One Item Challenge with Michael’s Consignment Shop

April 12, 2019

I haven’t realized how lucky I am, as a sustainable style blogger, to be based in this incredible city (NYC, in case you fashionable readers are new here) offering such an amazing thrifting experience from SOHO to Williamsburg to the Upper East Side….

Michael’s Consignment store is located on the ever-so-chic, above-mentioned UES and is a new gem starred on my “Thrifting Faves” Google Maps List.

SO….WHAT’S THE ONE ITEM CHALLENGE?

My first thoughts of Michael’s as I started sorting through the racks of vintage designer tops and jeans: the selection feels very carefully curated, with every item feeling brand new and exciting; the labels sold at Michael’s are some of the leading luxury brands on the market today, ranging from vintage YSL, Chanel, Christian Louboutin, Hermès and many more couture powerhouses; and last but not least, there is a pretty even selection balance between timeless pieces like structured blouses and skinny jeans & hyper trendy items like sequin skirts and oversized midi dresses..

All 3 of the looks I put together for this One Item Challenge post are fully composed of pieces found and sold at Michael’s, styled around one classic piece: the fabulous oversized denim jacket that will never go out of style. Trust me.

APRIL IS EARTH MONTH!

But before I break down each of the 3 looks, let me chat with you about April. This isn’t just a month when you start feeling like winter is coming leaving, outdoor brunches are here and you can finally start defrosting in shorts and tank tops… April is also Earth Month! So right now, right this second, it is more important to elevate our conversations around sustainable fashion than ever before.

In almost all my posts, I list out a bunch of different ways you can join the slow fashion movement, but the main one is always always ALWAYS: thrifting. By purchasing pre-loved vintage pieces, you’re not only getting your hands on a one of a kind item that will be exclusive to your wardrobe and style, but you’re also not fueling demand for production of clothes…therefore slowing down fast fashion. I think one of the main misconceptions about the influence we have on the fashion industry, well, is that it is nonexistent. But the reality is that we, as consumers, singlehandedly control it. I mean, we increased this demand for production and we can also drop it down.

So for this Earth Month I challenge you to challenge yourself: instead of buying a new piece of clothing, thrift it!

One last note around the purpose of this One Item Challenge! If the first most important slow fashion tip I have is thrifting, second is shopping responsibly. AKA purchasing items that will complement your existing wardrobe and personal style. A ton of different looks can be created around just one staple piece and while purchasing clothing, always ask yourself if that item, in some way, will balance out at least 3 outfits in your existing wardrobe.

LOOKS #1 & #2

FINALLY, lets talk about the 3 looks!

1: I wanted this one (photos above) to be an edgy version of a total denim look, which usually comes off athletic and casual. In this case, a super structured dramatic blouse and edgy studded boots immediately transform the look from classic to rock & roll. I am also a huge fan of edgy white blouses. It’s an item that’s originally been boxed into being a corporate staple, while the fashion industry’s been trying to bend that stereotype fashion week after fashion week, deconstructing this classic piece in every possible way. Blouses now come with extra long sleeves, oversized collars and boxy silhouettes that are very versatile and edgy: Exhibit A above.

2: For this second look (photos below), I was initially inspired by the mixing prints trend that dominates fashion week runways and street style snaps. Then, I fell in love with the top’s color that is very close to 2019’s hottest shade: Pantone’s Living Coral. AND THEN, I realized what this outfit resembled: both Carrie’s floral and Miranda’s black/white dress prints in the Sex and The City movie… Anyone get the reference? ….anyone!? Google it, guys! Mixing prints can be a very intimidating fashion move, but 2 tricks usually alleviate the stress: A. 1 of the 2 prints being a classic polka dot or stripe print and B. incorporating a classic outerwear piece (ahem….an oversized denim jacket).

LOOK #3

3: The final look (photos below) came out super fun and playful. I didn’t want to overthink this one in terms of trends and just looked for funky pieces at Michael’s that complemented each other. And here we are! A chic, yet casual look mixing basics with edgy prints and beachy vibes with city glam. This kind of outfit magic can honestly only happen at a thrift store where you’re faced with piecing a look together with items that come in a quantity of 1. This is exactly what I talk about with thrifting: sometimes you combine the perfect look out of pre-loved items right there on the spot.