You know this store. Do you know its story?

There aren’t many bargains on Palm Beach, but I recently found some designer treasures that took me back to the golden age of mid-century Palm Beach — without the golden price tag.

I finally visited the legendary resale shop The Church Mouse, which sells donated items and gives the money to more than 20 charities, such as the Boys and Girls Club of Palm Beach County and Habitat for Humanity. (A recent New York Times article naming it one of the 50 best clothing stores in the US pushed me to stop by.)

The concept began in 1969 as a one-time pop-up organized by Palm Beach’s Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea. It was so successful that the ladies of the church pitched the idea of a permanent shop to the rector, who said they would be “as poor as a church mouse”. The name stuck. Every year it reportedly donates more than $500,000.

The 4,500-square-foot store now occupies a blue Georgian Revival building designed by architect John Volk in the 1930s, near Worth Avenue. It sells men’s and women’s clothing, accessories, jewelry and shoes, plus homewares (such as place settings, furniture, art and decor), with a range of prices dependent on the estimated original price. Some of the most popular brands include Lilly Pulitzer, J.McLaughlin, St.John, Dior and Armani, says assistant manager Rachel Sanelli.  She’s seen a range of recognizable faces stopping by, including political figures, reality stars, musicians and Influencers with tripods.

I was thrilled to try on a light blue gown from Victoria Royal, whose lead designer, Oscar Montalto, is said to have been a personal designer of Princess Grace of Monaco. It was just $95. (Watch the video to see me try on these pieces and more.) I also put together a pink look with Leggiadro cigarette pants and a Trina Turk top, totalling $90 — one-tenth the original retail price. Sanelli told me that the most expensive item ever sold was a diamond knotted cocktail ring for $3,000, authenticated by nearby estate jewelers House of Kahn. She’d also recently sold a vintage Dior chain necklace for less than $300. In the home section, I fell in love with an incredible set of light blue curtain finials for $50. There were also full sets of china and crystal, plus a number of decorative curiosities, like a floral bronze candelabra, artworks and sets of drapes.

To make the most of a Church Mouse treasure-hunt, Sanelli advised that most donations come in the spring, and pieces go quickly, so it pays off to return regularly, especially toward the end of the season. Also, don’t come on a time crunch, because it takes a couple laps to see everything.

I ended up with that dramatic caftan, and a pink floral $4 plate. I’ve been collecting one-off pink place settings so I can eat off the fancy stuff every day, without the stress — instant Palm Beach (and Palm Royale) glamour. — Maghan

Vanderbilt University is officially coming to West Palm Beach 📚

New in Town: happy hour at Hive Bakery & Cafe + Juliana’s Pizzeria 🥂

Bye: To another season of Palm Royale👋🏻

Hmm: Golf…relaxing - two terms rarely used together ⛳