Recycle, ReDress and Reimagine

Natalia showing off her turquoise Anthropologie mini skirt, purchased at ReDress

They say that envy is a negative emotion. I'm not so sure I agree; it can also be a very motivational emotion. Regardless, there are some situations in which it's pretty much impossible not to feel at least a little envy. Like, for example, when you see someone walking an adorable newborn puppy or eating a delicious decadent chocolate truffle with a rich, creamy center. That's totally normal. For me, there are few people I envy quite as much as those with effortlessly chic and well-defined personal style. You know who I mean--the sort of women for whom getting dressed is a lot more like breathing than solving an algebra equation. Natalia, the long-time ReDress customer shown above, is one of those ever-so-lucky people.

When Natalia came in the other day wearing this gorgeous turquoise mini skirt, purchased here at the store, I was absolutely delighted to see that she had chosen to pair it with short red cowboy boots. I must admit, it is not a pairing that I would have likely ever conceived, but it worked perfectly. It was an expert blend of boldness and consistency, a look simultaneously eye-catching and true to her own personal brand of western-inspired glam. Besides the gorgeous Anthropologie skirt featured in the photo, Natalia has purchased an incredible range of stylish pieces here at the store, including a perfect pair of Old Gringo cowboy boots and an Artisan De Luxe embroidered spring scarf.

Natalia has always taken an interest in cultivating her personal style, but revealed to me that it was only very recently that she was able to truly shop in a way that felt "guilt-free." She explained that she had always felt badly about the wastefulness associated with mainstream retail shopping, from the resources involved in production to the under-utilization of many of the things she purchased. However, she was absolutely thrilled when ReDress opened and offered her the opportunity to both, part with old clothes and acquire new ones, in an eco-friendly way. A frequent consignor and customer, Natalia completely embodies the ethic of consignment shopping by consistently recycling her barely-worn clothing and ReDress-ing in previously loved, new-to-her pieces.

The Immortal Life of Secondhand Clothing

Ellen looking gorgeous with her prom date in the 1980s

They say that, in fashion, what goes around, comes around. Styles that captivated generations past will be revived and loved once again by their children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The romantic lace maxis made popular by Gunne Sax in the 1970s become the floaty, bohemian Free People creations of today. Elizabeth + James draws inspiration from Oleg Cassini's 1960s bell-sleeved beauties. Nowhere, however, is the saying more true than in secondhand fashion. What goes around does, indeed, come around. And around. And around again. The same dress that you bought in a fit of excitement during your days of study abroad in Europe might go on to bring someone else infinite joy on their graduation day and someone else incredible confidence on a very special first date. And all of that, courtesy of vintage and consignment stores, which helped to find it a loving home with each of these women at the perfect moment in their individual lives.

Here at ReDress, we facilitate those kinds of special connections between clothing and women on a daily basis. But to be witness to a piece's broader journey, is particularly rare and special. And that is exactly what happened in the case of this vintage Morton Myles dress.

"That's my prom dress!" Ellen exclaimed, pointing up at the one-of-a-kind vintage dress on display in our window. The dress in question had been brought in just a few days earlier by a vintage-loving consignor. Ellen explained that she had sold her dress years ago to a vintage store, long before ReDress had ever even opened. And now here it was, gracing the secondhand market once more, looking for a fabulous third home. She was kind enough to bring in some of her prom photos for us to share with all of you, alongside the amazing story of her dress. If you think you might be the perfect third home for this beauty, stop by and try it on! It's a Morton Myles, size M and is priced at $178 in our store.

The moral of the story? If you want your once-cherished clothing to have more lives than a cat, there's only one thing to do--consign! We are currently accepting spring transitional pieces and would love to help your clothes and accessories find true love once more. Call us at 617.879.0037 or e-mail redressboston@gmail.com to make an appointment.

Little-known Fact: "I Will Love Again," is actually sung from the perspective of a consigned dress

The Art of Fashionable Dressing

Cynthia wearing a statement scarf purchased at ReDress

Incredible personal style is truly an art form. Never have I been more certain of this than during my time here at ReDress Boston. Every single day, customers and co-workers alike, draw on their personal experiences and aesthetics to put things together in stunning ways that would not otherwise have occurred to me. In her stunning Japanese-inspired felted scarf, customer and avant-garde artist, Cynthia (shown above), gives an entirely new meaning to the idea that fabulous fashion is an art form.

A veritable secondhand shopping guru, Cynthia has spent a lifetime re-purposing unusual finds into meaningful objet d'art. We all felt that it only made sense to show off some of the amazing art Cynthia has created alongside this photo of her sporting her latest ReDress purchase.We hope that you enjoy Cynthia's clever and masterful creations as much as we do.

Looking to sport a fashion masterpiece all your own? We've got you covered! Stop in to check out our newly-arrived spring statement scarves, including one covered in adorable pheasants, a Nicole Miller silk scarf brand new with tags, and a piece of true paisley print perfection by Etro. 

Also, we are NOW ACCEPTING SPRING CONSIGNMENT. Call 617.879.0337 or e-mail us at redressboston@gmail.com to help your inadequately loved clothes and accessories find new homes and help your wallet find a little extra cash.

Vote ReDress for Wicked Local Reader's Choice

Besides our usual Valentine's wishes (think: designer handbags, warmer weather and for Cyndi Lauper to hang out with us), the ladies of ReDress have an extra special wish this year. We would be so very grateful if all of our admirers would take the time to vote for us in the Wicked Local Reader's Choice Awards under the Best Consignment Store category. Visit http://ballot.wickedlocalfavorites.com/ to vote. Voting closes February 12.