I wanted to post on a thrifting trifecta from a recent shopping excursion. First, I came across a vintage leather briefcase that has the most beautiful signs of wear: a patina imprinted by years of a career. I love items like this. I wonder who used it, what they did…. And I also marvel at ju[...]
Archive for the ‘Fashion’ Category
September 18th, 2009 - § in Behind the Scenes
Thrift Town: Behind the Scenes
One of my new objectives for Bonanza is to profile the lifecycle and impact of clothing. In my own small way, I’d like to do what people like Michael Pollan and Eric Schlosser have done for food. I’d like to strip the clothing industry naked by looking at how and where clothing is made, [...]
June 22nd, 2009 - § in Fashion, Inspiration
Could You Wear The Same Thing for 365 Days?
I recently moaned about my reckless black dress acquisition habit. So I was seriously in awe when I came across Sheena from The Uniform Project, who is wearing the same black dress for exactly a year (well she has 7 identical dresses, one for every day of the week). She’s accessorizing almost [...]
June 10th, 2009 - § in Fashion, Thrifted Finds
Your Fashion Weakness: And Would You Give it Up?
The one thing I tend to buy over and over, regardless of any particular wardrobe need, is black dresses. I seem to skip right past the pretty colorful dresses, and straight to the black ones… Hmm, you’re thinking, if you’re a frequent KB reader, “she doesn’t seem to wea[...]
June 3rd, 2009 - § in Fashion, Thrifted Finds
Bagged it: $7 Dooney & Bourke
I almost didn’t swing by the thrift store on the way home last night. It was 20 minutes until closing time, and I was hungry… But something drew me in for a quick look! My first excitement was finding two pieces of my artwork for sale (as in paintings I’d done ages ago and ended up[...]
May 29th, 2009 - § in Fashion, Thrifted Finds
KISS…. It’s Friday
Keep it simple, stylish. (Or just kiss if you want. Maybe it’s your fourth wedding anniversary today…oh wait, that’s me!) About keeping it simple: living a more sustainable life doesn’t mean you can’t consume, that you can’t surround yourself with beautiful things[...]
May 27th, 2009 - § in Fashion, Shopping Strategy
Thriftastic Maptastic: Store Map
Awhile back I realized it might be kinda annoying that I flaunt my outfits, and my tips, but I don’t share my thrift store locations. To be honest, there’s a greedy witch inside of me that doesn’t want to. Around Halloween, the thrift stores crowd up, and I feel threatened, thinki[...]
May 26th, 2009 - § in Fashion, Shopping Strategy
Q&A with SF’s Conscious Fashionistas
I’m excited to present some great insight from a group of San Francisco women called the Conscious Fashionistas (left). These gals put on fabulous shopping parties (we’re talking cocktails, DJs….even Bhangra dance lessons). Oh, and the best part? All of the clothing/accessories the[...]
May 18th, 2009 - § in Fashion, Inspiration
Nailing the Look – Style File
One thing I’ve mastered is finding a fabulously thrifty deal. What I have not mastered is putting together fabulous outfits, consistently. Or decorating my home charmingly. Or having a garden I’m in love with. I sometimes look around me and think that these things must come effortlessly [...]
May 14th, 2009 - § in Fashion, Shopping Strategy
Invest in Clothes That Will Last: 4 Easy Tips
I find a lot of amazing second-hand clothes. But I also find a lot of junk: clothes that were mass produced, cheaply (likely unethically), using poor materials. Buttons have fallen off, there are pills, tears along seams, wrinkles. It’s a terrible waste, since the lifespan of these pieces is s[...]