I want to pass on word of a couple retail changes, but since we all hate bad news, let’s start with some details from the brighter side.

Alexandra’s, Downtown’s biggest designer consignment shop, hits its fall/winter sale today. All past season pieces (think chunky knits, wrap sweaters, wool slacks) are 50% off their lowest price, and spring merchandise is 10% off.

While you’re in the neighborhood, with new-to-you bargains on your mind, you should check Driftwood Consignment as well. As mentioned in this post about a heavy linen batwing dress/tunic from A Small Collection that I scored there, Natalie Anderson and Adam Peart’s two shops (there’s one in Madrona, too) buy and sell to and from the kind of girl who shops small, neighborhood boutiques and scores up and coming, small batch designers.

Consignment shopping does require patience and the hunter/gatherer spirit. Driftwood is small enough to navigate without much of a strategy, but at Alexandra’s, where pieces are well-organized by color and style but the sheer volume can be overwhelming, you’ll do well to enter with a target or focus, even if that means just concentrating on a color, or patterns versus solids. The shop gets bonus points for using those little triangularly round size indicators on the top of their hangers that make browsing that much easier.

And now, for the bummers.

+Some changes on Main Street in Bellevue: Posh on Main’s storefront has been shuttered; the remaining inventory is online. Having made big markdowns, owner Angela Self plans to sell through her stock of Valentino flats and Miu Miu booties before taking down her site.

Christi’s on Main, just down the way, is also on its way out. A closeout sale is in full effect.

+In the world of plants and greenery: UrbanWeeds in Fremont is selling its remaining botanicals and accessories for 90% off; the store will close at the end of the month.

When one door shuts … another often opens. You might try the brand new Midnight Blossom in Ballard if you’re need of an organic, in-house oxygen generator, and see our Diggable Plants from last spring for more shops that’ll grow on you.

+Speaking of growing: Plum Children’s Shoes in Madison Valley is closing; check their site for great deals on European kids’ kicks, and on Queen Anne, Urban Kids Play has reconsidered their format. They’ll continue offering safe, smart toys online, but the retail location is transitioning to a drop-in childcare center.

+Cartier at Pacific Place? Gone. Across the street and down a block: Coldwater Creek is hanging it up as well.