Ready, Set, Shop: Duo is in the ‘Burg!

Each school year, one of the biggest complaints around campus from JMU females (including myself!) is the lack of stylish places to shop.  With the exception of a few trendy stores, I think I speak for all of us when I say the Valley Mall is no hotspot for shopping.  And, although we do have places such as Ross and TJ Maxx, they can be hit-or-miss when it comes to finding the latest styles and designers. 
 
If you haven’t ventured downtown lately, you may want to take another look.  In addition to The Yellow Button and Mint, there is now another noteworthy boutique to check out: Duo!  Carrying both new and used clothing, Duo caters to a variety of shoppers, especially collegiettes™!
 
How it all began…
It all started four years ago when the original Duo location opened in downtown Charlottesville on the Corner.  When the store owner, Greer Johnson, noticed that many JMU girls were coming over to her Charlottesville boutique, she decided to open one here in Harrisonburg.   
As a frequent shopper at the Charlottesville Duo, I was beyond excited when I heard that it was coming over the mountain.  Opening their doors in mid-August, Duo has been busy preparing for the arrival of JMU students.
 

A Look Inside
Walking into Duo, I knew that this was my kind of store.  Lining the walls was an array of fun-colored dresses and skirts for every occasion.  In a medley of prints ranging from stripes and floral to plaid, who could resist?  With so many swoon-worthy dresses throughout the store, I had to restrain myself from wanting to try them all on!  Moving further in, I noticed shelves of neatly folded designer jeans, lightweight scarves and chic leather handbags.  Amongst all of this, there was even a home décor section and an area devoted to purple and yellow polka dot printed items (go Dukes!) such as ink pens, pouches and hair ties.    
 
Bright pink walls, glitzy chandeliers, cute displays and friendly sales associates are what set Duo apart from your typical clothing store.  The sales associates, many of who are JMU students, love interacting with customers and providing advice on finding the perfect look.  See a fabulous dress hanging up but are too scared to try it on?  Need help finding the perfect date ensemble?  Not sure which shoes to wear with that sequined mini skirt?  Fear not!  The Duo staff creates a customer friendly environment where you feel comfortable enough to ask for help. 

Tired of having to make shopping trips to NOVA, Richmond or Charlottesville just to find cute and stylish clothing from your favorite designers?  Drive no more, because department store brands can now be found right in your backyard!  Among the lines that Duo carries are Very J, Bobi, Aryn K, Plenty by Tracy Reese, Glam and Darling.  Big city fashion in small town Harrisonburg at last!
 
Sell Your Clothes for Cash
We’re collegiettes™ and we love to shop – it’s no secret!  As each new season comes and we accumulate more and more clothing, our closets become cramped.  Looking to get rid of that cute skirt that you got on sale but just doesn’t fit you?  Or that psychedelic printed blouse that you swore you would wear but never did?  If so, you’re in luck, Duo constantly buys back “gently worn” clothing.  And if they like what you’ve got, they will pay you cash on the spot!
 
So what constitutes “gently worn,” you ask?
 

When I asked Kristen Reid, the Harrisonburg Duo’s store manager, what they looked for in clothing, she said that basics are always good.  Quality and condition are essential.  If an item has a hole, stain, or even an unraveling thread, they will not take it.  All of the clothes also need to be fashion-forward and relevant to the present trends.  That being said, everything must be two years old or newer.  When deciding whether something is current, also think about the season.  With summer nearly over, they are currently looking for fall and winter items.  Think jeans, sweaters, long sleeved shirts and jackets.  Accessories and shoes are also accepted; just make sure that they are in like-new condition. 
 
If in doubt, just bring it in!  Selling your gently worn clothing is super easy; all you have to do is make an appointment by calling 540-432-1515.  Depending on how much clothing you have to show, the appointments generally last 15 to 20 minutes.  And don’t fret if you don’t have a closet of designer duds – Duo will readily accept Old Navy as soon as they would Marc Jacobs!
 
For those who aren’t into thrift store atmospheres, I promise you that Duo offers a completely different experience.  Everything is organized, fashionable and in amazing condition.  Some of the clothing found in the gently worn section still even have their original price tags! For instance, I spotted a Lily Pulitzer dress that was originally $328 for $118!  Other designers and brands I noticed included BCBG Max Azria, Nicole Miller, J.Crew, Ann Taylor Loft and Michael Stars.  The best deal that I saw: a Diane von Furstenberg jacket for $54!    
 

Carrying both new (Joe’s and Paige) and used (7 For All Mankind, J Brand, Current Elliott, Rich & Skinny) denim, Duo also just happens to be your go-to place for designer jeans.  Current Elliott jeans that normally retail for $200+ were in the “gently worn” section for a mere $44 and $64!  (What a steal!)  Of course the store’s inventory is constantly changing, but you get my drift.  Affordable prices are one thing you can bet on at Duo.
 
And There’s More…
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, Duo also hosts fun events such as art exhibits and trunk shows.  One of their trunk shows earlier this month featured Shoshanna and Trina Turk.  Duo also participated in the September First Friday with artwork by recent JMU grad Brandon Morgan Hall and current JMU student (and Duo sales associate) Marcie Browne.  Keep an eye on Her Campus JMU’s Events section for future happenings at Duo.
 
Not that you need an incentive to shop at Duo (the clothes are quite fabulous after all!), but they just so happen to have a program called Duo Dollars.  It is free to join and you essentially get rewarded to shop (score!).  Here’s how it works:  For every $100 that you spend at Duo, you will receive a $10 certificate.  It’s a win-win situation…what could be easier?  
 
To give you a glimpse into what Duo has to offer, check out these three ensembles modeled by Harrisonburg’s Duo store manager, Kristen, and two Duo sales associates, Aly Baker and Grace Allely.
 
Whether you’re looking for a $50 dress or one that’s $300, Duo carries a range of price points, styles and sizes.  HC JMU approved, step out of the JMU bubble and discover what Duo and the rest of downtown has to offer!  Within walking distance from campus, you really have no excuse – check it out!
 

Aly:  (left) Eva Blouse by Darling ($68), black skirt by Esley ($34), red suede bow pumps by DV Dolce Vita ($88), Lush watch by Crow ($28)
 
Kristen: (center) Navy Dress by Very J ($54), Golden Stella Belt ($32), Born wedges from Gently Worn section ($38), Lush watch by Crow ($28)
 
Grace:  (right) Aztec Tunic by Karlie ($54), Kitten black suede pumps by DV Dolce Vita ($78), Ellie necklace by Kendra Scott ($68), Heavy Dose Skinnys by Blank NYC ($78)
Duo – 108 S. Main St., open Mon-Sat from 11-7; Sun Noon-5.  
https://www.facebook.com/Duo.Hburg