The beauty of upcycled fashion is nuanced. First, there is the gratification you get when you give a garment a new life. Then there is the pride of owning something fabulous that is very unlikely to be seen on someone else. There is so much to choose from that it is easy to find treasures!
You remember my recent post of another maxi, in a lovely floral with statements sleeves. Above, I wear another favorite from blogger friend, Suzanne Carillo, who has a well curated Etsy store. The stripe is luminous and the dress is so well made. it is vintage and cut a bit small, so it fits like a dream. I appreciate Suzanne’s well-trained eye and great taste. When I visit her store I know there will be a bevy of splendid items to shop.
My bag is from LVIS in East Hampton, a good charity and fabulous place to score really upscale clothing and accessories. East Hampton, known as a haunt for the rich and famous, ( just part of the picture ), this resort town does get dresses worn once for one occasion and never again. I have gotten fabulous designer and couture items at a trivial fraction of its original price.
In the case of this bag, the jeweled center was missing, so the price was small, just $5.00. I added the center of an earring that I kept after losing its mate. A tad of glue and 3 minutes later I had this for five tiny bucks.
Even the handle is a beauty. Another example of the beauty of upcycled fashion!
Below a selection of bags bought at resale shops, either at thrift stores where to proceeds go to good causes, or to mom and pop owned consignment stores. Check a post written about a $2.00 dress I found. Seriously, you had to read this.
The two lovelies on the left are both from renowned designer Bottega Veneta . I got both at CoutureTreasuresNYC, which used to be just two blocks from me, but is now just online. If I told you how much I paid for these you would hate me forever. The little red bag is a coin purse- lipstick bag and was a fun find for $5.00. It makes me smile to own it. I use it for Rolaids and lip gloss. You have seen the mesh ring bag many times and know it is an eBay purchase.
I will do a post one day featuring more of my bag collection . I do adore my pretty accessories and love the detailing and quality workmanship of a well done clutch, minaudiére, or purse.
Additional photos of this small selection.
Now it is time to share some fabulous, pre-loved dresses THAT ARE CURRENTLY FOR SALE! The first two are from Suzanne’s Etsy shop.
Vintage Kay Unger that looks like it is fresh from the Runway. Value also enhances the beauty of upcycled fashion.
Or this number ! Ooh , Calvin Klein! Swoon !
The Beauty of Upcycled fashion is self evident!
Shopping choices are plentiful and this way of shopping preserves clothing, saving it from landfills, and also supports small business. Try to save for the occasional spendy splurge that will last a lifetime and perhaps for generations, or for something so fabulous it makes your heart skip a beat!
These Lawrence Decade shoes are BRAND NEW!
THIS VINTAGE MAXI HAS THE BOHO VIBE OF A CURRENT ZIMMERMAN CONFECTION! – FROM EBAY:
Recently I purchased a fabulous green straw bag on eBay. We know that straw bags are trending .
It came wrapped lovingly like this from JewelsUnderthesea.com.
Finished with a tortoise top handle this bag has already garnered loads of compliments and is lightweight and unique. I paid $75.00 for this , which is not cheap, but it looks as fantastic as anything i have seen on Madison Avenue this season for over 10 times that amount. IT IS ALSO BRAND NEW!
I hope I have made the case for the beauty of upcyled fashion! Remember, much of what is in second-hand stores is brand new, if you are phobic about used items. You can also search eBay and Etsy for “new with tags”. Help care for the planet and support small business by shopping second-hand and locally.
I hope today finds you well and warm.
—— XOXO, Elle ——
You make such great points Elle…then again I’ve always loved preloved items!! For some reason, they have more history and fun attached.
I love that you added your own decoration to that purse….that’s the perfect way to really make something your own besides getting an amazing deal!!
And those dresses that Suzanne is selling…..aren’t they the bomb!! I’ll have to check out her site again. The only bad thing when I do. is I usually buy something…ha ha!!
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I hear you, it is a very tempting store. Thank you so much for your kind words. I hope you and your family are having a wonderful week.
❤️ Elle
Preachin’ to the choir over here! 🙂 Yay, so happy you made a connection with Suzanne – she is amazing! That dress is wonderful on you, and I loved seeing some of your pre-loved bags too! Such treasures.
Yes, I know you well! You find the most fabulous things at secondhand stores. Suzanne is a treasure for sure.
❤️ Elle
Wow Elle you look fabulous! You have a good hand for thrifted fashion. This bags are amazing. ❤️
Xoxo Tina
Thanks Tina,
I am lucky to have so many wonderful places to shop in my neighborhood.
❤️ Elle
You look amazing in this dress! I’m delighted you like it.
Thanks so much for the shout out. I appreciate it!
Your bag selection is fabulous. I love your idea of using an earring for the missing clasp. That bag is not only gorgeous but now one-of-a-kind thanks to you.
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
I am so glad that I was able to find it in your wonderful shop. It really is a beautiful piece and I will love it forever. Adding the earring to the bag was so self evident. It was such a quick and easy fix.
❤️ Elle
You always have such unique and fun bags! I would definitely love to see a post on your bag collection actually! I have just uploaded a video sharing my Balenciaga collection, ha! I don’t have that many preloved pieces in my wardrobe, but a lot of my bags are, and there is the odd opshop find now and then. I still find it hard to spend as much time second hand shopping as I did pre-kids, so shopping at stores I know and can go in quickly to is my usual way to shop at the moment! Hope that you… Read more »
Yes, I adore your Balenciaga collection. It is so impressive and extensive. I know how limited time can be when you are spending so much time with young children.
❤️ Elle
I just started to buy vintage. It s very interesting and more enjoyed then maine stream clothing!
Yes, it is and you wear your clothes so beautifully!
❤️ Elle
I just love this post! Wholeheartedly agree!
http://www.jessicabroyles.com
I am sure you do as you are most conscientious and kind. ❤️ Elle
Great tips on pre-loved things.
I love the dresses
and the bag you have on the first pic is so chic.
Ann
https://roomsofinspiration.blogspot.com/
Thanks Ann!
I am so glad you enjoyed this post. I am looking forward to catching up on your blog.
❤️ Elle
Elle! What can I say? I’m just wowed by that maxi dress, and you are wearing it so well. The bag is gorgeous too, and what a great idea to add the centre of that orphaned earring. Must keep that in mind. Your green straw bag is to die for, what a find. And I’d love to see some more of your bag collection, please! xxx
Thanks Ann,
I was also wowed and thrilled to find it. I am always thrilled to find a pre-loved item that is made beautifully and will last forever.
Yes, more bags to come!
❤️ Elle
Gorgeous selection!
Have a nice week!
Gil Zetbase
Thanks Gil,
What a lovely and kind compliment coming from such a talented photographer.
❤️ Elle
Love this post! Thank you for sharing!
Xx, Tiffany Lea
https://zimmylifestyle.com
Thanks so much Tiffany! What a beautiful name you have and thank you for finding my blog. !
❤️ Elle
Dear Elle, I can only agree! Upcycled fashion is very special and often beautiful and you are the best representer of such pieces! But one needs an eye like you to discover the treasures! Thanks for this post – it is a wonderful and affordable method to get unique and wonderful pieces.
xx Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Oh Rena, you certainly have a great eye for fashion, so I appreciate this complement very much.
❤️ Elle
You look absolutely incredible!! All these vintage pieces are stunning – I love the history and stories behind vintage pieces!
xo, Allie
http://www.champagne-tuesdays.com
Thanks Allie,
That is an excellent point. There is history and sentiment associated with vintage. Have a wonderful week.
❤️ Elle
I loved the bags, and the blog. kisses
https://beperes.blogspot.com/
Thanks so much and welcome to my blog!
❤️ Elle
Dear Elle, so many original items in one blogpost. WOW! I am a huge fan of prolonging the life of gorgeous outfits. I have been so lucky to receive many original items from a friend of a friend lately. It felt like Xmas in summer! I also give away most of my clothes I do not longer wear to friends (or their daughters that is), because I think it is fun seeing my outfits styled differently by someone else, it saves someone money and it saves our environment. So, hooray for upcycling fashion indeed. Love, Lieske
I know how conscientious you are and I can see you giving away your clothing, as you are so generous. You also have amazing taste and I’m sure you are making many young people very happy.
❤️ Elle
that dress is so gorgeous
http://wondercottage.com/wedding-nail-designs-ideas/
Thanks, it’s such a lucky find.
❤️ Elle
beautiful finds
http://wondercottage.com/wedding-nail-designs-ideas/
Thanks so much ! Happy new week!
❤️ Elle
Those bags are gorgeous dear! And I say 100% yes tp upcycled fashion.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Thanks so much Jessica!
I know you are also conscientious
❤️ Elle
Post on point.
xx
https://theonethattravels.wordpress.com/
Thanks, I agree, with our concerns about the environment. Have a wonderful week!
❤️ Elle
You look exquisite in this golden dress, dear Elle! You have such a wonderful eye for beautiful things – that mini-collection of purses is yet another proof! Suzanne’s store is definitely an eye-candy, so many gorgeous items!
Lots of love!
Beautiful vintage bag
Elle, such a beautiful dress- I have to comment on it again. You look beautiful in the gold stripes. You have a stunning bag collection and wow, 5 dollars! That is why I said if i come to NYC, we need to shop together. The ornate handles, wow. love your colorful woven bag, my eye when straight to it. i love the colors in both of the Etsy dresses. i may just have to check out her store more. I am soon working with a company that reuses Saris and makes them into jackets and dresses. Love it. Have a… Read more »
Sounds like a fabulous company! I love the exquisite fabric of Saris ! Yes, a shopping date in the future would be great!
xoxo, Elle