Interview with Closet Addiction Boutique owner, Kara Forrest

What is Closet Addiction?

Kara explains that the concept behind the store hasn't changed since the first draft of her business plan -- that is, entering Closet Addiction Boutique is like walking into the closet of your favourite celebrity or best-dressed best friend, armed with the knowledge that you can leave with anything you want. "Excellent-quality stylish designer items -- slightly used but still with lots of life left in them -- who wouldn't want that?", she says.  "It just makes sense."

But, is it just about the label inside the shirt? "Absolutely not!" says Kara, "I've seen some horrible designer clothing. And who would pay $250 for a plain cotton Prada Tshirt?  That's just foolishness. Go to the Gap if you want a boring, basic shirt -- save yourself some money." When asked what might make the cut if not a designer label, Kara explains, "We're not exclusively label-fixated here at Closet Addiction.  So, if you've picked something up overseas, or if it's almost on the borderline of being ugly, someone else might love it.  We appreciate the mutts and the underloved things here, too." But, she continues, "Everything we have here is current and contemporary -- we err on the side of trendiness."

Why Port Moody?

A former Yaletowner, Kara sought out Port Moody firstly as a place to live.  Kara decided to leave her career in law (also previously as the legal assistant instructor at Sprott-Shaw College) and with it, wanted to escape the hectic hustle and bustle of downtown life.

"Port Moody's proximity to the water and mountains is part of its charm", she explains.  "It feels like a sophisticated small town of its own inside the big city.  And I think most Vancouverites believe Port Moody is farther away than it actually is -- but you can get here in about 20 minutes. Although, maybe we shouldn't let the word get out or everyone will want to come here!"  

With the new Klahanie, Newport and Suter Brook developments increasing Port Moody's population at above-average rates, Kara was astonished to find there was no established quality consignment store in Port Moody. "Port Moody is a growing city which supports individuality and artistic expression, alongside natural preservation.  It just makes sense that it should have its own unique boutique full of artistic and funky treasures."

Closet Addiction -- a Fun Place to Be

"The best feeling is when a customer says she brings her out-of-town guests here," Kara says, "I just love being that place -- the kind of store which has become part of the local fabric and which locals have adopted as their own to show off."   

What else? "I also like it when a fashionable mom and her teenaged daughter come into the store, and they both interact with things and have a great time together.  That they can both find something they love to take home makes me incredibly happy."  

"Oh, I also overheard one girl squealing: 'this is like Winner's -- but WAY cooler!", Kara laughs, "and all of these things make the tough days so worth it!"  ♦ 

Read testimonials from shoppers and consignors about their experience at Closet Addiction.