Check out the video for some of the highlights as well as a few REFIX favs…

The remixed track is available exclusive to ReFix readers prior to MSSNGDGTS’ EP release.  Along with several other tracks inspired by the 90’s, time travel, psychedelic dub, and film, the self-released “Heady EP” will be dropping Sunday, April 22nd embodying a musical painting that pays hommage to the tape-cutting practices of the past. Get the track FREE here!

The famous chess scene, the provocative gestures.. oh and the wardrobe!

After viewing, I couldn’t help but want to run to the nearest vintage shop and swap up all the floppy hats, big sunglasses, trouser pants, mini dresses, and side button swag.

Interestingly enough, it was Faye’s fashionable appearance the year prior in Bonnie and Clyde that ultimately set the tone for style in ’68 – a sort of nostalgic ode to the femininity of the 1920′s and ’30′s revived.

As you may know, it takes a lot of responsibility, coordination, patience, and a constant creative flow to keep a magazine alive. With that said, we are happy to announce our third issue will be *springing* up in only a couple weeks time. For your enjoyment, and as an apéritif to a delicious fashion volume to come, we invite you to take an adventure into the realm of REFIX with this lovely fashion short.

We hope you enjoy!
Much Love Always,

REFIX

In an effort to bridge Bay Area designers with retailers locally and globally, the B2BSF fashion committee curated a runway show of local progressive designers: Vintage Joy, Piece x Piece, Zoe Hong, Chui Chui, Akemi Okamoto, Alyssa Nicole, Marshall Nash, and Prima Jiva. The event was sponsored by the San Francisco Chapter of Fashion Business, Inc- “a non-profit devoted to promoting and developing the success of tomorrow’s fashion icons” and offered a second day of workshops that supported Fashion Start-ups hosted by FIDM and Next Space.

One of our runway favs was Piece x Piece, a San Francisco-based line developed by the talented Elizabeth Brunner. In an effort to eliminate waste at an unusual point in the design chain, Piece x Piece thoughtfully adapts sample waste and forgotten fabric into beautifully constructed garments that are truly one of a kind.

Picture this, you are invited to a fashion event or on a date and have scoured your closet over and over and can’t find anything, but re-runs, and you need to make that positive impression- The Athenaeum would be your answer- your second-hand haven of style. This fashion library would offer you a place where you can be assisted by “librarians” (professional stylists) and “check-out” clothes for that special event. They would even offer items that you most likely wouldn’t want to buy- like fancy costumes and other extreme items that would save you the money and the carbon footprint of creating more wasted space in your closet [not to mention less for-mass-profit manufactured clothing]

They are currently indie-go go campaigning to raise some funds in order to make possible a new type of ethical, sustainable, and creative business. Options of crowd funding range from $10-$10,000- all of which include some perk-age. If funding is not an option, you can even donate your favorite pieces of clothing and accessories to the library’s collection by contacting Shaye – contactathenaeum@gmail.com

Anywho, we are officially pinning and we would love to share our thoughts, inspirations, and latest eco fashion must-haves with you on the daily. Follow our boards! (and we’ll most likely follow you back)

Thrifted & Modern's Velvet Tulip Dress

The key to being sustainable is to lighten up on the ‘consumption’ and utilize things that are already in existence. Shopping in excess is an addiction.. one that many woman are trained to want to do. The high of taking home three brand-labeled bags worth of new clothing followed by the low of buyers remorse when the credit cards statements come screaming in your face. And believe me, I was there! I used to buy more and more clothing to fill a void that I had within myself (insecurities, ego.. the desire to be “beautiful”) and it didn’t stop until I realized that all this buying was creating the void! Since then, I’ve mended my ways and found so much more happiness in only purchasing if it is absolutely needed, and buying local, second-hand, or ethically sourced items.

The funnest part of taking a hold of your consumption is how much creativity it ignites! Really- I’m not trying to sell you on this I look into my closet everyday as an adventure in itself- it’s like that nostalgic feeling you get when you open up a box of crayons. I can dress this pair of skinny pants with some tennis shoes and a tee on Sunday and then on Monday, I can wear them on-the-town cropped up with heels and an oversized knit sweater.  You are the canvas! Also, I keep my closet well-organized so that I can see what I’m working with. To not waste is a great relief to the psyche and when you feel confident in using the clothes you already have in your closet you don’t feel that pesky urge to shop all the time… and therefore save yourself from debt and stress.

Thrifted & Modern Tie Dye Lace Crop Top and Handmade Vest

Ok, so there are those instances when you either grow out of something you own or you know you will absolutely not wear a certain piece of clothing anymore. In times like these, an alternative to buying something brand new (that includes the carbon footprint of its production- not to mention the politics of where it was produced or by whom) skip all the drama and instead ‘swap’ or trade! Places like Buffalo Exchange or Crossroads Trading are second-hand stores that are located all over the US of A. They allow you to trade, or get money, for your used clothing. Since they buy from all types of people, there’s always a wide selection of clothing that’s fun to browse through. You can create new outfits that are conveniently priced. You can also find second-hand at your local Goodwill or consignment shop as well as online. Or from family members or friends!

Buffalo Exchange - San Francisco, The Mission store

Recently in the UK, Channel 4 released an iphone and ipad app, in addition to their website, called “Closet Swap“. Essentially, Closet Swap is a platform that connects to your facebook and helps you sell or swap your unwanted used clothing. Online or on the app you can post photos of the clothes you’d like to trade and browse through others unwanted goods.

Channel 4's "Closet Swap" site

Another European site– that actually just became available in the U.S.– is Friendly Fashion. You may remember us mentioning it in REFIX Magazine Issue 2. Friendly Fashion acts on a local level – connecting the user with others within their own city, enabling you to browse for clothing and then meet-up for clothing ‘swap dates’ with the seller.

You can also find some cool second-hand, recycled fashion at vintage boutiques! And if you live in the boonies you can still enjoy this eco-friendly shopping experience as there are several awesome vintage boutiques online! One of my favs is Thrifted & Modern because of their amazing selection of one-of-a-kind affordable vintage. You know buying vintage that showing up at a party you wont end up seeing another girl in the same threads!

All in all it’s about balance and bringing a little more awareness into your consumption habits. Don’t be intimidated.. you’ll find it’s so much easier than you think. Plus, with all the money you’ve saved from not going to the mall for your clothes, you could invest in your own ethical fashion label or take a trip to Paris, yeah? So, get on it!– and save the world one outfit at a time.

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