Let it Snow

You're probably not supposed to wear fur in the snow, but it feels like you should wear fur when it snows, doesn't it? And I know, it doesn't seem like an eco-fashion type lady like me would be wearing fur at all, but this fur is...different.



I'm sure by now you've noticed my new obsession with Reformation (see HERE and HERE), a line that upcycles deadstock and remnant fabrics to create their fresh, edgy line of apparel and accessories. That line includes this tote bag, which is made from vintage fur coats and leather jackets. In my mind, there is a future world in which real fur items will be extraordinarily rare, like diamonds, because no one makes things out of fur anymore (unless they actually live in conditions that would require killing an animal to wear its fur, which I also hope is not necessary for anyone in this future utopia).

What I'm saying is, to me, it's the ultimate investment piece, like I just purchased an undervalued stock or piece of land. Is that crazy?



It's also two-sided, so I can rock just a hint of fur lining the edges on one side or go full-out and risk having paint thrown on me. But I understand I am taking that risk, so it's OK.

I'm pretty proud of this outfit because it's comprised of nearly 100% vintage, second-hand or upcycled pieces, from the umbrella to the shoes. Absolutely no new fabrics were cut or woven to put together this look (with the exception of my black tights), and each lovely accessories or garments was saved from the possibility of an untimely and gruesome death-by-landfill. Everybody wins!



The vegan Stella McCartney ankle boots, the Botega Venetta skirt, the sweater, and the J Crew jacket were all purchased second-hand from Secondi. And the umbrella is very special to me bc it was my Dad's.

Always the bargain hunter, it was acquired as one of those premiums you receive if you spend enough on cologne or after-shave, and it's surprisingly well-made and beautifullly designed by Aramis. You don't often come across free umbrellas with real wooden handles these days, hmm? I definitely inherited my love for finding a 'good deal' on a quality product from my father, and I think of him whenever I use it. :)

Last but not least, I've already told you about the bag. Which, FYI, is majorly on sale right now at Reformation, and comes in two colors (1, 2). Just sayin.


Shop the look:

For more sustainable style inspiration and recommendations, follow me on Pinterest- I've recently become quite pin-happy!

Battle Gear {Eco-friendly All Black Everything}

There is something very satisfying about wearing all black. Everything just feels more put together and I'll be honest-- it makes me feel like a badass ninja.



This outfit is also my ninja-style way of sharing with you the power of aggressive second-hand shopping. The jacket is Alexander Wang, the wool skirt (super heavy and super soft) is Bottega Veneta, and the shoes are Stella McCartney.



Let me be clear: I work at a non-profit organization. I am not someone who can just drop a thousand bucks on an "it" bag, even if I want it really, really badly. But I can still wear well-cut, well-made clothing because I am willing to wear things that someone else might have worn, too. I am willing to provide a loving home for those beautiful garments that someone has cast off. I am a safe haven, and you can be, too!

Check out the detail of the shoulder of the jacket above, for example. It shows there's something special about it, and it's those little details that you want to watch out for when you shop second-hand.



You also want to go with your sense of touch-- if it feels cheaply made or the fabric seems scratchy, it's probably not worth even pulling the item off the rack to look at. Keep sifting.

When I feel cashmere, silk, or wool, I stop to see what I've got my hands on, and often it turns out to be something worth trying on. I should also add that more than half of my latest finds have been due to the eagle, editorial, and exacting eye of my friend and photographer, Ms. Victoria Corkhill. That girl can sense designer treasure from several feet away, I swear to god.



Sidenote: I also want to highlight that I'm wearing another handmade ring from Alitas Jewelry. I last wore my favorite Alitas rings in this post, but this time I'm rocking the key ring. Get it? Key ring. Genius.

But let's get back to your battle plan. The next time you find yourself in a consignment store, remember these three keys to success (see how I did that there?):

1. Fabric - High quality? Scratchy? Look for wools, silks, and cashmere.
2. Details - does anything jump out at you? In a good way or  bad way? Are the seams neat and even? If they aren't noticeable at all, that's a good sign. 
3. Label - you don't want to buy something because it's made by a certain label, but many high-end lines simply make better quality, longer-lasting clothing than the more affordable mass market brands, so brand is still something to consider. But that is only a generalization: I've seen plenty of badly made, cheap crap with a designer label stuck on, so #1 and #2 are much more important.

Last but not least, it wouldn't be fair if I didn't share a few of my favorite consignment resources, would it? If you're ever in DC, be sure to stop into Ella Rue, Secondi, and Reddz Trading (a new fave of mine). If you have no plans to visit our nation's capitol, then in no particular order, I would recommend checking out:

Mode Marteau

Snobswap

Ebay (filter by "used")

Tari

Poshmark (I've never tried it, but people seem to love it)

Shop the look (eco-friendly style, of course). Each item is either made in the USA, vegan, sustainably made, or all three:

P.S. The bag giveaway ends this Sunday-- if you haven't entered yet, how will you win?