Designer Carrie Coyle
Style {re}claimed!
I’ve been so busy working on the styles for the show, and also with my side business, Cecile. In case you weren’t aware, thrifting and upcycling are what the cool kids are into. In fact, in most of the hippest cities around the globe, such as my dear Brooklyn, NYC, you can’t walk down the street without passing the next coolest consignment and/or Vintage store. Now, you may be into the idea but not sure how to wear the clothes. Let me take you through some “thrifting” 101; first stop, my local Goodwill store!
1. Incorporate select items into your already existing wardrobe
Don’t think that you have to find an entire outfit on your hunt. I love to find pieces that fit well with my existing wardrobe, specifically pieces that are high quality, unique, or ones that fit well with current trends-remember, fashion is cyclical, so you’re 99% likely to find something that fits with current trends.
2. Spotting Trends
If you’re like me, and you frequent H&M or Forever 21 from time to time, you know that these two stores carry every trend out there at the moment. While shopping, take note of re-occurring silhouettes (ex: cropped tops; long dresses; high-waisted bottoms), prints and patterns, and color schemes. Then, on your next trip to your local Goodwill, shop the store with those same trending themes in mind! Like I said, you’re bound to find something that looks like it belongs on the rack at H&M, except it will be less expensive, more sustainable, and more charitable purchase 🙂
Blogs and Magazines: flipping through the pages of any fashion magazine, you’ll find beautiful editorials styled with trending high fashion. Cut out clips or bookmark styles that you like so that you can hunt for something similar on your next “thrift”.
3. Keep your eye out for designer labels and labels that appear to be vintage
I’ll often find great designer pieces or fantastic vintage pieces when on my “hunts”. These pieces are usually of very good quality and design, and have likely been taken very good care of by their previous owner. Also, should you ever decide that you want to get rid of the item, you can probably get a few bucks for it via Ebay or Etsy 😉
4. Know the difference between a fixable and non-fixable cosmetic defect
Make sure to look your garment over well for stains, tears, or missing components before purchasing. Button missing: fixable. Zipper malfunctioning: fixable for under $10.00 at most alterations places. Deep-set stain on cotton: somewhat fixable. Deep-set stain on rayon or polyester: you may want to leave it on the rack.
Most small cosmetic defects can be easily taken care of at an alterations place or the cleaners. Decide what the value of the garment is to you, and then consider the risk if it isn’t fixable…most of the time it’s worth investing the time and money if it’s something that caught your eye. FYI: a needle and thread can fix most small holes and loose buttons, and you’ll find that OxiClean will be your best friend for getting out stains and brightening old items 🙂
5. Think outside the Box
UPCYLE AND ALTER!! This is the fun part of “thrifting”-seeing the potential in the item and creating your own look. Perfect example that has become quite trendy in recent years: cut off denim. On the rack, they’re “mom jeans” (sorry moms-I didn’t come up with that); what I’m referring to are those outdated, 80s and 90’s denim jeans that should not be worn as they are. You SHOULD wear them as DIY cut-offs, in which you cut off the leg at the upper thigh, fray the leg and distress the body for a look that’s original and trendy. Often, people will even enhance their “cut-offs” with bleach or fabric dye for a look that is even more original. *fabric dyes can be purchased at most craft stores.
Not a sewer? Many simple alterations can be made for under $15.00 and can dramatically change the look from vintage to modern. Example: A lot of the alterations that I make are basic hemming-it is easy to do and takes little time and expense. Again, if you don’t have the ability to do this at home, take it to your local alterations place!
6. YouTube
Hey, we all have to learn somehow! I freely admit that I’ve done a little YouTubing or referred to ehow for help with DIYing. The Internet is a wonderful resource for finding out information, and you’ll find out that people are very willing to share their helpful hints for creating their own designs!
