How To Wear Thrift

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/).

Fashion Show! Limited General Tickets on Sale Today for $100 until noon

Limited General Tickets on Sale Today for $100 This promotion is limited and will end at 12Noon on Friday, September 25th A limited number of Private VIP Tables are available for $750; this includes seating for 6 at a private table on the balcony, bottle of champagne, private host/hostess, access to the VIP lounge and VIP balcony level, and access to the exclusive VIP party at Midtown Loft, featuring additional hors d’oeuvres and a two hour open bar with various complimentary beverages. These tables are based on availability. To inquire, please contact Chris Belisle, President, directly, at cbelisle@fashionfightspoverty.org or by calling 202.903.8051. FYI- After 12Noon tomorrow, FFP tickets will only be available at the door based on availability and at the original price of $150 for general ticket and $75 for standing room. www.fashionfightspoverty.org

refashion: the main event Friday, September 25, 2009 The Renaissance Mayflower Hotel 1127 Connecticut Ave. NW DC 6:00PM – 10:00PM Model-activist and host of the Discovery Network’s Planet Green Summer Rayne Oakes, and WTTG Fox 5 News Anchor Will Thomas hosts Fashion Fights Poverty’s 5th Annual Benefit on Friday September 25, 2009 at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC. The benefit, which is one of DC’s leading fashion fundraisers, will raise awareness about social responsibility, support projects that create income-generating and micro-financing opportunities for artisans in developing countries, as well as educate local youth –specifically District of Columbia Public School’s Woodrow Wilson High School Clothing and Textile Program. Students in the WWHS Clothing & textile Program will be backstage getting hands on experience. FFP continues to promote its Dress Responsibly campaign, which encourages consumers to select eco-friendly and ethical fashions and products. The Runway Aidah Collection MIRZA MPERIAL Nudie Jeans Renee Geneva Rene Q Bespoke Studio D-Maxsi FFP’s 5th Anniversary fashion event will feature FFP’s first ever Accessory showcase on the runway! Be sure to buy your ticket today and check out these amazing accessory designers! * Cha by Chandra (hats) – http://www.chastudio.com/ * Camille Gabriele (handbags) – http://www.camillegabriele.com/ * JJ Singh Jewelry (jewelry) - http://www.jjsinghjewelry.com/ * Lillybee by Simply Soles (shoes) – http://www.simplysoles.com/category/180 DJ Adrian Loving on the one’s and two’s Live performance by Dynez Dennis Vendor Alberto Parada Relaxed Spa and Tans Fresh of Georgetown Phyto Hair Care FFP Release After Party Midtown and Midtown Loft 10pm – until Hosted by: Paul Wharton

Let’s Celebrate! Fashion Fights Poverty is Now a 501c (3) Non-profit Organization

What: Cocktail Happy Hour

Why: Celebrate Fashion Fights Poverty 501c (3) status, and the continuing development of its programs and activities

Where: Scion Restaurant, 2100 P Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037

When: Wednesday, August 19, 2009 from 6pm to 9pm

Please RSVP to rsvp@fashionfightspoverty.org

*Bonus: Tickets are Selling Fast to the 5^th Anniversary Benefit in September; a limited number of tickets will be held and available for purchase at this event!

Arts for Fashion Foundation says NO to Fashion Piracy

The non-profit, Arts of Fashion, has an urgent request. They are asking that you sign a petition to support the advocacy of  the Design Piracy Prohibition Act. They are working to get this Anti-Fashion Piracy bill passed by the U.S. Congress and need your help. 

If you can believe it , The United States is the only industrialized country that does not have a copyright law to protect fashion designers. It’s not so different from radio broadcasters that do not pay performance royalties to recording artists. But just as the Performance Rights Act recently passed the Committee and rightfully so will become law, so will the Design Piracy Prohibition Act. It is destined to have the same fate. Why? It’s pure injustice in our capitalist nation that someone doesn’t receive compensation for their creations. The very fact that we do not have a law to protect our artists’ works is a bit hypocritical even. There must be balance obtained and fairness must prevail!

You can help by lending your support to Arts of Fashion and signing the petition on their website  http://www.arts-of-fashion.org. 

GET INVOLVED!

AM #ffp

What’s Your Fashion Carbon Footprint?

So, it’s Summer 2009 and if you have gotten the memo by now then you should know that Green is indeed the new Black! That could mean a lot of things to many people but to an eco-friendly fashionista it means asking oneself, “How can I reduce my fashion carbon footprint and all the while stay looking fabulous?” Well, a fashion swap maybe just what the doctor ordered. It’s a place where you can swap the items that no longer represent you and that would be much happier and useful to a new owner. Obtaining second hand clothing substitutes buying brand new clothing, thus reducing your “Fashion Carbon Footprint.”  In essence, you’ll be saving money and the environment.

What is a “Fashion Carbon Footprint?” Well, you can think of it as anything you consume that leaves behind some  sort of pollution due to the way its manufactured and the way it is disposed of. How can shopping and buying new clothes increase someone’s fashion carbon footprint? Well for one, man-made fibers such as polyester or nylon may never, ever biodegrade. The manufacturing of polyester releases emissions including volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, and acid gases such as hydrogen chloride, all of which can cause or aggravate respiratory disease. Volatile monomers, solvents, and other by-products of polyester production are emitted in the waste water from polyester manufacturing plants. And even natural textiles that do biodegrade may produce greenhouse gases when they began the process. Dyes and chemicals in some clothing may also wash into water systems by the rain. None of this is good for our Mother Earth.

So what are the ways to reduce your Fashion Carbon Footprint? Well for one, you can purchase your clothing from eco-friendly designers; go to shop at consignment stores. And probably the most fun one of them all, you can go to a fashion swap! Clean out your closet of everything that no longer resonates with you and trade it for something that does. Take responsibility with what you wear. It’s 2009 and it’s the cool and right thing to do! AM

FFP Fashion Swap

Is your closet getting fat?

Have you ever just stared in your closet full of cloths but still have nothing to wear? You are not alone. You too, can be suffering from a case of closet overload. and you too, can use some closet dieting.

If you answer yes to above questions, then you need to check out our Fashion Swap on Saturday, July 18, 2009 at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel. Fashion Fights Poverty will have our first ever “Fashion Swap” to help others reDuce, reUse, and reCycle. This is a great way for our nations capital to get involved with fashion, in a giving way.
So get creative! ‘Tis time to clean out your closets with cloths you have not worn in 2 seasons and take action at the fashion swap. Get your items together and come share the fashion by consigning with Current Boutique, trading with fellow attendees, or donating to Covenant House. I know the metropolitan area has a lot of unwanted clothing that can be shared.

What if you have stuff that’s so out of date that you don’t think anyone would want?

No worries, all unwanted items will be donated to Covenant House Washington, an organization that provides shelter and protection, food, clothing, counseling and job training to Washington, DC youth.

When: Saturday, July 18, 2009 12:00pm-5:00pm

Where: Renaissance Mayflower Hotel, Cabinet Room

1127 Connecticut Ave NW

Washington, DC 20036

Guests will also enjoy hair styling demonstrations by PR at Partners and hair treatments by Phyto hair care.

Partners:

FFP reThinks. reCreates. & reDiscovers. Its Purpose

reThink. reCreate. reAct. reDefine FFP’s fifth anniversary aims to shed light on creativity and sustainability by rediscovering the role and impact of fashion in poverty alleviation. FFP is excited to announce the presenting sponsor for this year’s 5th anniversary event, The Renaissance Mayflower Hotel, Washington, DC. This year’s benefit is scheduled for Friday,September 25, 2009 at 7PM. The benefit will help support FFP’s fundraising efforts for projects whose aim is to increase awareness and community activism, support the education of our future fashion leaders, create an opportunity to generate income for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and provide a sustainable livelihood through micro-financing for artisans in developing countries. This year’s “Re” theme draws upon today’s turbulent economic and social reality and the persistent call for reflection and change. FFP sees the recession as an opportunity to reassert what the President calls “a new era of responsibility.” For FFP, we see this as a return to creativity in fashion over trends; the emergence of a renaissance of the wearability of artful, well-constructed style; and the reuse of unexpected and timeless materials. Buy your tickets today! Tickets are now on sale for Fashion Fights Poverty’s 2009 5th Anniversary Benefit. Date: Friday, September 25, 2009 Location: The Renaissance Mayflower Hotel 1127 Connecticut Ave, N.W. Washington, DC 20036 Time: 7:00 pm-10:00 pm Haute Couture at $150: Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails; guaranteed reserved seating during fashion show; exclusive entry to after-party (TBA); and gift bag. Prªt-a-Porter at $75: General Admission to main event (standing room only) and official after-party. For tickets and more information on Fashion Fights Poverty visit our website at www.fashionfightspoverty.org. FFP reJuvenating Affair On Thursday, May 28th, FFP supporters gathered at Relaxed Day Spa & Tans for manicures, pedicures, mini reflexology massages, and facials of which 20% of services scheduled and products purchased went directly to FFP. 15% of all appointments and services booked (mention FFP) with Relaxed Day Spa & Tans this week will go to FFP. 2112 F Street NW Suite 101 Washington, DC 20037 T: 202-785-0006 www.dcrelaxed.com

Beauty Night Out: Baltimore!

You guys, if you missed the BNO DC, it was a blast!  But you can check out Baltimore’s Beauty Night Out!  It’s coming up soon, so check out SIN PR’s Beauty Night Out page for more info:

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SIN’s Beauty Night Out Baltimore

Equinox Sultry Summer Evening

and

Eco-Fashion at Barney’s Co-Op

Swag Overload: from Cover Girl, Dr. Copeland Skin Care products to candles and beauty accessories, weigh down the infamous SIN BNO swag bag this July 19th in Baltimore!

The 2nd Annual Beauty Night Baltimore focuses on indulgence, luxury, and of course the art of pampering.  Every detail from the the luxury whips at Maserati of Baltimore,  to complimentary hors d’ oeuvres, cocktails, and the world’s only chai liqueur, right down to the manicures-on us no less.

The 2008 BNO Baltimore has been assembled to fulfill you every whim and tickle your most lavish desires.  Treat yourself and your girlfriends to Beauty Night Out and peruse Maserati’s, enjoy beauty treatments and cocktails, then follow up with retail therapy fit for a fashionista.  BNO Baltimore welcomes you to indulge, shop, eat, drink and be merry.

Check out www.sinpr.com/BNO for more details and tickets. Tickets are $15 in advance and $25 at the door .

For more information about BNO, please contact SIN at, 202-387-1845 or via email at info@sinpr.com.

Spend the Evening With The Washington Kastles!

You are cordially invited to an evening of summer spirits, delectable dining and star-studded tennis while benefiting DC Fashion Fights Poverty.

The Washington Kastles begin their inaugural season in DC with tennis superstar Serena Williams headlining the Opening Night on July 8th. Other tennis stars scheduled to appear during the season include John McEnroe and Anna Kournikova. You will enjoy the unique format of World Team Tennis in its most intimate of settings, our 2,000 seat stadium located in the heart of the downtown district at 11th and H St. Enjoy the game of tennis like you’d never imagined while supporting Fashion Fights Poverty.

Please accept a special 10% FFP discount on ticket purchases for ALL matches. In addition, on the evening of Thursday, July 17th, we will be showcasing the innovative efforts of this cutting edge organization. For every ticket an FFP supporter purchases for this particular Washington Kastles Match, an additional 10% will be given to Fashion Fights Poverty. To inquire about group ticket purchasing, please call (202) 4-TENNIS. We look forward to hosting you at what will prove to be one of summer’s hottest events!

Fashion Fights Poverty rewards and recognizes eco-fashion designers and organizations who embrace the powerful potential of creativity and design to address issues of poverty by adhering to such principles as fair trade, equitable compensation and the use of environmentally-sustainable materials. To learn more about Fashion Fights Poverty, please visit our website at www.fashionfightspoverty.org.

Purchase your tickets soon as the best seats are selling out!

Please use the Discount code FASHION for the 10% Discount.

FFP Wants You!

	Project Runway’s Jack Mackenroth models for FFP 2008!
	We Want You To Dress Responsibly Fashion Fights Poverty Honors American Innovation Fashion Fights Poverty (FFP), the ethical fashion campaign that celebrates the work of eco-fashion designers and organizations who use fashion, artisanship and creativity to build sustainable economic opportunity in poverty stricken communities, celebrates it’s fourth year by honoring American innovations. As a leader in raising awareness about socially-responsible fashion, Fashion Fights Poverty’s 2008 “Dress Responsibly” campaign commemorates not only visual and fashion design, but also how Americans have used creative means to address global issues. Each year, Fashion Fights Poverty aims to push the envelope and present some of the most interesting and eclectic eco-sustainable and artisan fashions. This year will be no different! By reinterpreting iconic American images– from candy-colored pinup girls in Los Angeles, to 1980’s fashionpoverty, the environment, or ensuring the d ignity of our fellow sisters and brothers, FFP believes that our nation’s entrepreneurial spirit must be nurtured and directed towards new and sustainable ways of meeting those challenges.” transformation in Miami, to Coney-Island postcards, to the Kennedy White House – FFP pays homage to our nation’s rich artistic, cultural and philanthropic heritage while showcasing clothing and accessories created by up-and-coming American designers. “By taking on “America” as a theme, FFP draws a link between the mission of FFP and what, we believe, it means to be an American,” said Michael Dumlao, Co-founder and Creative Director of FFP. “In this historic election year where the focus is change and innovation, we believe, to be an American is to conceive and build innovative solutions to our common problems. Whether those concerns are 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 (www.buildanest.com), FFP’s 2008 beneficiary, a nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the lives of women in developing countries. Nest provides microfinance loans to artisan women in the developing world to help them create sustainable entrepreneurial businesses and then gives them a place to sell their unique goods. The 4th of July marks the official launch of this year’s campaign, with all the excitement leading up to FFP’s fourth annual eco-fashion benefit on Friday, September 26th at the St. Regis hotel. This year’s benefit will highlight designs ranging from the abstract to everyday wear. Sponsors include St. Regis Washington DC, EDUN-Live, EnviroCab, Washingtonian Magazine, Whitmore Print & Imaging, and the Michael Romeo Group. Limited tickets are on sales now at www.fashionfightspoverty.org. To learn more or to support FFP and its effort log onto www.fashionfightspoverty.org for a list of amazing fundraising events.