What Happens...

in the trailer park, stays in the trailer park!

This shoulder rakc is created from one tshirt with this hilarious phrase on it. I got this shirt from Red, White, and Blue a few years ago and didn't really know what to do with it, but of course I had to get it! After using the Chico's Bail Bonds shirt is an abstract way, I decided to do the same for this shirt. Putting the graphic on a diagonal allows it to become more like a pattern, versus just being a graphic on a tshirt. In the end, I think it works! xoxo Rach

Chico's Bail Bonds

With my obsession for prison shows on TV, when I saw this shirt with the words "Chico's Bail Bonds" printed on it, I knew I had to get it! I found this gem at my most favorite thrift store: Red, White, & Blue in Hamilton, NJ. I've been shopping there since I was in high school, and that has been many many years! I had the shirt for a few years without using it, waiting for the right moment for it to pair with another fabric. I finally figured it out when I found the multi-colored striped curtain. For the life of me, I can't remember right now where I found that one, but I'm sure it will come to me eventually. I wanted to position the words in a way that they almost lost their meaning as words at a quick glance and became more like a pattern. But, I also wanted them to be readable when they were really looked at. I'm pretty happy with the way it came out and hope you love it too! xoxo Rach

ps: you can find the etsy listing here... http://www.etsy.com/listing/51459380/upcycled-chicos-bail-bonds-tshirt-and

I know, I know, I know!

Ok, so here it is...I'm a major blog slacker! I promise new posts coming soon complete with pics of my newest acquisitions. Here's a hint, I got two new great pieces for a total of 50 cents! I haven't worn my leopard jumpsuit yet, but when I do pictures will follow! That's all for now, xoxo.

Up-Up-Cycled

This is a new bag I just finished and photographed today. I'm really productive sometimes, I think it's the A.D.D. The flap was a shirt that I got years ago at the best thrift store ever: Red, White & Blue in Hamilton, NJ. I had turned the shirt into a (terrible) bag when I first started sewing. I never ended up selling it (since it was terrible!) and recently went through my old bags and tore them apart to source for fabric. This is one of my favorites! Love the tattoo inspired image and of course the idea of rebel. I'm also working on photographing my bags a little differently. Outside, without the mannequin and the leopard print. A little simpler, to show off the bags. Hopefully I will see some increase in views/sales.

In other news, I decided that the work khakis could be easily fixed, so I didn't have to buy a (not) new pair. When I finally can make this my living and quit my job, I am going to burn them along with the hideous button down shirts I am forced to wear. I mean c'mon, button down shirts don't work for females!!

Happy Not New Year!

Ok, so here it goes, my first ever blog post. I've created this blog to document my journey of buying only second-hand clothes for the next year, with a couple of exceptions. Of course, I will be buying new undergarments! The jury is still out on shoes, I am kinda skeeved out by it, but might make an exception for an amazing pair! Also, I already have a million pairs of shoes, and don't really need anything new! The year-long project/blog seems slightly daunting, but I'm not committing myself to posting everyday. Otherwise, I might be committing myself! Will they let me craft in the institution?

Wow, there are a lot of exclamation points in that first paragraph. Perhaps I should not blog while drinking coffee.

I've been thrifting since high school (RED, WHITE, & BLUE!!!) but it's never been my only source of wardrobe. When I started making handbags a few years ago, I was using funny t-shirts as fabrics, and have continued that and expanded upon it. For many of my bags now, the only new fabrics I have purchased are the lining (for continuity) and the interfacing. Even though each and every one of my bags in unique, I use new purchased black satin for the linings for every bag.

My first amazing find is a one-piece leopard shorts jumpsuit. I am usually anti-shorts, but these are long and loose so I'm ok with it. Animal print is my absolute fave, but this is the first all leopard outfit I've owned. When I described it to my BFF she said it sounded a little scary. We'll see how it goes, if I don't end up wearing it, I can always source the fabric for bags!

ttyl, xoxo