You’ve done the work, you’ve cleaned out your closet, stored what you love, and now have a pile of cast offs. We’ve talked about what to do with them here, and again I will say, consignment shops are the way to go! Consignment Shops are often looking for new, clean, on trend looks; though vintage shops and some stores have different requirements. This Fashionista article has great tips on how to make sure your things are consignment ready, and of course if you have any questions a quick call to the store you’re looking to sell to should clear things up!
Looking to sell online? My favorite online consignment stores are TheRealReal, Tradesy, and Vestaire Collective. They each have a section that spells out their process and requirements! (I also love shopping at all three sites!)
Need some tips on how to organize the items you’re keeping? I love this piece from InStyle, because if we’re going to invest in our closets, they should be places we want to spend time!
I’d love to know: are you a consignment lover? What are your tips to sell? And tell me all about your closet!
This was another shoot where every pic was my fave and choosing was just too hard! I love the pleats on this skirt and how the light plays with them. I love this Gucci top: how it’s soft and sheer and yet a stand out with the tails. I love that the skirt goes with everything. I love that I can also wear this top with jeans. The shoes whose bands match the pleating. The sheer shocks with a node to the blouse. This is my idea of symmetry.
I love designer clothes, high fashion, and outfits that stand out. Not new information, I know. And for years I have longed for a way to indulge my high-end tastes in an affordable way (yes, I see nothing wrong with wearing Gucci everyday). In what seems like an answer to prayers is Couture Collective. More than a place to shop, Couture Collective allows me to “share” designer items I choose for a season. What does this mean? I get the pieces I love at a fraction of the cost, I don’t have to worry about closet space, and there’s always something new to wear! It’s a fashion lovers dream!
Couture Collective doesn’t run on the typical “rent for the night” model, although that’s an option as well. Each season, Members reserve the items that they love from the Collective, for 20% of retail, reserve when they would like the item, and send the item in when they are done with it! Reservations are on a first come, first serve basis and last up to 2 weeks, but if the item is free for evening, you can request it. There’s no pressure to buy at the end of the season, you simply choose what you would like to “share” for the next season. And loves, Membership is free!
There’s a selection of black tie and ready to wear pieces (with everything in between), and as the site grows we can expect more sizes. (This Collective originally started in NYC as a way for the fashionable set to get their fashion fix and not wear the same thing at events. Supporting other women in business- count me in!) Each season will be a little different, for the Spring we can get excited for more accersories.
Need something for a night? Not into sharing? Couture Collective has you covered! The site does offer one night rentals, which is perfect for party season. There’s also an option to buy a piece from the current season (seasons last for 6 mths) for a fraction of the price, it will be sent to you when the season is over. AND all items from past seasons are available for immediate purchase at a reduced rate!
The options with Couture Collective are limitless, and allow me to get my fashion fix at a fraction of the cost. I’m in love! Below see some of my picks, and you can sign up at <a href=”www.couturecollective.com”target=”_Blank”>Couture Collective</a> .
Things I love: high fashion, juxatipositon, couture, supporting other women, and outfits that stand out. This winning combo is complete here! The top is couture by my friend Rachel Ruth Baker (you can find her on Instagram as @pychinzska and you should!) and it’s perfect. I love the sleeves, the eye detail, the purple. I love that it’s high fashion, but goes great with jeans, or in this case Jrew chinos. It feels special and everyday all at the same time. And it’s a great way to holiday!
Loves, we love to be busy, don’t we? (Looking for a convo about busy? I think this, this, and my piece here are great reads). And yes, our society loves busy, it’s’ praised. A facet in that complex relationship? Multitasking. I do it, you do it, we all do it. To be as busy as we all love to be, we have to do it. And there are times when multitasking is good, helpful and works. However, loves, when we multitask are there times when we are doing too much and not getting anything done?
I’ve been thinking a lot about multitasking lately, and how I want to focus my attention. I have big goals and long to-do lists, like I’m sure you do. And there are times when doing two things (or more) at the same time is great. I can clean house and bake and listen to a podcast at the same time. I can watch football and do laundry, so skim social media. There are things that don’t need my full attention and I can get so many things done. However, there are also times when multitasking doesn’t work for me, and when I do more than one thing at a time I find I get nothing done. From writing posts to movies I really want to see, my workouts to time with friends, there are things that need, and deserve my full attention. There are times when multitasking stresses me out, when I have so much going on that I feel as if I can’t make progress on anything.
I’m sure that there are methods for being better at multitasking. I’m sure that there are ways to do all the things at the same time and get everything done. My method? I’m stopping with the multitasking. I’m committing to giving the things that require my full attention my full attention. I’m being present, and doing some things one at a time whole-heartedly instead of a dozen things half-heartedly. And loves, I actually feel as if I’m getting more done. Easy? Probably easier than you think. There’s no true “method” here, I’m simply being ok with doing one thing at a time. The movie I really want to watch? I enjoy it, instead of trying to catch up online at the same time. Chores, work, projects, I allot myself to sit down and focus on just that one thing. It turns out, when I focus and give myself to something, I get it done faster than trying to give myself to 20 things at a time. Does this mean I never multitask anymore? No. But, it does mean that I’m actively trying not to–and I’m enjoying that ride!
I’d love to know–what are your thoughts on multitasking?
AND It’s Martin Luther King Weekend! In that spirit, might I suggest the movie “Hidden Figures”? I loved it! It’s not only a great peak into some of the black heroes who helped get us to space, I loved that the women portrayed were smart and capable, and that was their story, not a romantic one. Take a girl you love! I also love visiting museums on holidays, and personally plan to begin to clean out my closet. What do you have going on?
Your momma wore maxi skirts–this isn’t like this. This classic Jcrew maxi skirt has edge, movement, and surprises in store. Completely classic paired with this vintage Velvet top (it would look just as great with sweaters, tees, blouses), it has a slight train (which I love) and goes great with biker boots (or any shoe-flat or heel). I just love the juxatipositon (you know me), the boots the skirt, the soft the tough. It’s perfect for any occasion I can think of–where would you wear it?
Who says the holidays get to have all the fun? This vintage Pucci number is fun, flirty, and great for a party–even if that party is simply dinner, drinks, or Tuesday! I love the swing of the fringe, and yet–it doesn’t feel over powering. It’s simple but a statement! And these wrap shoes! Talk about go with everything–jeans, skirts, fun dresses. What are you celebrating today?
Xo RA
Dress is vintage, grab my fringed and Pucci picks below:
Loves, I love fashion and planning and wearing outfits. However, if you’ve been paying attention you know that I also love a great work out. I admit, I’m not one that gets dressed up to go to the gym–but I am picky about what leggings I wear; and if I am coming completely clean, I will admit that I sometimes wear my athletic wear all day (mixing and matching with street clothes). Athlesuire is a trend on the rise, and it felt only fair that I share some of my fave athletic wear with you! So tell me: do you wear your athletic wear out on the streets? Do you dress up to go to the gym? What’s your favorite work out wear?
It’s a new year, new us, we’re making a statement, and it’s caped. I am a fan of capes (seen here, here, and here) and with gorgeous vintage capes like this pink lined one, I don’t see my love of capes going anywhere! Here’s what I love about capes-they go with anything, are simple yet make statements, effortless and chic. The tweed here with the pink silk lining and those details –neck closure, the pocket–blends sensible with fun. It goes great with jeans and a turtleneck but will go over anything! How do you wear your capes?
