Welcome to the launch of our back room - the workshop where we connect with individuals in our community that share our passion for creativity and sustainability. Through an exclusive interview with Vancouver-based Personal Stylist Kristin Morawski, we introduce you to the Style Reissue edition of Circular Fashion.
Tell us about yourself.
I'm a personal stylist specializing in sustainable fashion. Like every covetable collection, sustainable fashion always has a new 'it' item to be excited about: leather made from grapes or sneakers made from plastic waste. Another sustainable shopping strategy garnering attention and building momentum now is not new at all ... it's shopping secondhand!
Shopping secondhand is one of the simplest ways to build your wardrobe more sustainably. Extending the life of a garment by just 9 months reduces the carbon, water, and waste footprints by as much as 30%. I have many treasured secondhand finds hanging in my closet and relish the opportunity to share where I got them. I'm so excited to be invited by Style Reissue to provide you my tips for shopping secondhand well.
Kristin wearing our D&G Floral Brocade Coat, Style Reissue Fall '23 Collection. Photography by @trusttheshootermorawski
Why do you like to shop secondhand?
I like to shop secondhand for three main reasons:
1. It's more sustainable: The longer we wear our clothes, the better it is for the environment. The production of clothing and other accessories like shoes and handbags consumes and pollutes an enormous amount of the world's natural resources. By keeping each piece in circulation longer we can reduce our consumption and pollution of these resources.
2. It's more budget-friendly: Shopping secondhand allows me to purchase designer pieces I love at a price I can afford.
3. It's more individual: Secondhand finds feel one-of-a-kind. By shopping secondhand I'm able to make my look unique and specific to me. I feel confident I won't have a "who wore it best" scenario.
What do you look for in a secondhand purchase?
As a personal stylist I believe the most sustainable way to build our wardrobes is to choose pieces we love and to re-wear them for a long time. I've worked to curate a wardrobe full of pieces I really love. Now when shopping secondhand I look for special, one-of-a-kind items which will simultaneously fit-in and stand-out in my wardrobe. I'm also picky about fabrics and fit. My preference is for high quality natural fabrics and impeccable tailoring. Sometimes I shortcut my efforts by looking for designer brands because it can be an indicator of quality. However, no matter the label, it's always a good idea to carefully look over the garment inside and out and try it on!
What tips do you have for shopping secondhand well?
I have four tips to shop secondhand well:
1. Know what you're looking for: It's important to know what you already have in your wardrobe to know what's missing. Each new piece you bring into your wardrobe should work with other items you already own.
2. Be selective: This is the time to be picky! Often secondhand purchases are a final sale so it's important to have a good understanding of what works for your style, shape, and lifestyle.
3. Shop in person: I think it's always better to shop in person, especially when shopping secondhand. You have an opportunity to feel the fabric, check how the item fits, and inspect for any imperfections.
4. Know the original price: With very few exceptions, a secondhand piece should be considerably less than the retail price. Taking a quick check online will help you feel confident you got a great deal.
How does shopping secondhand contribute to a more sustainable way of living?
Shopping secondhand is an important part of the sustainable fashion movement. Globally, we have already produced enough garments to clothe every person on the planet many times over. By re-using and extending the life of our garments through secondhand shopping, we're creating a circular economy of redistributing "would-be" discarded products and giving them a new life. This reduces their environmental impact and helps to slow the pace of fashion.
What is my experience like when I bring in items to consign?
I consigned a few of my pieces at Style Reissue. The process was simple. I came into the store, the associates looked over my garments right away, selected the items that suited their clientele, and emailed me an inventory. That's it. After my items sell, I will be able to use the money to purchase something that will work better for me.
What are your two favourite pieces in the Style Reissue shop right now?
While I was at Style Reissue I tried on a few pieces. I'm obsessed with the beautiful forest green Loewe cardigan that just arrived? It is everything I love in a garment: eye-catching colour, dramatic shape, and versatile! I'm also in love with the Saint Laurent boyfriend-style leather moto jacket. This jacket will develop a beautiful patina with wear and will only get better in time. This is an investment piece!
Two outfits styled by Kristin, featuring items from our newly launched Fall '23 Collection - Saint Laurent leather jacket and Loewe cardigan
Why are you excited to shop at Style Reissue?
It's exciting to see more quality consignment shops enter the secondhand scene in Vancouver. I see it as a sign that more people are interested in building their wardrobes in a sustainable way. Style Reissue stands out in the field because it brings a unique collection of garments and a unique way of working with their clients. As a busy working mom, I love that the Style Reissue team reaches out to me when a new piece arrives that they think I will personally like. Everyone needs help finding gems for their wardrobes!