Fall Harvest

Exulting in Autumn’s glorious harvest of slow-food and thrifted fashion, UrbanTerra’s owner, Lydia Smith and model Amanda Abrain, show off some “Little Red Hen” swagger. Fashion photographer, August Smith, captures the essence of the season fabulously. Lydia, a self-proclaimed stylist enlisted wardrobe stylist, Elena Chavez, as a consultant to attain that final fall fashion flair and Lindsey Watkins brought an autumn glow to the model’s face and hair. By the time you get through this editorial you’ll be wanting a harvest of your own.

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Here at UrbanTerra we have a Fashion Philosophy. According to
the EPA's office of solid waste, each year sixty-eight pounds of useful clothing products per US household finds its way into the landfill. We believe that Fashionistas everywhere can reduce that number and still sport the hottest trending looks all at a thrifty price. Not convinced? Here’s proof.

This vintage Coltalia mink collard sweater will take you from office-to-lounge in style when paired with “sleek and sexy” silhouette pants from Halogen. To transition simply change out the black Forever 21 ankle booties with a platinum sling-back pump and add sparkly accessories. Amanda is poised to take to rockin’ the streets with this Mango tweed moto jacket and reworked denim gladiator skirt and studded booties. Inspiration from St. John, Badgley Mischka, Marni, and Victoria’s Secret.

I’m a born treasure hunter. That’s what makes me a great thrifter. But you don’t have to thrift shop to gain great used or re-worked fashions. I love companies like Gold Dog in Seattle’s Fremont district who offer fabulous reuse items at reasonable prices. Also, consignment shops like The Redress Shop in Bellevue on the Seattle area’s Eastside who carry couture fashion at a fraction of new retail prices. Whether you source your finds at bargain prices from Savers/Value Village, Goodwill, Salvation Army or have the budget to snag a Chanel bag at a consignment store, when it comes to earth-friendly fashion the outcome is identical. The poundage of clothing waste in the landfill is reduced. Now isn’t that what we all want?

Foraging for fabulous accessories, this fox fur collar and statement belt brings the Cabi  coat into current trends. Pairing it with Jones New York black leather pants and Clark's ankle booties takes the outfit off the farm and onto the runway. Inspiration from Valentino, Givenchy, and Alexander McQueen collections.

Let’s get specific. I scored a pair of L.A.M.B. platform oxfords for $12.99 at Value Village. It looked as if they had never been worn (even the soles were clean). What would they have run me new? Around $300! How about a Theory plaid blazer trimmed with leather elbow patches $14.99, retail around $500. These are not unusual finds. Your local thrift shop isn’t what it was 10 years ago and nowhere near the second-hand your mother shopped.

Genteel equestrian living. Ralph Lauren laced leather skirt, Eddie Bauer down vest, Pendleton blazer paired with Lux plaid pant. Inspiration from Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren collections.

Continuing into Autumn, graphic tees and butterfly prints when paired with houndstooth and boots are still trendy.  ALC Diamond Girl butterfly dress, Seven for All Mankind houndstooth pants, Mac & Jac sweater, Aeropostale owl tee. Inspiration from Lie Sang Bong and fashionistas everywhere.

A petal dress in trending midnight-blue paired with organic inspired jewelry will carry you through fall and winter formals. Inspiration Theia.

I hate to be the one to break-it-to-ya but fast-fashion equals fast-waste. So here’s a solution. Only buy signature trend pieces from your favorite designers then go have some fun treasure hunting for basics, vintage, and fabulous finds at your local thrift shop. It’s a perfect way to stay current and take care of the world around you! Did I mention all the good things those thrifted dollars are accomplishing? You’ll be amazed!

Also, check out a new phenomenon on Facebook, your local Shop N Swap and the Buy Nothing Project for your area. Supporting the barter system helps everyone!

Behind the Photo Shoot

L to R: Lindsey Watkins, Elena Chavez, Me, Amanda Abrain

This project was seriously so fun! I look forward to bringing you more ideas and inspiration for thrifted fashion finds!