We’re at it again. Black Eyed Susie and I are joining forces to bring you another fantastic swap
Tag Archive | black eyed susie
More fun photos from Swap Til You Drop World Swap Day
Below are a few more fun photos from World Swap Day I wanted to share with you. Look at all the bags of clothes these ladies hauled away. Thanks to all the volunteers, The Swapaholics and Susie for closing her shop for the day to make this swap possible. Susie and I are already planning for the next swap in April. Be sure to get your tickets early.
Don’t be tardy to the Swap Party ladies 
“World Swap Day” Swap Til You Drop #3 in Review
A little over a year ago I attended my first clothing swap as part of National Swap Day. It was organized by Anika Alexander and held in Silver Spring, MD. There were approximately 25 women who attended. I had so much fun I decided to forego my plans the next day and attend another swap the next afternoon at Nana’s in Mt. Pleasant DC where there were at least 50-60 women in attendance. I never would have guessed a year later I would have attended at least 13 swaps, stopped buying clothes for a year and hosted three swaps of my own. Wow what a difference a little inspiration makes.
Last summer I partnered with Susie of Black Eyed Susie after acquiring the Greater Washington DC Clothing Swap on Meet Up. At that time there were just over 300 members and we have grown to 377 with new members joining everyday. It has been challenging yet fun every step of the way.
Each Swap Til You Drop event Susie and I have organized takes on its own look and feel. Each one has its own unique outcome and they just continue to get better and better. Friday nights swap was no different. First and foremost it was in the evening. This was the first time we tried an after work swap and surprisingly about 55 women showed up. We sold out almost two weeks ago. They were all so positive, brought great items and had such a great time.
Thanks to the lovely ladies, Melissa Massello and Amy Chase of the Swapaholics out of Boston for their encouragement and the inspiration of World Swap Day. They sent us some cool goodies to go inside the tote bags they provided which added to the energy and excitement of the evening.
Diehard Swapnistas braving the DC cold to find some fabulous treasures
The Swapnista’s began to arrive to Black Eyed Susie around 5:30pm. Dropping of their items and, picking up their drink tickets and chatting with one another. Most went over to the Getaway to get their free glass of wine and have some appetizers and about 6 others stayed behind to volunteer. Thanks to you guys we were able to get the clothes up on the rack in record time with moments to spare.
Susie checking in attendees for the swap
The clothes are just beginning to pile up
Even though is was a little frigid outside you never heard anyone complaining and when 7pm rolled around we were ready to let the swapping begin. Click below to see all the happy swappers coming into the store.
And in they come!
Once inside the swappers headed to their own special area. Clothing was separated by small, medium and large. Shoes were on the shelves and purses were hung on the wall. We had so many accessories we had to use the table and the counter.
Let the swapping begin
So many clothes we had to bring out extra clothing racks and hangers just to get everything hung up.
Shoes and boots galore
Racks and racks filled with dresses, skirts and more
In the end these fabulous Swapnista’s walked away with some pretty great items.
Black beaded Betsy Johnson dress. another fabulous treasure
what a cute dress!
A woman after my own heart. Karen wants to refashion this in our next Refashioning Class. How exciting!
She found a two piece pin stripped suit, like new!
This lucky girl found some PJ's
she found a fabulous dress
Many other swappers left with heaping bags of clothes, shoes and accessories.
After the swap. She made out with some great stuff
More smiling faces after the swap
Another one of our fabulous volunteers. she stayed until the very end
One of our volunteers!! Thanks so much!
Susie and I just can’t wait to do this again. Keep your eyes peeled for our next swap coming in April. You can begin cleaning out those closets now in preparation for spring cleaning. Springtime swaps are always so much fun! See you then.
Susie and I after the swap. WHEW!! See you in a few months
Top Ten Favorite Thrift/Consignment Store finds of 2011
Last year was chuck full of great thrift store adventures for me. I traveled all around the country and found some of the most unique items. There is not enough space on this blog for me to showcase them all. All I can say is that shopping thrift has been financially beneficial and personally rewarding. Granted shopping thrift stores can be hit or miss at times and sometimes coming away empty-handed is the outcome. However remaining positive will yield you better results. that combined with a little patience can reveal many treasures.
Silver Spring Sewing Society took several field trips last year to many of our local thrift stores and when I tell you the women walked away with some fantastic finds I really mean it. We are getting together next week and I hope to take some photos of the great items they have picked up. I’ll be writing a post soon about living the life of a thrift store shopaholic. In the meantime enjoy some of Fav Thrift Finds of 2011
Stay tuned for my top ten Estate Sale finds of 2011. Coming soon.
no you are not seeing double. This dress was also featured under my Fav Vintage Finds of 2011. I found it at Out of The Closet Thrift in Los Angeles, CA
This Tahari Viscose coat gets compliments every time it hits the street. I just love love love it.
I picked up this J. Crew Silk dress at the Goodwill Truck show last year. It is currently being refashioned
Black leather pointy toe shoes made in spain. I googled them to find the retail price. WOW! Goodwill in Rockville $12
Whenever I find BCBG I almost always pick it up even if its not my size or my style. I can surely find a friend who can benefit. This blouse I picked up at the Goodwill Trunk Sale last year.
What's better than finding a fabulous find for a friend. This is my friend Lily wearing a mustard yellow Arden B leather coat with a fox fur collar.
In order to fully appreciate these Dollhouse silver pumps you must see my inspiration below.
I attended an event with FLOTUS and saw her wearing these silver pumps. I thought these would look great with my peach suit. And they did. Don't have a photo with them on but I will this spring
BeBe orange leather crop jacket. Found at a thrift store in Venice Beach
This blouse I picked up at Current Boutique on 14th in DC. I've been search for a blouse like this for over a year. Was so excited to find it in my size
This top/dress I picked up from Buffalo Exchange in San Diego California. I hear they are coming to DC. How exciting!
Only 12 spaces left for Swap Til You Drop World Swap Day!
Join Sew Frugal and Fashionable and Black Eyed Susie for
Swap Til You Drop Part 3 in Celebration of World Swap Day!
Get your ticket today Click here!
Swap Til You Drop Part 3 – World Swap Day!!
Join Sew Frugal and Fashionable and Black Eyed Susie for
Swap Til You Drop Part 3 in Celebration of World Swap Day!
Re-post: Refashioning Vintage for a friend
Hi Everyone,
I’m kinda getting back into the swing of things. Still re-posting previous post. this is one of my favorites and I can’t wait for 2012 my year to re-fashion vintage. I plan to take you through the process step by step. From finding vintage pieces to refashioning them. How exciting. In the meantime. enjoy!
Re-post from 8/23/11
Once again Sew Frugal brings to you another refashioning project. If you have items you are interested in breathing new life into Sew Frugal and Fashionable is ready and willing to assist. We are in the process of developing our new website and updating our blog. In addition, Silver Spring Sewing Sisters offers Sewing Classes which will help you through some of your sewing challenges. Check us out and keep your eyes peeled for our new look coming soon.
Last week after the Boozy Susie and Sew Frugal Refashioning event my friend Chris and I stopped by It’s Vintage Darling where Chris found and tried on this beautiful vintage Spanish cotton and lace dress. Don’t get me wrong, the dress was cute before the restyle but with a few minor changes can really become one fabulous dress.
I love refashioning and restyling because of the transformation a garment undergoes in the process. To me this is the ultimate sewing art-form. I currently have four items in the hopper to complete within the next two weeks. I’m SEW excited and anxious to show them to you. For now my first refashioning project for a friend.
- Chris trying on the dress in the store “It’s Vintage Darling” along with the shoes she picked up
- Close up of the dress before getting started. the ruffle gives it an old fashion look and needs to go
I first began by removing the ruffles from the bodice of the dress
- Used a seam ripper to remove the lace ruffle from the bodice
- After removing both pieces of lace there was this odd rectangular panel left behind. Doesn’t seem to serve a purpose so it’s coming off too.
The next step was to remove the bottom three panels from the dress to create a shorter length
- Removed the lower panels of the dress
- The left over panels from the bottom of the dress. I then removed one row of lace and added it to the bottom of the dress as seen below.
- It’s coming along. Now for the collar and restitched the shoulders where the ruffle was attached
For the collar I used another row of lace from the bottom of the dress. Pleated it and attached it to the inside of the collar.
- Lace pleated and pinned to the inside of the neckline
- Next I pinned the ruffle that was previously attached in a U-shape across the bodice and reattached it vertically to form a ruffle down the front. Also replaced the old ribbon with a new one for a belt
Before:
After:
Guest Blog Post: Let’s hear it for the boys….
It brings me sheer joy and pleasure to bring to you a blog post by my friend Susie Saadian of “Black Eyed Susie” Consignment Shop located on 14th and Meridian in DC. As you well know by now Susie and I have collaborated on a few fashion ventures such as swapping and refashioning events. If you ever get a chance you must find the time to stop by Susie’s shop and pick up some very cute clothing at reasonable prices. I guarantee you will find something fabulous to add to your wardrobe. You can also give her a call and make an appointment to bring in those items you own which are new or gently worn and sell them to the store. These are tough economic times and selling your clothes is a very frugal thing to do. See below Susie’s post. Enjoy!
Let’s Hear it for the Boys
Let’s not fool ourselves to think that I am using this guest blogger spot as an excuse to check out the opposite sex. I don’t need any excuse for that. When I opened my store, Black-Eyed Susie in January I had an idea of the style of which I like men to dress. Then about a month and a half ago I started dating Patrick. Despite his raggedy, paper thin, practically white jeans I still had a crush on him. To add, he did tell me I could dress him the first time we chatted. Perfect, right?
Enough about Patrick and how I am really good at checking out men without them noticing. I wanted to use this spot and a shout out for the great turn in men’s fashion that I have been seeing lately in the District. Away are going the ill-fitting jeans and ironic t-shirts and there has been a resurgence of the button down with sweater on top, bow ties, vests, and what seems like our hipster boys are finally growing up.
A great blog that I stumbled upon is http://thehandsomeboyclub.tumblr.com/. And yes, the website is filled with handsome men, you may even recognize some faces like Joseph Gordon- Levitt, James Franco (one of my personal favorites), Jay Z and Ed Westwick.
So, for all those well-dressed men out there, this shout out is for you… looking good, my friend! But one more thing, don’t shave those beards just yet.
The Review from The Feast by Tobey Ward
Feast Dispatch by Tobey Ward Sep 19, 12:11PM in Shop
Over Sixty Swappers Cram Black Eyed Susie for Clothing Exchange
Swappers lined the curb on 14th Street waiting for the green light from Saadian.
Photo: Tobey Ward/The Feast
PHOTO 5/11
On Sunday, Columbia Heights second-hand boutique Black Eyed Susiehosted a clothing swap that packed the tiny shop to capacity. We caught up with event organizers Susie Saadian and Jennifer Mason as they sorted clothing before the madness began.
“We had our first swap in May,” Saadian told us, “and it went so well, we decided to try to do them quarterly. It’s a really great, inexpensive way for people to get new clothing.” And judging from the mountains of clothing strewn around the shop, swappers were eager to clean out their closets for the event.
Of this swap’s selection, Mason said, “I’ve noticed a lot of brand new items with the tags still on and some fabulous accessories. Someone brought 15 amazing leather purses.”
Click through to see the crowd and the goods at D.C.’s latest swapping extravaganza.
Swap Til’ You Drop Part Deux
Get your tickets to the swap today @ http://swapbes.eventbrite.com/
Refashioning Vintage for a friend
Once again Sew Frugal brings to you another refashioning project. If you have items you are interested in breathing new life into Sew Frugal and Fashionable is ready and willing to assist. We are in the process of developing our new website and updating our blog. In addition, Silver Spring Sewing Sisters offers Sewing Classes which will help you through some of your sewing challenges. Check us out and keep your eyes peeled for our new look coming soon.
Last week after the Boozy Susie and Sew Frugal Refashioning event my friend Chris and I stopped by It’s Vintage Darling where Chris found and tried on this beautiful vintage Spanish cotton and lace dress. Don’t get me wrong, the dress was cute before the restyle but with a few minor changes can really become one fabulous dress.
I love refashioning and restyling because of the transformation a garment undergoes in the process. To me this is the ultimate sewing art-form. I currently have four items in the hopper to complete within the next two weeks. I’m SEW excited and anxious to show them to you. For now my first refashioning project for a friend.
Chris trying on the dress in the store "It's Vintage Darling" along with the shoes she picked up
Close up of the dress before getting started. the ruffle gives it an old fashion look and needs to go
I first began by removing the ruffles from the bodice of the dress
Used a seam ripper to remove the lace ruffle from the bodice
After removing both pieces of lace there was this odd rectangular panel left behind. Doesn't seem to serve a purpose so it's coming off too.
The next step was to remove the bottom three panels from the dress to create a shorter length
Removed the lower panels of the dress
The left over panels from the bottom of the dress. I then removed one row of lace and added it to the bottom of the dress as seen below.
It's coming along. Now for the collar and restitched the shoulders where the ruffle was attached
For the collar I used another row of lace from the bottom of the dress. Pleated it and attached it to the inside of the collar.
Lace pleated and pinned to the inside of the neckline
Next I pinned the ruffle that was previously attached in a U-shape across the bodice and reattached it vertically to form a ruffle down the front. Also replaced the old ribbon with a new one for a belt
Before:
After:
My Review: Black Eyed Susie, Washington, DC @BlckEyedSusieDC
Black Eyed Susie located at: 3443 14th Street NW, Washington DC
Anyone who knows me knows that Black Eyed Susie is by far my favorite consignment shop in DC. Ok I might be a little biased, after all we hosted an awesome clothing swap in May. However when you combine the great clothes, the cuteness of the shop, great prices and an owner who has the most warm and inviting personality imaginable you have all the makings of a fantastic consignment shop.
Susie and her sweet cat Cinder
What do I admire about the owner Susie Saadian? When you are shopping in her shop you feel as though you are the most important customer. Not everyone has that kind of natural warmth and kindness. She never grows weary when it comes to servicing her customers. She is truly one of a kind.
How adorable. I'm a sucka for a cute kitty.
Located in the Columbia Heights neighborhood, Black-Eyed Susie’s provides the community with affordable, gently used clothing and accessories for men and women. Black-Eyed Susie’s will provide an opportunity for individuals to buy and sell wearable, in-fashion and current with the trend clothing and accessories. (excerpted fromhttp://www.blackeyedsusiedc.com)
Black Eyed Susie accepts goods on consignment by appointment only. Call and schedule a time to stop by.
The counter has jewelry and other smaller items displayed
Photo courtesy of http://www.blackeyedsusiedc.com
Plenty of jeans and slacks to select from
Susie started Black-Eyed Susie because she noticed a need for more clothing stores in the Columbia Heights area. She was very excited to see that in the same month that she opened two other clothing stores also opened. Check out her neighbors It’s Vintage Daring and The Fashion District. (I will be writing a review of It’s Vintage Darling in coming month)
When thinking of names her mother suggested ‘Black-Eyed Susie’ because like the wildflower, Black-Eyed Susan, Susie was a wild child.
Susie always features some fabulous find on the mannequin as you are walking into the store
Me and Susie the owner of Black Eyed Susie DC
The selection of clothing at Black-Eyed Susie is great. She has loads of blouses and tops for work and fun. She also carries great handbags and loads of shoes in a wide range of styles and sizes. You will certainly find something and take it home with you. I always do.
Lily purchased this very cool shirt @ Black Eyed Susie DC
The day I stopped by Susie was assisting a customer in her selection of a stylish yet functional bag she could use while bike riding. She even found some accessories to give it a little bling.
A very happy customer
Be sure to stop by Black Eyed Susie for a fabulous shopping experience. You are sure to find a few items reasonably priced that you can take home and add to your wardrobe.
See ya soon Susie! I’m coming in to pick up this shirt I have been eye balling it for a while now. I only hope its still there
Photo Courtesy of http://www.blackeyedsusiedc.com
Jen’s May Thrift Store Tour
Whew!!! That’s all I can begin by saying. What a whirlwind of a month and I enjoyed every moment of it. Last month I randomly chose thrift and consignment stores in the DC, MD and VA area. I wasn’t sure which stores I would visit and when. The idea was to get out, explore and give an honest critic from my unique point of view.
I am a sewist and designer. I have recently embarked upon refashioning and restyling as a way to enhance and breathe new life into a wardrobe therefore I typically look for pieces that need a little work. Not something I can just send to the dry-cleaners and wear next week. That would be nice but where is the challenge? My eye sees things that the average person doesn’t always see. I generally venture beyond “oh I could just put a hem in it or add a few darts” I take an item to the point of rip off the sleeve or take the skirt off a dress and replace it with something more fancy. Reusing a bodice was my mothers favorite fashion technique. No one was ever able to tell it was the same top. Soon I will post those pictures. At the time I didn’t appreciate it very much but as an adult and as a sewist I think my mother was BRILLIANT back in the day.
For the next few days I will blog about each of these stores and tell you why they did or why they didn’t meet my expectations. Each one receives a title and a rating. I also rate them on cleanliness, customer friendliness, quality of merchandise and location/accessibility.
I made a purchase and nearly every store. I can honestly say I was only disappointed one time. The store had a lot of potential but really didn’t do what it needed to get to the next level. Needless to say I didn’t buy anything and I get the feeling I won’t venture back there again.
Some of the stores I visited: Meeps, Plato’s Closet, It’s Vintage Darling, Mustard Seed, Mr. K’s Consignment, Polly Sue’s, Georgia Ave Thrift Store, Martha’s Table, Current Boutique, Black Eyed Susie (of course), Frugalista, Hope’s Treasures, Wagging Tails and I even threw in a few Goodwill stores I thought were pretty spectacular.
Well enjoy the reviews over the next couple days.
Preparation for Swap til You Drop
Hoping to see everyone at the Swap on Sunday! If you have items you would like to drop off in advance of the swap please feel free to drop them off at Black Eyed Susie between 12-5pm Tues thru Saturday. Mark your bag “Swap” visit: http://swapblackeyedsusie.eventbrite.com/ for tickets.
Potential Swappers, you may be new to this and have never attended a swap before or have no idea what swapping is all about. Below are a few of my personal suggestions to consider if you are planning to attend a Clothing Swap. If you have swap experiences please share your helpful hints too.
First thing you want to do is get a large bag (we’ll call this your swap bag) and start going through your closets and drawers and looking at all those clothes.
Swappers attending the Frugal Fashionista Clothing Swap
Rule number 1. If you haven’t worn it in a year, chances are you aren’t going to. And there is most likely a very good reason why. The item might be too big, too small, uncomfortable to wear, not your style or just have an improper fit.
As you go through your closets and drawers any thing that causes you to hesitate should go into your swap bag. Only keep the clothes that really work for you and all the rest let them become someone elses treasure.
After you have removed all unwanted clothing you should begin to think about what additional items you are in need of. This helps to plan ahead so that you can be focused when you arrive at the swap. If you know you are short on sweaters you might want to start at the sweater table first and rack up. If you find yourself always wearing the same jeans over and over maybe you are due for a new pair. Jeans are always very popular at swaps
Swap day is right around the corner. What do you need to keep in mind?:
1. Wear comfortable shoes. This not the time to be cute and fashionable, this is work and you will be on a mission. You will be on your feet standing in one place for a couple hours. Wear flats or tennis shoes to keep your feet happy
2. Only take items to the swap that are clean and odor free
3. Keep and open mind. Sometimes you will find many items to add to your wardrobe and sometime not so much. Look carefully at the clothing items at the swap. Many items have great potential
4. Take a friend or two to swap with you
5. Bring large bags for your goodies and a separate bag for shoes
6. Wear leggings, jeggins or a tee shirt under your clothes so that you can try things on before you leave the swap. Anything you are unsure of throw it back so that you are not taking items home unnecessarily
7. Shop the brand. You will find that name brand clothing tends to hold up much better. If you are looking for longevity when it comes to gently worn clothing the higher end the item
8. Move swiftly and don’t spend a lot of time on one item. You can throw things back later.
9. After you have gone through all the racks and table you are now ready to try on. Take your time to go through and make sure items are not torn or stained.
And lastly
Happy Swapping!!!!
Swappers attending the Frugal Fashionista Clothing Swap
Swap til you Drop
Black Eyed Susie and Sew Frugal & Fashionable
presents
Swap til you Drop
Clothing Swap
Black Eyed Susie and Sew Frugal & Fashionable
presents
Swap til you Drop Clothing Swap
Time to to gather up all that unwanted clothing that has been sitting around with tags still attached or has been gently worn and time to be replaced. Clean out those closets and get prepared to find some great items to add to your wardrobe. Swap til you Drop Clothing Swap will be held at Black Eyed Susie consignment shop located at
3443 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20010
(14th and Meridian in Washington, DC)
Date: May 1st.
Clothing Drop off is from 11:00am-1pm
We will take your bag of clothes and mark your ticket. You can then place your name in the box for the raffle
Take the next hour or so to explore the neighborhood. Have some lunch and enjoy the scenery
Swap begins at 1:00pm sharp and ends at 3:00pm
There will be door prizes so please be sure to arrive early
You must purchase a ticket to this event and have the paper ticket in hand in order to enter. Visit: http://swapblackeyedsusie.eventbrite.com/ to purchase your ticket
Swapping guidelines:
1. All swappers bring as many articles of clothing as you like (at least 5) and you can take home as many items you desire.
2. Make sure the clothes you bring are clean and odor free.
3. If possible bring dresses and suits on hangers.
4. Bring shoes, accessories, purses, jewelry, etc.
Bring any of the following:
pants, skirts, shorts, boots, tennis shoes, ties, belts, tee shirts, sweaters, shirts, gloves, hats, jackets, coats, vest, blouses, dresses and hats. All season clothing welcome.
5. Underwear (bras and panties) and swimwear will not be accepted
6. Soiled clothes and clothing with a bad odor will not be accepted
7. Men are welcomed to attend and bring clothing items. Jeans, suits, ties, shirts, shoes etc.
8. All clothing will need to be dropped off between 11-1pm
9. Swapping will begin at 1:00pm.
10. There will be door prizes so please arrive early.
11. There is a $10 fee and you must have a printed ticket to attend this event
12. Be sure to bring an extra bag or two to carry away your great finds.
13. If you need more swapping tips visit: Sew Frugal & Fashionable for Swap Prep Guidance
Save money, be green, shop and support a good cause!
Many items leftover from the swap will be donated to 
We look forward to seeing you there! Happy Swapping!
