Does she mean she loves shopping if it’s Brooklyn vintage? Or hates the fashion if it’s Brooklyn vintage? Wait, is it possible she watched Girls and swore off of Brooklyn vintage stores forever? Anyone?

Dolce & Gabbana's spring 2012 runway show, courtesy of Elle.com

OK fashionites, it’s not quite serving turkey in a soup kitchen, but if you’re interested in a Devil Wears Prada experience minus the paycheck, now’s the time to apply to volunteer for February Fashion Week (yes, the big one in Lincoln Center.) Justify time spent assembling Anna Wintour’s gift bag by slipping the models extra carbs or writing a piece for Thought Catalog. Or slipping your résumé into the bag. Here are the details from the official Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Volunteer Page: (more…)

Photos and collage by Sarah Gainer.

Fall is my favorite season; not only because of the perfect weather, but also because it means September issues, Fashion’s Night Out, and the one and only New York Fashion Week. Having recently joined the ranks of the not-so-steadily employed, I’m eager to keep up with the latest trends without spending a fortune. Armed with a trend checklist from People StyleWatch’s Lucy Moore and Bloomingdale’s web designer Nicole Kuchera Collins, I scouted my favorite two resale shops in Brooklyn (Beacon’s Closet in Park Slope and Buffalo Exchange in Williamsburg) to prove that you don’t have to spend tons to keep up. Trends I chose to skip? Let’s just say the poncho craze didn’t make the cut. (more…)

Swap meets: we love em, you love em, so here’s another, with a bit of an added twist. The good folks at Krrb (last seen swapping at Mission Dolores) are hosting another free swap meet this Sunday at Brooklyn Winery in Williamsburg from 1-5pm. There’s the promise of drink specials at the sprawling winery — maybe including its brand new house-made batch? — and there’s also the chance to preview what clothes items will be available via the Krrb and Meetup pages. It’s is co-sponsored by BurdaStyle, an online sewing community. Bring your old, new and slightly used clothes, but be careful not to spill wine on your new duds.

If this is your style guide, this is your swap meet.

Oh no — you’re invited to another clothing swap. Sounds like a good idea, but who’s gonna be there? Buncha tiny bitches whose size 2 shirts are never going to fit you? You can go and hope people bring great accessories or — drumroll please — you could check out the Curvy Girl Fashion Swap on Tuesday at 6:30 at Night of the Cookers bistro in Ft. Greene, hosted by Sweet Roll Entertainment. The specialized meet comes with a fee ($16), plus you need to bring five gently used items of clothing.But you get unlimited swapping, gift bags, food and raffle prizes like an at-home facial and vintage jewelry set. There are also prizes for the best-dressed. Cool!  Sweet Roll Entertainment is fashion and lifestyle event production company that caters to women sizes 10+. Tickets are available in advance online.

Remember when Kelly couldn't afford a prom dress? Don't let it happen this year!

As a dude, I consider prom dresses, like wedding dresses, for suckers. You fret and fiddle over sizes and styles for weeks and invest a fat stack of paper, all for just a few hours of use, then put the thing in storage to collect dust forever. If you’ve got a closet full of wardrobe memories, it’s not too late to give them another life: the 88th Precinct Community’s Project Prom is seeking donated prom dresses, bridesmaid dresses and party gowns, plus suits, shirts, ties and free tuxedo rentals. The clothing will go to hundreds of good students in Brooklyn who meet financial needs requirements, including those that are victims of domestic violence or live in shelters. Donations are accepted through May 14, so you’ve got time to say goodbye to that expensive high school souvenir.

Apparently we’re a borough of Fendi and Prada swells — and here we were thinking it was all about Target sales and Goodwill scavenging. This map came along today from free online service Shop It To Me displaying what it says is a breakdown of the big-name styles preferred by each neighborhood, according to its users (full map below). Some make sense: North Face is huge in Park Slope (duh) while Williamsburg loves Ralph Lauren (huh?). So does this look your neighborhood? (more…)

Everything tastes sweeter in a Brokelyn t-shirt. Looking sharp, Mike!

If you’ve ever confronted that age-old fashion dilemma — Whatever do I wear to a casserole party? — Mike of the blog Brooklynauts has the answer for you. That’s him at left, rocking our newest Brokelyn t-shirt style at a fun-looking potluck we’ll forgive him for not inviting us to because he’s doing such a fine job repping the Brokelyn colors. If you have a casserole party / pie bakeoff  / other reason to wear a shirt / in your near future, why not make like Mike and proudly don your own Brokelyn t-shirt? They also make great holiday gifts because the out-of-towners love ‘em as much as locals do.