Tip for those avoiding polyester

I work very close to a Buffalo Exchange store, so I decided to pop in and found TONS of fabulous non-polyester dresses. I guess they came from before this new era of nosebleedingly high cotton prices.

Unfortunately most didn't work for me for one reason or another. I tried a gorgeous Trina Turk dress, but it was too low cut and the elaborate neckline wouldn't work with a cami; a fab BCBG dress but it was too big, and a Club Monaco dress that was too small--the latter two were cotton and the TT dress was silk. However, I did come away with a stunning and adorable bright purple BR silk dress. It reminded me of BR's long gone glory days, sigh. Anyway, I will post pics this weekend.

The point is, you might have better luck buying used this season. I wanted to weep tears of joy when I looked at the labels that said "100% silk" or "98% cotton."

When I checked out, I recalled Jean's tip about asking when the stores restock. Apparently they stock every moment of every day, so I'm going to try and pop in there over lunch every day or every other day and have a quick look. I feel pretty confident that I can get all of my summer essentials used (despite my bedbug paranoia).

15 years ago

Vani

Veteran

No buffalo exchange around here but I've had great luck finding new 100% silk tops on ebay. Guess ebay it is for this season then! I haven't been too happy with any of my polyester tops. Thanks for the tip and research Maya!

The BR dress sounds awesome. Can't wait for pictures

Maya

How do you do a search on ebay, Vani? Do you just search for silk shirts, or for brands that you are reasonably sure would use silk? I use ebay a lot but I'm not searching is definitely an art form.

chewyspaghetti

I will do a search for the fiber that I want, then narrow down the categories.
I'm glad you have found things second hand- my few local stores don't have much in teh way of natural fibers that isn't dowdy.

Ah Khris, that stinks. I knew B.E. has several locations in California, but it's a big state obviously, so I wasn't sure if there were any near you.

I was really amazed. I saw more non-polyester than not, which is just unheard of these days.

Maya, I do exactly what Khris does. I start off with a search term like "silk" and then drill down to "Shirts & Blouses" (or similar) and then hone in on brands whose sizing I am familiar with. Last summer I found some really cute Ann Taylor silk tops.

Christie

Active Member

How do you launder your silk tops?

Jenava

(website)

Thanks for the tip. Beth Jones of B. Jones Style also swears by Buffalo Exchange. I am going to have to make a trek...

Lena

I had a lousy selling experience in BE once (the one and only time I tried to sell something instead of donating), so I avoid it. It depends on the area, too, and for some strange reason, this specific BE didn't get anything good.

This reminds me, though, I should check another second-hand store near univ.campus. It gets more classic shapes, from what I can see in the store-front, but who knows what can show up. I saw a dress with giant polka dots recently. Leave no retail stone unturned, as Angie says.

Maya, you mentioned the bedbug thing. Do you dry-clean or launder in hot water if you buy anything second hand? Although it's possible to get them in most unlikely places, so who knows. Yikes.

P.S. I live in hippieland, and regularly pass multiple specialty stores with flowing and boxy styles. No shortage of natural fibers here, yet. Prices are high, that's true.

Yeah they are all a couple of hours away from me.What stinks even more is the prices around here. Honestly, I can buy something new at Target for less money than something used at the thrift store most times. If they were high quality items, it would make more sense; but for what they are stocking I find it bizarre. The store closest to me is so expensive that I don't even go inside unless they are having a half off the whole store sale.

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