A SOUTHAMPTON entrepreneur has opened her second shop selling “previously loved” clothes just seven months after being made redundant.

Sarah Lehneis looks set to become one of the biggest winners of the recession with her plan to help hard-up locals sell on their unwanted wardrobe, with the sale price split 50/50.

Virtually Vintage, which opened in Station Road, Woolston, earlier this year, has proved such a hit that just months later she this week opened a second outlet a few doors away.

This latest, named D’Occasion, offers locals cut-price glamour by specialising in wedding dresses, bridesmaid, prom, evening and cruise wear.

The expansion is backed by the local NatWest bank, which described her as “a perfect example of the spirit of female entrepreneurship in Southampton”.

Sarah, previously an estate agent, said: “Finding myself in the position I did seven months ago was scary, but I was determined not to let the situation beat me and the idea of bringing a clothes agency concept to the area was exciting.

I didn’t expect to be opening my second outlet quite so soon, but the demand is there, so it seemed to make sense.

“It’s great to be able to provide some income to my clients too, many of whom are experiencing their own difficult times, while also helping them update their wardrobe at a fraction of the usual cost.”

Annie Cains, Sarah’s NatWest business manager, said: “She has created a brand-new business and success story for Woolston.”