Drexel Spotlight: Alison Novak

            During my 5 years at Drexel University I have had my share of professors, some with whom I have taken multiple classes, while others I haven’t seen once the classes ended. The Communications Department at Drexel is an insular community, so I have had a class with most of the professors at least once. However Alison Novak, part time professor/part time student, was a new name for me. I’d heard through a fellow communications student that there was a professor who had worked in the fashion industry prior to coming to Drexel. So in light of this fashion blog, I wanted to sit down and talk with her about her experiences in the fashion arena. After playing email tag for a few days, we finally agreed upon a time to meet.  She was very kind and was open to answering all of questions about her career in fashion.

Alison worked in the branding and licensing office at renowned designer Marc Jacobs from 2007 to 2009. She started as a summer intern, but was hired back for the next two years. Since high school Alison dreamed of working in the fashion industry. She attended Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., where she majored in public relations, art history and fashion merchandising. It was in college when she started her internship at Marc Jacobs and got her first real taste of the fashion world, not the glamorized version that is often shown in television and movies.

“The fashion industry is much different than what people make it out to be,” Alison shared with me, “There is no consistency in your schedule. Some weeks it’s 9 to 5 while during fashion week it’s a 24-hour thing.”

            Working at Marc Jacobs Alison realized that she was more interested in the research portion of her job, like the licensing rather than the branding. So instead of continuing at Marc Jacobs or another fashion house, Alison decided to continue her education. She is now in her fourth and final year of Drexel’s Ph.D program where she is studying communication with a concentration in media, audience analysis, and generational identity.

Right: Alison Novak (Google); Left: Marc Jacobs (Pinterest)

Has being in the fashion industry changed the way you shop?

“I took a textiles class in college where part of the test was to close your eyes, feel a fabric and be able to name it. Now when I go into stores I can feel a fabric and tell what’s quality and what isn’t” Alison claims to not have a discriminatory wardrobe, she shops fast fashion for her tops, but will spend more on boots because she explained that they’re an investment.

Do you go to thrift or consignment stores?

“I shop at Plato’s Closet, [a consignment store], and buy mostly sweaters and pants. I also sell back a lot of my clothes there.”  She explained that Marist has a close relationship with the TJX Companies, which own TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Home Goods. As a result Alison sat through many buying demonstrations for TJ Maxx. “I know what items are good to buy at TJ Maxx, like handbags. They do a great job of incorporating fast fashion and designer items and their prices aren’t too high.”

Favorite items in your closet?

“I really like my formal dresses because I don’t get to wear them that often. Also my heels collection.” [She admitted to owning over 50 pairs of high heels.]

What was the best part of working in fashion?

“Dressing the models at fashion week.” Alison helped dress the models at the L.A.M.B show and afterward, singer Gwen Stefani personally thanked everyone who helped, including Alison. “Many people have the wrong stereotypes about fashion industry,” Alison revealed.

            Talking to Alison showed me a whole new side of the fashion industry that I have never known before. While there are perks, like any job there are also hard parts as well. I know I, and probably many others, look at the industry through rose-colored glasses. We expect a mix of “Sex and the City” and “The Devil Wears Prada” and often that is just not the case.

             Good luck with all your work Alison, and thank you for sitting down with Off the Rack! Enjoy this inside perspective on the fashion world.

A Philadelphia Must-See: Philly AIDS Thrift

The award-winning non-profit thrift store Philly AIDS Thrift, located in the South of South neighborhood at 710 S 5^th Street, is some place that every Philadelphian or tourist should visit. When I visited P.A.T for the first time I was not expecting the size and amount of inventory the store had. There were so many rooms with nooks and crannies hiding clothes, books, and furniture, that you would need one full day to go through everything. Many people have recommended this store to me saying they have always left with something. I didn’t realize that P.A.T. had more than clothes. Instead I found one room filled with videotapes, DVDs. TVs, a mini-bookstore, trinkets, and furniture. There were also more clothes than I had time to look through. Luckily there are maps to help you find your way because it is very easy to get lost. Clothing areas included a Fancy land, a vintage room, a dollar section, as well as women’s and men’s sections. P.A.T even had several wedding dresses for sale.

          Philly AIDS Thrifts is a true thrift store. You must be ready to look through every room and clothing rack in search of a great find. I have no doubt that there are fantastic treasures hidden throughout, but you must be willing to do the work to find them. The store was bustling for a snowy Saturday afternoon and people seemed lost in their own world, looking through each room. I was surprised and delighted to find a café off the book room. The café consisted of a few tables with chairs and vending machines. It seemed like a great place to relax and look through the hundreds of books lining the shelves.  

(Left and Right: Alexandra Carlino; Center: Google)

Since P.A.T is a non-profit, it has volunteers helping. Many of them putting away clothes and other items, while others helped customers, worked the cash registers, and took donations. I approached one of the volunteers, named Rita, to ask about the store and she happened to be a freshman Drexel student. Her volunteer shift was the first time she had been to P.A.T but she fell in love with the store and would be coming back again. I felt the same way. Philly AIDS Thrift donates its profits to the AIDS fund, who then distributes the money to twenty-nine AID agencies in five Philadelphia counties. They are always looking for donations. P.A.T accepts items in good shape. This includes clothing, furniture, electronics, books, records, artwork, and various tschotchkes. You can bring them during store hours. The store is open Monday through Thursday 11:00am – 8:00pm, Friday and Saturday 11:00am – 9:00pm, and Sunday 11:00am – 7:00pm. P.A.T is also always looking for volunteers. If interested you can call their number or send an email.

This is a Philadelphia institution that you cannot miss!

Mobile Fashion: Smak Parlour

Since I began at Drexel in the fall of 2009, I’ve noticed that lunch trucks have slowly started to take over the campus. Food trucks have become the newest and coolest way to get your food. One day while I was walking through University of Pennsylvania’s campus looking for a place to eat lunch, I came across what I thought was a new offering. To my surprise it wasn’t a lunch truck at all, but a fashion truck. You may be asking yourself what that means exactly. Well basically, it’s a store on wheels. The truck is called Smak Parlour and it is an extension of the Smak Parlour boutique located in Old City. The truck is normally parked on 40^th and Locust but sometimes travels to conventions. 

I had never seen anything like this before so I clearly had to go inside. The truck was pretty spacious; there was room for at least 6 people to comfortably shop without feeling overcrowded. I had never been to the stand-alone boutique in Old City so I wasn’t sure what kind of clothes to expect. I was happily surprised when I found trendy, fun clothes that are very similar to things I wear normally. The truck was nicely decorated. There were tables and shelves set up with scarves and pretty costume jewelry. There was even a dressing room—really it was more of a curtained off corner— where you could try on clothes. The prices were a little higher than the other places I have talked about. But we must remember that Smak Parlour is a boutique, not a thrift store. Dresses range from $50 and above and sweaters $35 and above. The costume jewelry, however, was not overpriced; I saw some rings for $10, and necklaces for $20. Good for one-of-a-kind pieces your friends won’t have. Like a boom box necklace or “Dope” ring.

Top and bottom left, top right: Alexandra Carlino; Bottom right: Google

After my experience at the truck, I visited the actual store to see how it differed. The boutique had more inventory, obviously, but it also had a back room with little kitschy items. For example, I saw a jewelry plate, a book with handlebar mustaches, and funky sunglasses. The boutique in Old City is open Monday through Thursday 12:00pm – 7:00pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:00am – 8:00pm, and Sunday 12:00pm – 6:00pm.

One of the owners, Abby, was at the store and she said that the truck isn’t open in the winter, but will be back on UPenn’s campus once the weather gets warm. During the winter months, the truck only travels to convention centers. Abby told me it was recently in New York City for The Big Retail Show, and the Tattoo Convention here in Philadelphia. As of now, Smak Parlour is the only fashion truck in Philadelphia. Fashion Trucks “I’m told” are very popular in Los Angeles but hopefully more trucks will start to make their way to our area.

If you are ever in University City, don’t miss this innovative way to shop.

Online Outlets

While I think every woman should try going to a thrift or consignment store at least once, it may not be your cup of tea. But through the Internet, I have found two more fashion discount sites that are worth mentioning. The first is ShopeHers.com. This website is dedicated solely to pre-owned designer fashion. To purchase an item, you contact the seller directly to talk about price and any other questions you may have. Since these are top-label items, the prices can get very expensive. For those who want to set a maximum price you are willing to spend, an option for that. When signing up with ShopHers, you are asked exact measurements for your shoe size, waist, hips, and inseam. You are also asked to pick your favorite designers off a list given to you. The point of this site is to tailor your profile as close to your likes as possible.

After signing up I gave my measurements, picked my designers, and shortly thereafter, my homepage displayed items I have been admiring for years. For example, a pair of Jimmy Choo sandals originally priced at $455 were being sold for $145.  Spending $145 is relatively cheap compared to the original price but is still a good amount of money. When I do spend that much, I want to know that the item I am buying is legitimate. I don’t want to open the package and see “Timmy” Choo, and realize I was scammed. Luckily for us, ShopHers has taken care of that. After you buy an item, it is shipped to website headquarters where it is authenticated. Once everything is approved, ShopHers then sends the item to you. Michelle Katz, my previous interviewee, told me about this site. She has gotten a few things from this site including a pair of light blue Salvatore Ferragamo flats.

Left: Jimmy Choo pumps; Right: Salvatore Ferragamo flats (Instagram @meeshkatz)

The second site is OutNet.com. As opposed to selling pre-owned designer items, OutNet is a fashion outlet. The website sells discounted designer women’s wear and accessories. The people who started Net-A-Porter.com also created this site. Most of the items on this site are 40%-50% off their original prices. This website is ideal for women who love designer labels but don’t want anything pre-owned. Designers who are featured on this website almost never put their clothes on sale. So to see Oscar De La Renta pumps at 50% off their original price is amazing.  

I have known two people who have ordered from this site, and neither have gotten clothes. One of them is Michelle, again, and the other my cousin Stephanie. Each ordered a pair of shoes and both were happy with their purchases. I do know that they charge for returns so when ordering, you must accurately know your size. Michelle’s boyfriend got her a pair of Jimmy Choo pumps from this site. She was happy with the present, and he was happy that he saved money. A win-win situation for everybody. Stephanie bought a pair of Tory Burch flats; she would wear them everyday if she could.

I’m really excited when I find websites like ShopHers and OutNet because it’s the only way I can afford to keep up with my tastes. I can shop for hours without having to leave my bed and still make smart shopping choices. Signing up for both of these sites is free. It never hurts to look around. Think of it as window-shopping, or whatever you would call the online equivalent.

“Fashions fade, style is eternal” -Yves Saint-Laurent

Drexel University is known for its exemplary engineering school, its co-op program, and— you may not know this— but also for its fashion program. I sat down with a senior design and merchandising student, Michelle Katz, to talk about her fashion background, personal style and shopping rules of thumb.

As a fashion student, Michelle only gets to participate in one co-op rotation, because the design and merchandising program is only four years. However, this did not stop Michelle from pursuing more internship opportunities to get her foot in the door of the competitive world of fashion. Her first internship was with Elle Magazine for 6 months. Michelle experienced a childhood dream when she worked in the Elle accessories closet. She got to organize and look through the items that we see on the pages of Elle each month. She even got to take home some of the accessories.

After Elle, she commuted from Philadelphia to New York City three days a week when she worked at Badgley Mischka. Michelle said that commuting was extremely hard and she remembers being exhausted every day but it was worth it for the priceless real-world experience. This commute went on for three months. After finishing at Badgley Mischka, Michelle secured an internship with Allure Magazine. Her three-day per week commute to New York City continued with this internship, but she said it was easier the second time around. Allure was a great experience for Michelle because her dream is to become a fashion editor at a major magazine one day. Allure gave her more responsibilities, leadership roles, and creative freedom, which is more than she ever had dreamed of. Because of this experience, she was even offered a job. Unfortunately, Michelle had to turn it down because she is still a full-time student at Drexel.

I have known Michelle for a few years and admired the way she has dressed for just as long. She takes simple pieces and combines them to make an outfit that many of us could have never put together. I like to check her Instagram to see her outfit of the day (#ootd) and newest accessories. Below are some highlights of the interview I had with Michelle.

How would you describe your personal style?

“I would describe myself as professional with an edge. I want to be classic but make it original with accessories.”

(Instagram @meeshkatz)

What are your favorite thrift stores?

“Starstruck Vintage in Greenwich Village, and Impact thrift, which has a few stores in Bucks and Montgomery Counties. I really like having to sift through racks. You really have to have patience to thrift.”

What is your personal “splurge” and “save” list?

“I splurge on jewelry, handbags, shoes, and button downs. You need to find jewelry that you love, everyday pieces that are well made.” She has five pieces of jewelry that she never takes off. “A handbag can last forever; they are an investment.” Michelle and her Mom both take their handbag purchases very seriously because they know that good ones can be passed down for years. Button-down shirts are a new obsession for Michelle. They are a basic item that every woman should own. They are always in style and can be paired with pretty much everything.

“Save on trendy clothes, or buy them thrifted. If it’s not a staple item, you don’t need to spend money on it.” Trendy accessories can also be saved on.

What are your top 3 favorite items in your closet?

1  Quilted cross body Chanel bag

2  Calvin Klein button down, moss colored and goes with everything

3  Shoe collection

Left: Chanel purse, Ferragamo flats; Right: vintage YSL pumps. (Instagram @meeshkatz)

        Michelle says she tries to never pay retail. She likes the ASOS sale section. She once found a white pencil skirt for $24, on sale from $100. She also recommends going to Bloomingdales’ sales, “They have great coupons,” and also Nordstrom annual sales. It is always interesting to hear how other people shop. You may find something worth spending money on, while someone else wouldn’t agree. Because she is an experienced thriftier, I gave her the names of favorite Philly thrift stores. Happy shopping Michelle and thank you for sitting down with Off the Rack!

Sophisticated Seconds

            Unlike several other consignment and thrift stores I have visited in and around Philadelphia, I didn’t hear about Sophisticated Seconds from other people. Instead, I found the store online while looking up top consignment stores in the city. Highly rated through Yelp, I decided to go in and see if I my trip would be as successful as that of the reviewers. Located at 2019 Sansom Street, right near Shake Shack, the store is cute and inviting. If I weren’t already there on purpose, I probably would have stopped in on my own. Currently, it is running a sale on winter coats because, as I have mentioned before, everyone is trying to get rid of their winter clothes for spring items. Sophisticated Seconds is small but it seemed have a lot to offer. I casually browsed through the front of the store when I saw a Louis Vuitton bag sitting on a shelf for only $33. But as I examined the tag, I saw it was a fake. I was disappointed but at least the store didn’t try to pretend it was real.

Left and Right: Google

Next, I went through the women’s dress rack and found a Michael Kors dress for $40 and an Isaac Mizrahi suit for the same. These were good finds but nothing out of the ordinary. The woman working the register was very nice and offered her help but I wanted to look around first and see if the store was worth my time. Well, I’m glad I did because I found the greatest hidden fashion treasure that I had ever come across while visiting consignment stores. When I went back to the coat section, I came across a black leather jacket. I almost shuffled past it, but the feel and look of the soft leather caught my attention. When I pulled it out for a better look, I saw this jacket was an Alice & Olivia piece. I looked at the tag and saw Sophisticated Seconds was selling this jacket for $53. The regular retail price is $880! I couldn’t believe that this unassuming little store was selling such a once-in-a-lifetime item. I wish I could tell you that I am now the proud owner of an Alice & Olivia leather jacket but, I cannot.  I think the markdown shocked me so much that I walked out of the store empty handed, or at least that’s what I tell myself. I forgot the golden rule of thrifting: never leave something you want behind. It will not be there when you go back for it. That’s a lesson I had to learn the hard way.

            If you’re prepared to look around the store, Sophisticated Seconds is a great place to visit. It is open Monday, Tuesday, Saturday from 10:30am – 6:00pm and Wednesday through Friday 10:30am – 7:00pm.

A man in the store, Greg, said he found a Burberry trench coat hidden among the racks and paid $143. Those coats will normally run you over $1,800. You may not be successful on your first trip or even your second but, the third time you could find your own version of the Alice & Olivia jacket. Don’t make my mistake; buy it as soon as you see it! There is also a second Sophisticated Seconds location at 2204 South Street.

Try your luck at one or both!

21st Century Thrift Store

             Technology has changed many aspects of our life, and shopping is no exception. I have written about discount websites, but what about clothes sharing? 99 Dresses is a phone app that allows you share to clothes with other app users to create the infinite closet. Buying dresses is a constant battle with myself. Too many clothes, yet nothing to wear. The way this app works is, you take a picture of a piece of clothing you are tired of and post it. When you “sell” a piece of clothing on 99 dresses, you are not dealing with actual money. Instead, you use “buttons” when buying and selling items. So, for example, a user would buy your garment for 230 buttons, and then you could use those buttons toward the purchase of another item that you like. The only thing you pay for is shipping and handling. You many also buy more buttons if you don’t have enough for a piece you want. The other option is to give away more items of clothing until you have earned enough buttons. When you sign up, the app asks your sizes so they can fill your feed with relevant items. This prevents you from falling in love with a garment that is not in your size. You may also follow women’ whose style you admire.

Right: Alexandra Carlino; Left: Google

I heard about this app through my friend Diana who gave away a five items of clothing and built up enough buttons to buy a BCBG cocktail dress. She used 1,200 buttons for the dress and it was in great condition. The dress arrived in a few days and it didn’t cost her anything! Now she has the option to put that dress back on the market or to give away a different dress. When this app was first launched, it was only for dresses. Now you can use it to get jewelry, makeup, skirts, pants, and sweaters.

The 99 Dresses was created by a 20-year-old women in Australia. She, like many of her friends, was never happy with the clothes in her closet. This app gives women a chance to continually change what they find in their closet. Women love borrowing clothes from their friends. Why limit themselves to people they know? Instead they can share with hundreds of others. I consider 99 Dresses, and other apps like it, the 21^st century thrift stores. Instead of walking into a store and sifting through racks; with the push of a button, you can have a new dress coming to your house. This app is available for free on the app store and compatible with iPhone and Android phones.