For nearly 30 years, Encore Consignment Boutique has been a beloved style fixture in Old Town. Today, as only its third owner, Jennifer Valentine is giving the longtime Alexandria staple a fresh, vibrant new chapter while honoring its lasting legacy.
Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Jennifer earned her degree in Hospitality from Robert Morris University with the intention of becoming an event planner — a field she chose for the joy of decorating and bringing people together. Though she quickly realized after completing a couple of internships, doing it professionally wasn't her long-term calling.
"My kids will always have amazing birthday parties because I love hosting," she laughs. "But doing it for other people was not for me."
What followed was a colorful, decade-long career journey across the country. Jennifer started her career selling advertising for a bridal magazine in D.C. From there she moved to Arizona with her husband during his military service, before a deployment to Afghanistan. While in Arizona, she spent a couple more years in outside sales before transitioning into human resources with a small property management company. During her seven years with this company, Jennifer gained valuable firsthand experience in the day-to-day operations of a business, learning what it takes to manage people, solve problems, and keep things running smoothly. Those experiences gave her a strong foundation that she carries with her today in running Encore.
“Owning my own boutique was always my dream. I remember going into one when I was around 20 years old and having a lightbulb moment. I remember thinking to myself how much I would love to do this one day.” she reflects. “I've always had a passion for clothing and fashion.”
Looking back, each job along her career journey were vital steps toward her dream of owning a boutique. "Every job I had was preparing me to take on this role," she says.
Jennifer Valentine
Self-Styled
Shoot Location: Encore Consignment Boutique
Photography: Renée C. Gage
Jennifer’s connection to Encore began through her mother-in-law, Susan Valentine, who has worked at the boutique for almost 15 years. While living in Arizona, when Jennifer and her husband came to Alexandria to visit family, a stop inside Encore was a non-negotiable. She felt an immediate, lingering connection, and remembers thinking to herself how much she’d love to own something like that boutique one day.
Years later, the stars aligned. The boutique came up for sale just as Jennifer’s family was ready to move back East to be closer to loved ones.
They made the move in November 2022, and Jennifer officially took the keys to Encore on April 1, 2023.
Since taking over, Jennifer has thoughtfully curated the inventory to reflect modern tastes while preserving the classic aesthetic loved by long-time consignors.
"Our shopper is the working woman," Jennifer says. The racks reflect that with tailored blazers, chic suits, and polished dresses from high-end labels everywhere you look, alongside show-stopping cocktail attire for D.C. galas. She’s also expanded into a dedicated bridal section for brides searching for their perfect rehearsal dinner or reception looks.
Though consignment was a new business model for her, Jennifer quickly fell in love with the magic of give-and-take style. While she assumed the best perk would be surrounded by incredible garments, her true joy comes from giving classic pieces a second life.
“I love seeing both sides of the story,” she says. “It’s amazing to hear the backstory of a piece. We have many women consignors who have had truly remarkable careers. Now they are retired or are not going into the office as much and don’t have a need for Hermes scarves or Chanel suits anymore. To the women who are buying their pieces, it is new, fun and exciting. Seeing these items get a second life and telling the previous owners about the woman who bought their piece and why they loved it makes the whole process so special.”
Today, business at Encore is thriving. Consignment appointments book out weeks in advance, and Jennifer is continuing to focus on growing the boutique’s online store. While her eyes are always on the horizon and thinking about what’s next for the business, for now, Jennifer is just happy to be doing the work she always dreamed of.
"I love owning this boutique," she says. "I hope to never do anything else and would love to see my daughters running it someday."
Consignment is built on a simple premise: the best things in life deserve to be passed on, cherished, and loved all over again. Watching Jennifer move through Encore, it’s clear the same rule applies to dreams. It took ten years, three states, and a few detours to get here, but the fit couldn't be more perfect. For Old Town’s favorite consignment boutique, the legacy continues—and for Jennifer, she’s finally home.
ABOUT JENNIFER
Your neighborhood: Fort Hunt
Your hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
What would surprise people about you? I rode horses all throughout my childhood into my college years (specifically dressage and jumping). I haven’t in many years but it was such a huge part of my life for so long I hope to get back into it again when my kids get a little older.
Favorite book or movie: Book: Into the Blue By Emma Brodie | Movie: 1996 Romeo + Juliet – such an underrated Leo performance. 90sLeo4lyfe <3
Guilty pleasure: Love is Blind and Perfect Match
Latest binge-watch: House of the Dragon
Bucket list travel destination: The French Riviera
What would your walkout song be? Movin’ Bass – GTA Remix by Rick Ross and Jay-Z – if I am ever trying to push through a workout, this song will get me there.
Favorite motto/quote: I am such a firm believer in “Everything happens for a reason.”
STYLE
Define your style in three words or less: Classic, Feminine, Chic
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: The two gold necklaces I am always wearing belonged to my mom and grandma. The shorter one was my grandma's and the moon pendant was my mom’s. I wear them every day to always have them with me.
Favorite trend: I love a culotte or bermuda short
Beauty product you can’t live without: Bobby Brown Color Corrector Stick and Dior Iconic Overcurl Mascara
Boots, heels or sneakers? You gotta have a little heel to elongate the leg
WELLNESS
Go-to way to de-stress: I am obsessed with audio books. I listen to at least 2-3 books a month. Send me your book recs!
Favorite way to stay active: peloton and weight training
Wellness goal: To be more consistent with eating whole food and not ordering out as much
Want to try: Getting back into horseback riding again!
Proudest wellness achievement: Competing in a fitness competition in 2015. It was an amazing feeling to achieve my goals and get to that level of being in shape.
HOME
Favorite room in your home: My kitchen. I love to entertain!
Antiques, modern, or a mix? Doesn’t matter as long as it’s well made
Last item you bought for your home: My daughter got two guinea pigs a few weeks ago so I bought an air purifier for her room.
Favorite way to entertain: Lots of food, lots of family/friends, and a cocktail or two.
Clutter-free or well-lived in? I aim for clutter free but somehow always end up landing in well lived in
Next planned purchase: An entry ways coat/storage rack for my kids to hang their coats and backpacks
ALEXANDRIA
What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? Getting to learn more about other like minded business owners.
Favorite spot in Alexandria: Old Town!
Your go-to shop(s): Encore :) But I also have two young daughters so we always end up finding ourselves at The Happy Place
Best food spot(s): I love Kisso and Life Alive
Favorite local organization(s): We have partnered with The Twig for many years. They are a great organization.
Annual Alexandria event you most look forward to: The Sidewalk and Warehouse Sales
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