Best Offer Bid Sheets. Glenn recently implemented this new shopping feature, where customers can make an offer on any item in the store. Just write down your best offer on the yellow sheets and give it to a salesperson, and it could be accepted on the spot.
“An additional fun shopping incentive at Miss Daisy’s is the 10-day tick-down,” says Roach. “Every 10 days the price drops 10% on most items. Customers sometimes roll the dice and wait for the price to drop.”
Roach also suggests customers look for the “Consign for a Cause” stickers on items in the store. This allows consignors to select a non-profit organization to receive the proceeds from their consignment sales.
None of this is what you might call the usual routine for consignment stores, but it makes the hunt — and the overall experience — much more interesting!
Can’t make it in right away, but still want to shop Miss Daisy’s? Check out their inventory on their website, consignmentsbymmd.com, and get on the mailing list to be notified about upcoming online auctions.
Find Miss Daisy’s Consignment & Auction House at 3845 State St, Santa Barbara. For more, see consignmentsbymmd.com