She Curates One of Birmingham’s Top Vintage & Consignment Boutiques
LaRoyce Marsh turned her love of fashion into a second-act success story with d’Trespa Consignment and Vintage Boutique. Now, she’s styling fashion shows, championing local creatives, and inspiring others to chase bold dreams at any age. Image: d’Trespa
LaRoyce Marsh pursued her passion in her 50s, opening d’Trespa Consignment and Vintage Boutique. But selling fabulous clothing and accessories was just the beginning. Her work at d’Trespa has opened doors to styling local fashion shows and photo shoots, while supporting emerging designers and artists along the way. For LaRoyce, it’s a dream come true that happened at just the right time. Get to know this fierce fashion icon and get ready to be inspired!
What’s your fashion origin story?
Growing up in Philadelphia, we had access to every kind of shopping. My mother would take us everywhere, from thrift stores to high-end department stores. She was also an expert seamstress. She could make anything. She actually just upcycled a vintage cape for me, and she’s 94!
When the first major mall opened in our area, we would drive out to the construction site to check on its progress. I always made sure I had the latest issue of all the fashion magazines. Ebony Fashion Fair shows were my first exposure to actually seeing couture fashion come to life.
How did d’Trespa come to be?
My love for vintage fashion came from watching old movies. I loved the style and detail of the clothes. Everyone was so put together, whether they were on a farm or in a ballroom. I loved it!
Vintage at d’Trespa was not intentional when I first opened. I had a consignor bring in 35 vintage hats she had inherited. They sold rather quickly, and once customers saw them, they started bringing in their vintage items to consign.
In 2020, you had to relocate the store. How has Woodlawn embraced d’Trespa since then?
The move wasn’t something I planned, and having to relocate suddenly was emotional and challenging. At the time, it seemed like an impossibly overwhelming task, but I had made great friends during my time in Homewood. They, along with my sister, who came from Miami, all chipped in and helped me do what felt impossible.
Moving to Woodlawn exposed d’Trespa to a new customer base while letting me keep my previous customers and consignors. Woodlawn and the neighboring communities have been very welcoming. I think the vibe at d’Trespa is very inclusive, eclectic, creative, soothing, and energizing (all at the same time!) … Just like the neighborhood.
You’ve built d’Trespa into more than “just a consignment shop.” Tell us about the events and services you offer.
I love having a space that supports style, builds confidence, and embraces creativity and community. Here at d’Trespa, you can do more than just buy or consign clothes. We offer personal styling and keep wish lists, so we can notify customers when we get something they are looking for. We also host private shopping events for groups of eight or more.
I’m also really proud of how much we collaborate with local young creatives. Ever since I opened, I have tried to be very supportive of emerging artists, designers, stylists, photographers, and models. I sponsor clothing and props for fashion shows and photo shoots, and d’Trespa is an outlet for selling designers’ clothing and jewelry. They know they can come for advice or to bounce around ideas.
D’Trespa has become a regular in creating vintage scenes or entire shows for various non-profits and fashion events in Alabama. We have two major fashion events in the works for September, collaborating with The Files Arts Project and Poze Bazaar.
Having started your business in midlife, what would you say to women who fear they’ve missed the chance to pursue their dreams?
It’s never too late. I was over 50 when I started d’Trespa. For me, that was the perfect time. Everyone’s perfect time comes at a different time. There’s no age limit on feeling fulfilled and happy.
What advice do you have for the first-time vintage shopper?
Try it on. Don’t get discouraged. The fabric and cuts of vintage clothing differ drastically from those of today. If you see a great vintage suit and you can’t pull the skirt up, just wear the jacket. You can top off anything with a great vintage coat. Vintage handbags and jewelry fit everyone. Don’t get me started on topping off a vintage or non-vintage look with a great vintage hat! Make it work for you!
What do you do with items that don’t sell?
Consigned items are either returned to the consignor or donated if they don’t sell. I try to be very intentional with my donations. Where it’s donated depends on the item. I do a lot with various school and church clothes closets, prom dress programs, and some local thrift stores.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
When I’m not working, I’m recuperating from working. D’Trespa is a one-woman show in its everyday operations, so I’m always doing something d’Trespa-related. All of my family lives out of state, so I try to visit as much as possible. I’ve gotten a lot better at taking time off and going to see them as much as I can. Everyone lives somewhere great to visit (New York, Chicago, Miami, Virginia Beach).
Who or what is inspiring you right now?
I would have to say my children inspire me every day. My son, Tyler, is the head coach of the WNBA’s Chicago Sky, and my daughter, Sydnee Paige, is a celebrity stylist in New York. They are working in careers that allow them to pursue their passion.
It didn’t come easy for either of them. They stayed committed and focused on what they wanted to do, and they went after it. I’m very proud of them both. They were very supportive of me and d’Trespa from the beginning. D’Trespa is actually a combination of their names, and my husband’s.
What is your best piece of advice?
Don’t wait for things to be perfect to enjoy the life you have; it goes by in the blink of an eye. Take time to enjoy your friends and family and pursue whatever brings real joy to your heart and spirit. Wear those things you’ve been saving for a special occasion. If it makes you feel good, wear it, or come buy it from d’Trespa!
Lightning Round!
Favorite vintage find: A Christian Dior vintage fur coat.
Last delicious meal out: RPM in Chicago
Favorite place to vacation: Anywhere my whole family gets together
Your go-to gift to give: I put a lot of thought into gift-giving. I try to match the gift to each person.
Book(s) on your bedside table: Black in Fashion by Tonya Blazio-Licorish and Tara Donaldson, and Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.
Three things you can’t live without: Shopping, cold Pepsi, and my cell phone
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Katie Leigh Matthews
A Birmingham native, Katie is a lifelong waterfall chaser and is passionate about the outdoors. She also loves connecting with remarkable women in the Birmingham community and bringing their stories to life. Katie has been writing professionally for over six years; you can find more of her work at Moms.com and Islands.com.