How To Wear Thrift
DC Goodwill Guest Blog post by FFP Fashion Director Elaine Mensah
So, I was walking down U Street a couple of weeks ago with a girlfriend of mine and as we were perusing the boutiques, I started complaining about how I wish I could find really amazing but yet cheap handbags and accessories in DC. She immediately scoffed at the notion of purchasing cheap $10 bags (like the ones you find on the streets of NY) because of poor quality (which I agree is an issue) and price (that I disagree with). Over the course of our conversation, I was tried to convince her that fashion is not about how much you pay for item but how you chose to rock it. I then went through a few of my recent fashion highlights (if I may say so myself
) and pointed out to her that these items that she complimented and loved were thrift store (Beaded Jacket $9.95) and vintage (1960 Saks 5th Avenue puff-sleeved vest $60) respectively.


These outfits and my incessant lament about vintage, consignment and thrift shopping have led her and other friends to ask me the following questions:
1. What should I look for when I am vintage shopping or “thrifting?” My general rule of thumb is don’t LOOK. By that I mean, don’t approach it with the same strategy and mindset that you approach mainstream shopping. Browse the racks, shelves, or tables as if you are looking at pieces of art. You will see a beauty in them that you wouldn’t have otherwise noticed.
2. How do I distinguish between a “fashionable” thrift outfit and something that is dowdy/old? “Fashionable” is really about your own taste and confidence. While there are general rules to fashion – proportion, fit, color, cut, etc – CONFIDENCE is the key to looking good and setting trends. I must note however that for some, TASTE is an issue. Nonetheless, if you love fashion you have to be willing to stand by your choice even if it lands you on the “Oh no he/she didn’t list.”
3. How do I incorporate recycled/reused clothing into my existing wardrobe? The best advice I can give in this arena is NEVER WEAR IT HEAD TO TOE! Unless you are Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Chloe Sevigny, or Johnny Depp, just don’t do it. It will take your look from fashion to costume. Instead work your recycled garments into your everyday wardrobe by pairing it with practical pieces. If item is flashy and standouts, pair it with something understated/muted. If it is a complimentary piece, then pair it with something that will give it the most opportunity to shine.
The moral of my story is that “recycled,” “hand-me-downs,” “second-hand,” “reused,” “thrift,” “vintage” or whatever-other-name-you-chose-to-call-it clothing are some of the most interesting, unique, rare, and expressive fashions out there. So HAVE FUN!!! Fashion truly is about expressing who you are. Don’t take yourself too seriously.
ABOUT ELAINE
Elaine Mensah is a leading contributor to the fashion industry in Washington, DC. She has a catalogue of experience working for numerous fashion insiders and owns SVELTE, LLC (http://www.svelte-emc.com) a fashion company that provides production, publishing, media services and styling for an array of clients in the fashion, lifestyle and luxury brand industries. She is also the creator and host of the newly launched online fashion radio show Fashion BS (http://ww.fashionbsradio.com), produces and hosts online fashion channel SVELTE Tv, and serves as the Fashion Director & Vice-President of Production for Fashion Fights Poverty (http://www.fashionfightspoverty.org/).











Images will be presented in FFP’s 2008 “Dress Responsibly” look-book, a catalogue of chic, contemporary, and ethical designers, modeled by celebrities and everyday citizens who have pledged their support to FFP’s mission. The look-book will be available online and limited editions will also be available for purchase. A percentage of sales from each look-book will go to Nest (
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