the anywhere black sac dress

it almost looked like nothing on the hanger it was so simply cut and detailed.  a sac.  but that was also the charm of this black dress.  i didn't even try it on before buying it. knowing it was my size was enough.   jackie pulled it off the rack, and i immediately saw it working so many ways -- at work with a pair of chuck taylors, or a fancy party with a strappy heel and a clutch, all in pure silky soft comfort ... and all for only $10.

photos: ellis peters

buffalo exchange
114 west 26th st.
new york, ny 10001
212. 675.3535

tobacco brown - the bag

the new brown bag ... an unexpected but welcomed addition to the wardrobe.  the perfect way to rekindle the thrifter in me, dormant for some time.  i haven't needed much, but i have had my eye out for the perfect (for me) black bag for quite some time now.
i'll know it when i see it.  it's what i was looking for when i found the last bag i carried everyday for a long time -- a gold tote that was perfect in every way except color.  i did come to appreciate it for it did work, in an attractive way, making it possible for me to have the daily bag setup that works for me, a couple of inconspicuous outside pockets for often reached for things (cell, metrocard, quick in-out-done, no digging needed), and enough interior room for a couple of what-ifs like a book, or a scarf, in addition to basics like wallet and keys...
went to buffalo exchange on 26th st. i didn't even know they had a chelsea location until  my friend jackie suggested it during a recent hang. i didn't find the perfect black bag, but i did fall hard for this number ... jackie called the color 'tobacco brown'.

photos: Ellis Peters

i immediately liked the bag so much, i didn't hesitate to replace the gold tote with it even though it's a smaller bag.  i decided i didn't need all those what-if's after all.  'plus i never did really fill the gold tote,' i said to myself, 'i'll just edit down... way worth $30'
it was like the tentative beginning of a possible relationship with a gorgeous partner who may or may not have enough room for all of  me in the end ... to be continued, but for now, tobacco brown.  yes.
 
what about you? what's your favorite bag like? do you have an everyday one? do you switch often? how many do you own? i could go on.  i'm always curious about these things.  do tell.

zero waste home - the johnsons

I saw the Johnson family on The View this morning.  Couldn't stop thinking about the segment afterwards ... There's always more we can do.


 I'm not sure if I can get to zero waste, but just watching the kid make that lunch carrier, I know there's more I can do to get closer. You?

responsible textile disposal 101

photo: yassira diggs

Recycling textiles in a responsible way is about much more than donating used clothes to your favorite thrift store.  It's also about that rag you were about to toss into the trash because it has grown unsightly and stained, even when clean.  According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, only 15 percent of the 13.1 million pounds of textiles generated by Americans in 2010 was recovered for export or reprocessing.

The Council for Textile Recycling aims to educate the public about the importance of responsible textile disposal with a new website, which you can access here.  Textile waste can be kept completely out of landfills, if we all just recycle it.

(the irene stash) photo: yassira diggs

I have to admit, I haven't been the best at recycling textiles:  Nasty old dish rags have ended up in my trash before.  But not anymore.  That's the thing about having the information, isn't it?  Like Maya Angelou said: "When you know better, you do better."  Right?

What about you?  Do you recycle your textiles?  Does it matter to you in your day to day?

Read more at Ecouterre.
Read much more at http://www.weardonaterecycle.org/

happy new year & thrifted baubles!!

2012! Happy New Year!  I wish every one of you (and myself) dreams come true!  I'll start small.  Tiny.  With some new baubles, just for 2012 fun.  And because, at $4.99 a piece (from Goodwill 135th st/5th ave), I almost couldn't afford to pass these up. Enjoy!

                                                                                                        photos: Ellis Peters

copious

Ooh:  It's not a thrift store, but new online marketplace Copious.com sounds like it might just be what the doctor shoptor ordered:  

via Ecouterre: 

"Like other online marketplaces, Copious lets you purchase and sell clothing, shoes, and accessories but with a social media twist. Since the website connects with Facebook (in fact, two FBers are on the board of advisors), buyers can “follow” sellers they like, discover new trends and see exactly who their items belonged to before." (Ecouterre)

Word?  Because I've been burned more than once on ye 'ole E-bay by mysterious sellers who were there just long enough to collect my money, and then fade into the ether (thank you, buyers' insurance for bringing my funds back to me, but still...).

AND Copious.com is making it easy to sell from facebook and twitter?!
I'm intrigued.  I'll be perusing, and updating soon.  But please, do let me know if you get there before me!!

thrifting for madame noire

I was thrilled recently to go thrifting for Madame Noire!  Check out some of the results:

Special thanks to the good folks at Goodwill Ny Nj, to Emme Bonilla for her super-stylist eye, and to Ellis Peters for the photography! Love!

 

See the whole slideshow HERE.