My Favorite Item of Clothing

What else could a chilly Philly girl want?

Wait…I can only choose one?

Every cashmere sweater that I own is a favorite item of clothing!  Most of them were snagged at resale stores for between $5-20.  I’ve collected them in a rainbow of colors and assortment of styles.  I have long sleeves, ¾ length sleeves, sleeveless shells, v-necks, turtlenecks, crewnecks, boyfriend style pullovers, sexy wraps, and traditional cardis. 

Why do I love them?  They’re as soft as kittens but won’t shred my curtains.  I can cocoon in cashmere, cozied in an otherworldly warmth.  Cashmere is chic!  Cashmere sweaters are low maintenance!  Yes, you can and should hand wash cashmere.  Forget about dry cleaning!  It’s important to keep PERC out of your personal environment and even more important to keep your money in your pocket. 

The best deals can be found at resale shops in July when most fashionistas are focused on airy sundresses and halter tops. This is when gently used cashmere sweaters languish on racks.  My favorite spots in Philly to find these treasures include Second Time Around (STA) on Chestnut Street near 18th, Green Street Consignment at 7th and South Streets, and The Wardrobe Boutique at 19th and Spring Garden Streets.  Tip--when you go to STA check out the $5 rack in the back of the store.  Don’t be afraid to pick up something that has a bit of dirt--check to see if you can rub some it out before buying.  If it’s not an ink, blood, or red wine stain, you’ve pretty much got it made.

One of my co-workers recently said, “How many more cashmere sweaters do I need?”  My immediate thought was, “Why limit yourself?” 

Green Street Consignment

I visited Green Street Consignment Shop at 700 South Street with a friend last weekend.  It’s one of my favorite consignment shops in the city -- the merchandise is always in good condition, and the selection is impressive with great labels and a nice range of sizes.  The deal clincher, though, is the wall of career pants lining the back wall of the store.  Navy, black, charcoal gray pinstripe.  Boot cut, straight leg, suede, leather, wool, polyester.  Back pockets, no pockets. Cuffed.  Philly’s working fashionistas can unite behind that!  It’s a rack that I’ll tackle on another visit.

The difference between Green Street and Buffalo Exchange is there isn’t an overabundance of items from H&M.  Lately the Buffalo has become an outpost for sorority-girls’ H&M castoffs.  Green Street's selections are more sophisticated and fashionable.  The designer rack features hot names such as BCBG Max Azria, Prada, Theory, and Blumarine.  There are Coach bags under glass and Louis Vuittons on the wall. 

I bought an absolutely scrumptuous Tommy Hilfiger putty colored leather skirt that feels like buttah, a Japanese-inspired slate blue blouse covered in embroidered flower vines, and a brand new basic black chunky rib cotton turtleneck.  The store also sells every accessory that a woman would want -- costume jewelry, hats, scarves, shoes, bags and assorted small leather goods.  It’s all cool stuff and you can use your imagination to create a unique look for any occasion.  So, take your best friend down to what used to be the hippest street in America and spend an hour at Green Street frolicking among the frocks.  You won’t come out empty-handed.