What I love most about living in New York are those serendipitous discoveries of places that, once found, become such a part of you that you cannot remember what you did before you knew about them. At a recent work lunch, a young woman approached me with the words: “I adore your dress…there’s someone I think you should meet.” She meant Lucyann Barry, a spunky, Ireland-born fashionista, whose private consignment showroom offers such a stunning range of quality, discounted designer wares that a client recently dubbed it “the magic closet.” Located on the ground floor of an elegant brownstone on New York City’s Upper West Side, the long room features a well-edited collection of artful creations by the likes of Louis, Manolo, Christian and Jean-Paul—somehow, the relaxed, boudoir-like setting makes you feel as if you should be on first-name basis with everyone.

Barry is super-selective about her showroom, focusing on unique designs, haute craftsmanship and tip-top quality. Some items unearthed during a recent visit, like an exquisitely embroidered and bejeweled Ungaro coat and ethereal, layered Prada skirt, still bore their retail price tags ($10,010 and $7,000 respectively). More searching turned up a lime-green cotton DKNY dress, tricked out with a blue tulle petticoat by Patricia Fields (it was worn by Sarah Jessica Parker on a Sex & the City episode and the actress signed it on an inside seam); an elegant floor-length Carolina Herrera gown with a plunging back; a white Monique Lhuillier coat embroidered with pink floral motifs; and a feather-light, hand-knit cardigan with tulle overlay by Dior By Galliano. Mixed in with these big-name designers are more whimsical picks, like a fun, pearl-adorned cocktail dress by Lolita Lempicka and a pair of supermodel-long jeans by Belgian designer Ann Demeulemeester. Barry’s prime passion is vintage Chanel jewelry and her ever-growing collection features some choice pieces from the 1980s, including a multi-piece black leather belt with gold detailing and a Gripoix necklace with poured glass stones.

The best part is that Barry, who has lived in London, Switzerland, Los Angeles and Miami and who also offers a personal shopping service, has an intuitive sense of what will be a flattering fit—and she’s always right. “What I love about fashion is not just the fun of getting dressed up,” she says. “I think it’s a beautiful moment when a client discovers a new style that makes her feel glamorous and confident. Fashion can have a profound impact on the wearer.” A magic closet, indeed.

For showroom hours and to schedule an appointment, email Lucyann Barry at lb@lucyannbarry.com or call 646-438-9281.

Read an interview with Lucyann Barry.