Dim sum is a yummy Chinese dumpling dish. It inspired local mom Robyn Coden’s popular blog, Dim Sum & Doughnuts, about raising her now-tween daughters (one who’s adopted from China).
And now, it’s inspired their fashion resale shop.
Sum Girls Boutique in Berkley stocks hot trends for teens and women. Even better, it has hip, affordable picks for girls the same age as hers (Frankie, who was 11, and Jaye, who was 8, at the time of publication) – something Coden feels was lacking.
“All the girls at that age want to fit in or stand out,” she says. “We can help them do both.”
The consignment store lets people sell new or like-new clothing, giving them a cut once the item is sold. If it doesn’t after 60 days, she donates it to charities like Threads for Teens in Detroit and Orchards Children’s Services of Southfield.
You’ll find brands like Zara, Lululemon, Flowers by Zoe, Lilly Pulitzer and Hollister. Options range from girls size 8 to women’s XL.
The store has a casual feel with patterned area rugs and upbeat playlists. “I think the vibe is just happy.”
Coden’s girls have shaped the shop with their trend savviness and unique styles.
“Frankie’s is either very sporty or fancy,” mom says. “Jaye’s got more edge – lots of black, nothing fussy.” You can thank the girls for a great selection of rainbow, heart and emoji laptop stickers, too.
“They’re very pointed about what mommy forgot,” Coden laughs. Her goal is to offer new brands and apparel that never goes out of style.
“We’re so excited when we match a consigner. It feels good that their clothes are going somewhere – we’re like the matchmaker.”
Sum Girls Boutique
- Address: 3015 12 Mile Road, Berkley
- Hours: 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 11:30-5 p.m. Saturday, 1-4 p.m. Sunday
This post was originally published in 2018 and is updated regularly.
