A unique vision for this resale shop: Supporting schoolkids!

Recently, we sat down with Pamela J. Wilson, the owner of “For Arts’ Sake!” A New and Recycled Boutique.  The store supports local artists of all ages as well as the Melbourne Beach FL community.  In addition, a portion of the sales proceeds each month support local schools’ art and theatre programs which are in danger of being limited or eliminated altogether from Brevard County school curriculum.

Q.  What brought you to Melbourne Beach FL?

Pamela Wilson of For Arts' Sake in Melbourne Beach FLA.   I lived in Sarasota for 31 years so I’m technically a true Florida girl.  My late father lived on the east coast in nearby Grant/Valkaria area for 30 years.  When he became ill, I spent much more time in Brevard County and discovered the picturesque beaches, abundant parks and respect for historic buildings.  I was attracted to Melbourne Beach because of the small-town appeal.

Q. Why open a store?

A.  Having a store is Continue reading

Swish swish… it’s all the rage!

My super-secret* sources tell me that the HOT fashion for this spring will be

Jean Skirts!

And that’s not skirts made out of denim fabric, but skirts made from honest-to-goodness broken-in, well-loved jeans. Now some of us remember these skirts from another decade, but this time around, they are new, and fresh, and best of all, they’re repurposed!

This first example is clever: the skirt portion is actually legs from other pairs of jeans. See how they’re used upside down, so the whiskers make a hem detail?

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Next. the skirt I want: loving denim and lace, especially with the vintage vibe! Wondering if I can find some old lace curtains or a tablecloth to tea-dye for a skirt that’s so boho it’s chic!

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Easy how-to photos here. I’m thinking an old, soft-from-washing print tablecloth or batik bedspread. What fabric would you use?

* PS My super-secret sources are the Professional Resalers who are the Sponsors of the Resale Directory & Zoomable Map. They listen to their customers, they take care to match shoppers up with styles, and they are always the first in the know! So get to know your local consignment, resale or thrift shop today!

The NY Times addresses an age-old question: Does My Bargain-Hunting Hurt Those in Need?

I'd rather be thrifting, said the HowToConsign.org followerHere’s a Q&A  from the New York Times which addresses a question I often get:

 I make a good salary and can afford to shop and buy new clothes at a regular retail store, but I enjoy shopping at a particular thrift store where I find great bargains. I sometimes buy items that I don’t need. My question concerns my enjoyment versus the needs of others who are less fortunate (and are now deprived of the opportunity to buy items that they probably need more than I do). Am I guilty of fulfilling a shadow pleasure at the expense of those in need? JAY THOMPSON, TOMS RIVER, N.J.

And the answer:

If a store positions itself as Continue reading