February 11, 2010

Thrifty Threads

Welcome to Thrifty Threads, AKA Most Stylish Compact-y Outfit, where readers model their favorite secondhand clothes.

A Compact-y outfit is used or recycled, from Goodwill, a thrift store, a secondhand shop, ebay, freecycle, craigslist, or anywhere else you find secondhand clothing.

Today's model is Meg, showing off a handmade purse she made herself! I don't usually highlight accessories on Thrifty Threads, but I loved Meg's purses so much that I really wanted to show them to you. You can check them out for yourself at her website Meg Expressions.

Meg gathers her materials from Goodwill and puts them together to create these colorful and super-cute purses and bags. They come in all sizes and shapes, and since they're also very durable, they're both fun and practical. Since her fabric comes from used clothing, I think her purses are the ultimate in eco-friendly and sustainable fashion. I'm planning on making a Compact exception to buy my next purse from her.

Here are a couple more photos, this one shows the purse off a little better...

And for this one she's recruited a younger model to show off a smaller purse...

That little girl sure knows how to mix her colors and patterns! It's amazing what you can do with secondhand clothing if you're creative and resourceful. These purses and bags are just fabulous, and I'll bet they're an inspiration for those of you who sew yourself. And if you're like me and don't know how to sew, Meg's creations are very reasonably priced if you're in the market for a purse, wallet, carryall, diaper bag, or reusable bag.

Thanks Meg! Readers, it's your turn! You know I love to show you all the fabulous ways people are wearing secondhand clothes, but I'm getting low on photos. So put on your favorite thrift store score, snap a picture, and send it to me at barton.angela@gmail.com. We all love to see what you're coming up with! And click here if you'd like to check out previous installments of Thrifty Threads.

5 comments:

Catherine said...

I really admire people like Meg who have this artistic ability. That's great she's repurposing fabrics and giving them a second life. Cheers to you Meg. The little girl is adorable.

Alea Milham said...

What a cute purse! The pinks and reds are so appropriate for this time of year.

I am going to bet that she is from Portland. I am amazed how many people and businesses repurpose in that area. They are leading the way for the rest of us.

Forest Parks said...

Awesome Purses Meg... I love the idea of reuse even after clothes have died... We send way too much to the landfill.

Angela said...

I agree that it's so great how Meg is repurposing these old clothes. I can't wait to have her make me a purse and I'll take a photo and put it on the blog.

And Alea- yes, she is from Portland! Lots of creative and cool people live there.

Meghan said...

Thanks everyone for your comments and support! And thanks Angela again for the awesome article! ~Meg