During the start of the recession last Spring I got terribly depressed when watching the spring fashion shows, frequenting the shopping malls and my favorite shops and even going to the trendy OC nightclubs and restaurants knowing that there was no way I was going to be able to keep up with the “Jones” next door with my new limited budget. I sulked for months…I did not want to sacrifice quality – something ingrained in my Southern up-brining - and yet knew I was too old to shop in the really inexpensive teen “Forever 21 type” stores- no I am not sharing my age…just trust me on this one….

This summer I found a solution that has put a smile back on my face and made me feel like a million dollars! Recycled Designer Clothes Shops. OK, many of my friends would completely frown at the thought of wearing someone’s used clothes – but get this – many of the clothes in these shops haven’t been worn at all…In fact, I was able to pick up a brand new Armani suit that was sized wrong at the tailor, with the tags still in tact, for a fraction of the original cost. Their mistake was my perfect size! These stores also carry designer hand bags, amazing jewelry, shoes, and other great accessories.

Now for the snob side of this unusual shopping business….the recycled shopping spree totally depends on WHERE the store is located. After doing a bit of research on this tricky business, it appears that obviously, the more upscale the area or if the area is located in the heart of a designer/style location the better. For instance, in New York, Soho, an area where quite a bit of fashion models live, there are some of the best recycle shops in the country, etc. Fashion models tend to sell their clothes they often are given after a photo shoot. Wealthy women often sell or donate their evening gowns after a single appearance!

We luck out in Newport Beach and just happen to have two fantastic shops located on Pacific Coast Highway in the Corona del Mar neighborhood. The shops are amazing and have something for every body type and taste. For instance On Que Style, located at 2900 E. Coast Hwy., is the newest recycle shop in town and carries a more hip line of clothes line such as Roberto Cavalli and Pucci. Their lines cater to a younger audience. Recycled Rags, located at 2731 E. Coast Hwy., carries designer clothes for both men and women and has a broader selection for the men.  Recycled rags carries the more traditional lines such as Chanel. I actually love and frequent both stores and since they are literally across the street from each other would never visit one without the other.

http://www.recycledrags.com/
http://www.onquestyle.com/index.php