Every piece in Martha Turner’s expertly organized closet has a story.
There’s the white beaded Bob Mackie gown she wore to the very first Winter Ball as a Woman of Distinction.
A heavy brocade and hand-beaded robe Turner purchased in the lingerie department at Bergdorf Goodman became a stunning topper to grand galas and glamorous evenings out.
And then there was the time Saks Fifth Avenue flew every last stitch of Yugoslavian designer Zoran Ladicorbic’s collection to Turner when he retired. Zoran was one of Turner’s favorite designers, and she was thrilled to have them.
Yes, every Hermes scarf, Oscar de la Renta suit and Manolo Blahnik shoe in Turner’s closet have lived a life. A rich, beautiful, generous life, so it’s hard to imagine how Turner could part with a single piece, but that’s what she’s doing. It’s no surprise that a woman responsible for finding homes for so many families over the years as the owner of Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty, would also send clothing, shoes, jewelry, and accessories to new homes through the Luxury Garage Sale concept, popping up in Houston at River Oaks Shopping Center March 15 through April 20.
The legendary realtor and entrepreneur gave CultureMap a private tour of her jaw-dropping closet as she and Luxury Garage Sale styling manager Kate Loscalzo discussed each piece. The Chicago-based upscale consignment company specializes in designer, luxury brands from the toniest of closets.
“A lot of people consider consignment just vintage, but it’s so much more,” Loscalzo said. “It’s fun to see the shops. They are done really well and it’s exciting to see the unique things in the shop.Houston is the first pop-up shop location of 2018 and is working with many of Houston’s most influential style setter and philanthropists.
Turner’s dream of dressing well was rooted in her childhood and born from paper dolls.
“I dreamed of wearing suits every day to work when I was a little girl. I dressed every day from the age of 21 to 77, so I definitely made my dream as a little girl come true,” Turner said. This day, her pale blue suit is accessorized with a gold David Webb broach and she’s a big believer in the accessorize, accessorize, accessorize adage.
Shoppers will find accessories and much more at the Houston boutique and all are verified as authentic. No fake labels are allowed, so when you browse the offerings from Hermès, Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, it’s certifiably real. The difference is the price. Expect competitive, but affordable prices on high-end items as well as up to 90 percent off boutique overstock.
And here’s an insider tip-if you see a pair of floral kitten-heeled Manolos, they likely came from Turner’s closet and have more than a few tales to tell.
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The Luxury Garage Sale pop-up runs through April 15 at the River Oaks Shopping Center, 2005-A W. Gray St. Hours are 10 am-6 pm, Monday-Saturday; noon-5 pm Sunday.
The Luxury Garge Sale is popping up in Houston at Rice Village.
Houston-based Inclán Studio offers several types of peasant blouses and summer styles.Photo courtesy of Inclán Studio. 
Find longer short silhouettes, including this style from Lutz Huelle, at Autry Park's Sloan/Hall. Photo courtesy of Sloan/Hall/Instagram
Houston designer Christy Lynn offers several barely there silk tops and a new denim line perfect for warm weather.Photo courtesy of Christy Lynn
One of Miu Miu's most iconic styles, the Arcadie, is available at Saks Fifth Avenue in The Galleria.Photo courtesy of Miu Miu.