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The World Wide Thrift Store!

Hello Again!

So, we’ve established that thrift stores are an awesome way to find clothes…it saves you money, it keeps your look unique and it’s a green way to shop. However, you are definitely at the mercy of whatever has been brought into the store without size variety or much selection. What if there was a gigantic store that let everyone bring their clothing together so that the second-hand cycle can be expanded throughout the whole country and even the world? Oh wait, there is one! Ebay is my OG when it comes to great deals on clothes/bags/shoes/accessories. It’s how I got started with second hand fashion and is especially beneficial to people living in smaller cities that can’t get to the great re-sale shops the more urban areas offer. I want to share with you some great tips and even search techniques that may have you paying more for shipping than the actual item…

Necessity is definitely the mother of invention.
I spent 6-years living in a small town in southwest Colorado and although it was beautiful, it was voted one of the worst dressed towns in America. We affectionately called the mall “The Hall” because it was a short run of a few shops and a pretzel place. The other stores in town were geared toward tourists and their bank accounts, leaving the locals starving for fashion variety and consequently, a little creative with their fashion. (Read: out of date and super casual). I don’t know about you but when I am shopping for a specific event, I know what I want to wear and I shop to find it. When you’re in a small town you more than likely aren’t going to find it. It was through panic inducing shopping trips to these limited stores that I decided I needed a new option. I was 6 hours away from any good shopping, so the internet it was.


Shoes!
Hurray for shoes!! Let’s just get that out of the way. The right pair of shoes is the cheese to the macaroni of any good outfit. I’m sure we’ve all purchased a pair of cheap shoes that have cut into our feet and made blisters in a way that had you wondering if you may have missed a safety recall notice about them. Ouch. Then there is the moment you put on a quality, non-synthetic pair of shoes and you realize that you really do get what you pay for. Ebay is the perfect spot to pick up nearly new designer shoes at a fraction of the cost, but it’s important to do your research before you begin bidding on every Manolo that comes across the screen. Take a trip to Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom’s or any other large chain that carries high quality shoes and try some on. Figure out what size you wear in different brands and record them. (Put Siri to work!) After you’ve got a feel for what you need as well as what you like, get yourself set up with an ebay account. Then use the search option to type in as specific or generalized search as you would like. If you are looking for; “brown heels size 8” then type that, or if you know specifically; “Tribtoo 105 Yves St Laurent pump, size 8 Tan/Nude.” You can narrow your search by color, style, size, heel height, condition etc. More often than not you’ll have a several sellers to choose from as well as a variety of photos that show all angles and any wear and tear on the shoes.

These are classic black peep toe pumps by Vince Camuto. They are the most comfortable and versitle heels I own despite being 5 inches. I paid $68 when I bought mine from Nordstrom Rack and this pair is being offered for $5 on ebay, only worn once. Score!

 

Bags!
Good lord I love bags…It only took that first animal cracker box/purse when I was four and I was hooked. The same basic criteria apply for bags on ebay as it does to shoes. Do your due diligence shopping before to figure out which bags or designers you like, and then begin the search. The amount of designer bags that are being hocked online is a little overwhelming so be discerning. As I mentioned in my previous post, if it looks gross, it probably is. Bags with rips, tears or stains on them are a pass and any bag that is used but listed close to what it cost new is also a pass. A downfall of not doing business face to face is the chance of getting a knockoff bag at a designer price. Make sure you read the sellers reviews and make sure they are the real deal. Any seller with very little feedback rating or few transactions is one to avoid. Lastly, don’t be hung up on labels. Some of the coolest bags I have are vintage finds or even from overseas. Let your style guide you.

This Vintage Gucci satchel is listed for $19, with $10 shipping. What a stylish school bag, carry on, purse, or diaper bag!

Clothes!
When I see someone in an outfit I admire, I take a mental note of what it is and I’ll search it through ebay. Many times the clothes that I’m feeling aren’t what’s in stores at the moment, and ebay can be a great way to find what I want, not what every store says I should want. For example, I saw a beautiful sundress that I loved and asked the girl wearing it what brand it was (And no, people generally don’t find you crazy for asking, but are rather flattered that you like what they’re wearing enough to ask). I ran the brand name and a few details such as “sundress and lace-up” though the search filter and immediately found several of the dresses for under $30. Retail price showed $85. Another option is to bid on “Lots” which are a group of items that you bid on all at once. If you really love tops from Guess then you can search “Guess tops lot” and will be shown groups of clothing that you can get at one low price. More than likely you won’t like everything is the lot, but there should be more things that you like than do not. Feel free to ask the seller for more detailed pictures or descriptions of the items condition, color, etc. The amount of clothing that people are looking to sell because they are either over it, or didn’t like it in the first place is staggering and they are happy to make any profit they can, which is completely your gain!

A gently used Juicy Tracksuit that is listed for $27. Retail cost would be well over $100 and this seller is offering free shipping.

Spelling Fail
There are times that people are in such a hurry to list their items that they incorrectly spell the name of the designer or brand. So, by putting in variations of the designer or brand you’ll come across these misspelled items that have no minimum bid and aren’t coming up in a search for that item. For example: Michael Korrs (incorrect) instead of Michael Kors (correct), Victoria Secret (incorrect) instead of Victoria’s Secret (correct). By just transposing a few letters you’ll find many items that have fallen through the proverbial cracks.

PayPal really is your Pal
As in many parts of life, there will always be a few bad apples that will either not send your product or send a misrepresented item. If you paid the seller through PayPal, fear not! They will refund your money so you can shop with the peace of mind that you’re not only relying upon some stranger to get it together and send you your purchases in a timely manner. Also, they keep your financial information secure and it’s never given to the seller, a middle man if you will. In the 6 years that I have been getting shoes/bags and clothes from ebay I have only had one time that my item was never sent, and I was refunded in full by PayPal.

In closing, don’t buy it just because it’s cheap; buy it because you are making a quality investment in your wardrobe. By taking the time to seek out these gently used items you’ll save enough to invest in other quality pieces and create a collection that really speaks to who you are and you’ll actually have some money left over to go out and show off those amazing second hand scores!

Have a wonderful week!
-Kelly xoxo

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Second Hand Fashion-A Starter’s Guide

Hello!

I feel like I am forever trying to get my friends into second hand fashion, and I get a little resistance. Until they try it that is. Getting started with second hand fashion can seem a little overwhelming and to be frank…a little gross. Wearing a strangers clothes? No thanks. Calm those fears and get ready to save some money because I can assure you that with a few pointers, you’ll be on your way to creating a well rounded wardrobe of quality clothing for a fraction of what it cost brand new.

1.) What do you need?

It’s important to consider what kind of clothing you are looking for BEFORE you set out shopping. Do you needs basics? Work clothes? Shoes? You get the picture. This is key because second hand stores are not laid out in the traditional retail style with multiple size runs in each garment. Instead clothing will by categorized by style and gender. By knowing what you’re looking for, you can breeze through the racks without being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of…stuff.

2.) Where should I go?

Thrift stores are generally reflective of the neighborhood they are housed in. So consequently, more affluent neighborhoods are going to have higher quality, name brand clothing that has more than likely been gently used and occasionally still have tags attached. Find out what second hand stores are in the wealthy neighborhoods in your community and chances are it will be more like thrift score than thrift store.

3.) Brand name blinders

Ideally we’re all looking to score a great designer piece at an amazingly low price…but don’t be focused on tags alone. That great Ralph Lauren blazer you scored for work does indeed have a Ralph Lauren tag in it, but all anyone will be able to see are the shoulder pads and the large brass buttons. Don’t do that. Designers have been designers for a long time and the pieces found in a second hand store can be reflective of a different time in fashion. Try to look at the items that spark your interest for what they are, not who they are made by. On the flip side of this coin, you will find the occasional piece that is not only designer, but totally fabulous in fit and styling. In this case, high five yourself and buy it quickly!

4.) Modification in moderation

Some pieces are so great..if the sleeves were just a little shorter or the rosettes on the lapel were’t there. Much like DIY projects for the house it’s easy to ge real crafty in your head and imagine a total overhaul of an outfit at your own hands because it’s SUCH a good deal. You’re enthusiasm is in the right place but be sure to be realistic. Do you know how to sew, or to the ability to seriously modify the garment? Are you up for paying a tailor to make the changes for you? Small changes such as lengths of hems or missing buttons are an easy fix that shouldn’t detour you from a purchase but a major makeover is probably a waste of money.

5.) “This looks gross…”

It probably is…anything that looks really heavily worn is a pass. Just keep on moving.

6.) HAVE FUN!

This is probably the most important tip of all. Whether you go to brunch with girlfriends and hit the second hand stores after or embark on a solo mission, this is great R+R. There will be days you find nothing and there will be days you can’t choose because there is so much. There is no one else like you in the whole world so make your style your own…when you feel good about yourself it shows.

Check out the video below as I take you to some of Denver’s best thrift stores…

XOXOX

Kelly

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Sustainable Fashion Night Out Montclair – The Designers

Montclair, NJ – Sustainable Fashion Night Out – Thursday September 6th 2012

Introducing the Designers

Born Again Vintage

Born Again Vintage, a clothing line by designer B. Artise is the future of women’s apparel. It is comprised of garments produced from vintage clothing, recycled clothing, and recyclable fabric. Born Again Vintage is a pioneering force in sustainable fashion with designs being sold in boutiques from Soho to Tokyo. Born Again Vintage has appeared on top reality show Jerseylicious and has an A-list clientele including names like Sheryl Crow and Vivica Fox. B. Artise teaches a vintage class at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and her book “Born Again Vintage: 25 Ways to Deconstruct, Reinvent and Recycle Your Wardrobe” (Crown Publishing) has been reviewed in over 50 different publications such as Nylon and Teen Vogue. The New York Times brands her as a “Vintage Expert”.

Patoise by Sherieka Anglin provides many services in the areas of styling, personal shopping, designing, event coordinating, and costume design. Our team of seasoned fashion and business professionals has experience working with companies such as A&F, Liz Claiborne Inc., & Ebony Fashion Fair. Patoise will be one of the many talented designers featured in Born Again Vintage starting fall 2012; stop by to preview our stylish catalog of carefully selected jewelry and handbags!

Rewynd Vintage began in January of 2009 and is co founded by Schnia Roseberry and Tiffany Smith. We specialize in eclectic vintage pieces for the fashion savvy client. Our vintage clothing and accessories are for individuals that aren’t conformed to society trends and seeking a unique profile. We believe in “having expensive taste without the expense.”

Corinthia Peoples

An elegant, wearable art jewelry collection that inspires and adorns women’s inner and outer sprits with unique one-of-a-kind/limited edition semi-precious gemstones and sterling silver jewelry. The collection speaks to the art enthusiast and to women who revel in being authentic and rare yet classy & passionate. Corinthia Peoples Designs has currently launched its first apparel collection of custom original cuts and fabrics that are enriched with African motifs and textures with a modern day jazz.

Beautymarks Boutique

The ‘go-to source’ for short and long evening wear styles including cocktail dresses, homecoming dresses, prom gowns, holiday party dresses, bridal party dresses and other special occasions. For more than 15 years Lorraine Morgan’s Beautymarks Boutique has been renowned in fashion for image and pioneering style. Beautymarks Boutique – The Image You Want.

The D-list

By Yolonda Sheffa, is a fun and quirky t-shirt company that believes in not creating drama but wearing it! The D-List offers screen printed shirts, vintage finds, and unique accessories. Sooner or later everyone will want to be on The D-List!

BANJO and BONE

Established by NJ native Allison Snedikeri 2011 as a brand reflective of her love for the art of handcrafting, history and culture. Each Banjo and Bone item has been designed and handcrafted by Allison, using combinations of worldly and recycled materials (ex: Sandalwood beads she picked up on a trip to Tibet and vintage 1970′s brass chains). The name is derived from her Hound dog, Banjo and his bone.

Old World Living Designs

Lisa La Valle-Finan is a sustainable home furnishings company that captures the essence of European style on a flea market budget. Known playfully as the original “flea market fanatic” she decorates using original, vintage, and found pieces that support the sustainable, frugal and wise lifestyle. The host of affordable flea market shopping trips to Europe throughout the year, she not only guides her clients through the fleas but shares her knowledge about local culture at the same time with a handy background in cultural anthropology. You can purchase all of her items for your home at Born Again Vintage and her Etsy Shop, Creative Converzens

Metal Taboo

An NYC based line of socially deviant metal art that displays and celebrates our arrogance, sexuality, vulgarity, frustrations, and angst. Know thyself.

 

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Sustainable Couture Shop Re-launches in Montclair, NJ

Born Again Vintage Re-launches Sustainable Couture Shop in Celebration of Fashion’s Night Out

 

Born Again Vintage is hosting a fashion show event for the re-launch of eco-friendly vintage couture shop in celebration of Fashion’s Night Out on Thursday, September 6th from 6-9pm. The Flea Market Fanatic, Lisa La Valle-Finan, designed and merchandized the store.

A private media hour will be held from 6-7pm for a meet and greet with owner, Bridgett Artise. Guests will be invited to preview Born Again Vintage’s newly revamped store and clothing line, produced from

vintage and recycled clothing and recyclable fabric while enjoying hors d’oeuvres, champagne, and a live DJ.

The night will commence with an exclusive fashion show beginning at 8pm featuring the latest sustainable fall fashion from Born Again Vintage, as well as showcases from Corinthia People Designs, D-List, BANJO and BONE, Beautymarks Boutique, Patoise, Marigold Boutique, STAY by Stacey Angela and Rewynd Vintage with an Art Exhibit by Christine Soccio.

Prior to attending, guests will be asked to fill out a carbon footprint survey at http://www.nature.org/greenliving/carboncalculator/index.htm. The person with the smallest carbon foot print will receive a surprise giveaway from Born Again Vintage. Guests are asked to email results in with their RSVP.

“Sustainable Fashion is as important as recycling. You can help the environment and stay fashionable,” says Bridgett Artise. “Born Again Vintage is the meeting of two eras, the past and the future. In bringing the worlds of yesterday and today together into a unique form of fashion, this line is where classic meets funky, sophisticated meets urban and timeless meets now.”

Bridgett Artise is the founder of Born Again Vintage in Montclair, NJ and former partner of Altier 516, who won Best Couture Shop of Essex County by Morris | Essex Health and Life Magazine in 2012.

About Born Again Vintage
Born Again Vintage, a clothing line by designer B. Artise is the future of women’s apparel. It is comprised of garments produced from vintage clothing, recycled clothing, and recyclable fabric. Born Again Vintage is a pioneering force in sustainable fashion with designs being sold in boutiques from Soho to Tokyo. Born Again Vintage has appeared on top reality show Jerseylicious and has an A-list clientele including names like Sheryl Crow and Vivica Fox. B. Artise teaches a vintage class at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and her book “Born Again Vintage: 25 Ways to Deconstruct, Reinvent and Recycle Your Wardrobe” (Crown Publishing) has been reviewed in over 50 different publications such as Nylon and Teen Vogue. The New York Times brands her as a “Vintage Expert”.

 

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Consignment Profiles: Bountiful Buys

We love the Earth and all its bounty. We love fashion, we love quality, we love saving money. Put them all together and you get Bountiful Buys—a high-end clothing, gift, accessory and book shop, with gently used items. Every time we reuse an item, we become better stewards of the Earth’s precious bounty.

Bountiful Buys is an extension of a community, Adawehi, that believes in bringing heaven to earth in whatever way we can. We have 125 acres and several small businesses. We receive many donations on a weekly basis. Our clothing faeries go through the clothing, sort it out, and pick the very best to keep. We take many items to local consignment stores, we have a boutique on-site, and we donate to local charities. To reach more people, we started this on-line site. We love being able to pass along high-quality items with plenty of life in them to people who believe in saving some money and saving the planet as well.

We have a lot more inventory than what is posted. If you are looking for something special, please contact us and we’ll go hunting for you! All you need to do is slip into our clothes to experience the Care and Beauty put into the clothing, as you dance through your day, all the while knowing you look fabulous for a fraction of the price of retail.

Please visit our website, Bountiful Buys, to learn more about our vision and join us with every purchase!

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Consignment Profiles: Le Thrift

In 2009, in the midst of one of the worst current recessions many style conscious women faced an increasingly difficult challenge of trying to look good without extending beyond their budgets.

Christine Sanderson - Owner and founder of Le Thrift


Christine Sanderson, founder of Le Thrift was no exception. She was a single mom who had represented some of the best known fashion design names like Tom Ford and Roberto Cavalli. Her job demanded she had to look chic when she called on her trendy boutique customers. She also had to clothe a rapidly growing daughter. Yet, because Christine was a single mother, her budget was stretched to the limit. Some months there wasn’t enough to pay the bills, let alone add to her wardrobe. Then she lost her job.

“What’s a girl to do?” she lamented as she tried to find a solution to her challenge. She turned her background in fashion, art and design into survival of the chicest. She took her meager pocket book and her eye for fashion and searched thrift stores and consignment shops in order to find in style, but not-so-expensive wardrobe items and accessories. It was a short time after that event it occurred to Christine that there were countless women in her situation.

An Idea Was Born
The result is the concept behind Le Thrift. Christine used her skills as a professional artist, designer and background in fashion sales to build from an idea that can help women on a budget find accessories and apparel for themselves that make a statement of style. In 2009 she launched LeThrift.com.

Christine asked herself, “Why not offer a consignment store that feels like an upscale boutique and sells gently used clothing that is like new?” This would be a great way to help women on a budget look like a million dollars. Also, a wonderful way to help the environment, by purchasing gently used items and make it a lifestyle choice. And for those who were looking to sell gently used or new unused clothing they had a place to sell it. In May of 2011 Christine also opened Le Thrift Consignment Boutique at 1754 W. Division in the heart of Wicker Park in Chicago. Shop Le Thrift, to find simply the best 100% authentic designer, vintage and and name brand clothing for women.

Right: The Grand opening of Le Thrift Upscale Consignment in May 2011. Left: Le Thrift Window Design - Audrey Hepburn Chic, May 2012

To help Others
After the hardships that Christine went through, she wanted to help out others within her community. She knew that she could help out those in need through Le Thrift in small ways. Today Le Thrift works with Bridge to Success and Catholic Charities Emergency Assistance Program among many other local charities.

NOW
Recently, Le Thrift Consignment Boutique is featured in the new show The Mob Wives of Chicago on VH1. Many Chicago celebrities and local people of influence are now shopping and consigning at Le Thrift, but for her client’s privacy you will just have to stop by to see who is shopping here. Also look for Le Thrift to participate in Chicago Fashion shows featuring their upscale designer brands like Prada, Versace, Chanel and more with M.GO Fashion Salon.

Check out Christine’s Blog: LeThrift Fashionista, Fashion, Fabulous, Thrifty

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Design on a Dime: Thrift Store Finds

3 Reasons Why Thrift Store Shopping is an Addiction

Today we’re excited to introduce and feature Sammy Davis, a vintage fashion expert who advocates that every woman can incorporate vintage style into her wardrobe. Sammy manages a vintage boutique in New York City, where she’s passionate about showing women the opportunities behind wearing vintage across the decades, from the ‘20s through the ‘90s and beyond. Today Sammy shares with us 3 reasons why thrift store shopping is an addition.

If there’s anything my 10 years of thrift store shopping experience has taught me, it’s that there really should be a support group called “Thrift Shopping Addicts Anonymous.” From the thrill of the hunt, the score of the savings and the tales of the treasure we find, knowing how to thrift store shop is our key to fueling an addiction that doubles as a cathartic therapy thanks to its endorphin-inducing highs. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, every type of thrifter from secondhand fashionista to flea market flipper can relate to the addiction of thrift.

Here’s 3 reasons why we’re addicted to thrift store shopping — and why admitting our addiction is the first step on the road toward secondhand retail recovery!

1. We Thrift for Therapy

Thrifting is like exercise: It releases the same feel-good endorphins as you’d experience on a running, swimming, biking or other physically stimulating exercise. So when we’re having a bad day and need a “pick-me-up,” we can take a thrift break at our local haunt to get into the zone and gain some of those mood-lifting endorphins. From this perspective, thrift store shopping is like therapy. Combing the racks is time away from the stresses of life when we can simply be in the moment and focus on the now. Thrifting brings a peace that when practiced regularly, can keep us in the zone of feeling good about ourselves and about our lives much like regular therapy sessions would. The only difference? Thrifting is a whole lot less expensive!

2. We Thrift for Savings

Everyone loves the high of a bargain! The thrill of paying less than “we should” is the most pivotal part of the thrift shopping experience. Since we save so much money thrifting, we can thrift for more and we can thrift more often. Thrifters can grab a few pieces for the price of a good meal or shop an entire season’s wardrobe at the same price one piece of awesome fashion might cost new. When you’re regularly scoring designer duds, trendy vintage style and contemporary classics from ‘90s fashion onward at a thrift store you can’t help but want to brag about your frugal fashion finds to others. Sharing our stylish steals reaffirms the addiction to saving money at thrift stores and keeps our egos happy!

3. We Thrift for Treasure

Thrift store shoppers are like pirates in disguise — we’re in it for the treasure hunt! It’s the moment you thrift for; When your eye catches something phenomenal or your fingers caress a fine fabric like silk, cashmere or rayon. You take a deep breath, anxiously peek into the garment and await your fashion fate for the sign of an upscale designer, vintage gem or trendy brand label. Whether we find the enchilada of thrifted treasure when thrifting or not, we keep faith that somewhere in those racks is a gem just waiting to be found. Even if we’ve never found thrift gold ourselves, stories of others’ successes is our impetus for hours spent in the store and motivation to keep coming back for more!

Don’t forget to Visit Sammy at Sammydvintage.com and say hi on Facebook and Twitter for more vintage fashion and thrift store inspiration!

Can Retail Tricks Boost your Garage Sale Profits?

We also welcome the opportunity to share other’s expert tips and we thought this was a interesting article with some creative perspective and new ideas when it comes to planning and organizing your garage sale this year. Read what these experts think w…