By Aarian Frye, Buffalo Exchange HQ

From sea to shining sea, people across the country are gearing up for America’s birthday. There’s no shortage of ways to celebrate and there’s an outfit for every event! Read ahead for 4^th of July outfits to keep the party going from day to night.

Here Come the Waterworks

Feeling red, white and aquamarine this Independence Day? Whether you’re at the pool or on a cruise, make a splash in a bright one-piece (one of the season’s trendiest swimsuit styles!) and bold accessories. When you’re ready to dry off, top off the swimsuit with a pair of star-spangled cutoffs.  For guys, a simple tank with swim-optional board shorts makes for one of those 4^th of July outfits that you can wear from one occasion to the next. Just remember to wear sunscreen!

Chill and Grill

If you’re looking forward to a laidback 4^th, a backyard BBQ is the place for you. Take it easy in a striped denim apron dress and colorful sneakers, complete with semi-tinted shades. Or, show everyone you’re the Grill Master with a patterned button down printed with mini steaks, burgers and sauce bottles. A pair of pastel patterned shorts provides contrast with the right amount of cool.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

If baseball is America’s favorite pastime, the 4^th of July is the perfect day to head out to the diamond – and the best place to go all out in red, white and blue! Show your team spirit with a jersey and baseball cap, or dress for comfort and style in a roomy romper with classic white sneakers and an oversized sunhat.

Baby, You’re A Firework!

No Independence Day is complete without an evening of fireworks! If you’re planning on ending the night at a downtown block party, these are the 4^th of July outfits for you: dress your best in a bright matching cabana set or a sequined tube top that’s sure to rival the sparklers. Finish your look with glitter jellies or neutral brogues, perfect for dancing the night away.

Oh say, can you see yourself trying out any of these 4^th of July outfits? Be sure to stop by your local Buffalo Exchange before Independence Day to style your own patriotic summertime look. From the lake to the game, we’ve got you covered – fireworks not included!

Every six months, we support new local charities through our Tokens for Bags® program. Instead of giving out bags, we give customers the opportunity to donate five cents (the cost of the bag) to a charity of their choice. Since 1994, we have raised over $774,365 for thousands of local nonprofit organizations through our Tokens for Bags® program, saving 15.4 million bags from polluting the environment.

Find your local Buffalo Exchange below and check out the charities you can give back to.

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By Jessica Pruitt, Buffalo Exchange HQ

We know it can sometimes seem intimidating to sell clothes at your local resale store – it’s enough work just to clean out your closet, let alone figure out which items will sell and which won’t. Well, leave that part up to us! All you need to do is bring your clothes (shoes and accessories, too!) into your local Buffalo Exchange and get paid. Even better, take the trade and shop for new-to-you finds!

Step 1: Bring In Your Items

To sell clothes at Buffalo Exchange, the process is super easy. Simply clean out your closet and bring in the items you’re no longer wearing. We buy men’s and women’s clothing, shoes and accessories, the best of all seasons, year-round. Style and good condition are more important than brand, so bring in your whole cleanout, from designer to name brand to no-brand.

Stop in to see us anytime we’re open – we buy all day, every day and there’s no appointment needed to sell. Make sure to bring along a government-issued ID like a Driver’s License or Passport (and an adult if you’re under 18).

Step 2: Get Paid in Cash or Trade

When you get to the store, we recommend hanging out with your Buyer as they take a look through your cleanout. For each item we’re able to take, your Buyer will let you know our selling price. From that, you’ll get 30% in cash or 50% in store credit. For example, if we price an item for $20, you’ll receive $6 in cash or $10 in trade on-the-spot. If you decide you’d rather hold onto an item, no problem – just let your Buyer know! We do need to see items in person in order to say whether or not we can buy them and offer you a selling price, so we always recommend stopping into the store with any items you’d like to sell.

Trade Up: After You Sell Clothes, Go Shopping

We’re going to let you in on a little secret: trade is the way to go! Even if you’re trying to cut down on clutter overall, trading your cleanout in for a few new-to-you finds is a great (and often free!) way to make your closet feel brand new again. Not to mention that it’s environmentally friendly. Pro Tip: When it comes to cash and trade, you have options. You can buy a few pieces and take your remaining value in cash or even take a trade card for later. Just head to the register before you leave to pick up your cash, trade or any combination of the two!

How Does the Selection Process Work?

At Buffalo Exchange, our Buyers go through a lengthy training process to learn about clothing construction and brands, price points and what kinds of items sell well in the store. After that, they analyze our racks daily to see which items have been selling quickly and which ones have been sticking around.

Our Buyers also talk to customers to find out what styles they’d like to see more of. It’s our goal to offer something for everyone – that’s why we buy current trends, vintage, one-of-a-kind items, inclusive sizing, everyday staples, men’s fashion and more. When our Buyers aren’t helping customers or reviewing our inventory, they’re often doing research on brands and current trends. As a result, our staff is a wealth of fashion knowledge! Ever wondered why they’re buying certain items from your pile and passing on others? Just ask! We love to talk fashion.

Whether you’re patting yourself on the back for a closet cleanout well done or you’re still in the “I’m so dreading this” phase, we’ve got you covered. When you’re ready, you can sell clothes, shoes and accessories at Buffalo Exchange in just a couple simple steps. We have 47 locations across the country, but if there’s not one near you, don’t worry – you can Sell By Mail!

By Jessica Pruitt, Buffalo Exchange HQ; Clothing from Buffalo Exchange Tucson

Calling all dads! Are you hip to the jive? Are you jiggy with it? You bet you are! If you’re rocking socks with sandals, chunky white sneakers and slightly oversized Hawaiian shirts, this is your time to shine! Go figure – we all finally realized that our dads were right when they told us that practicality is important. Read on to find out our favorite dad fashion of the year!

Beach Dad

Beach dad is ready to catch a wave or change a diaper – whichever comes first! For a perfectly practical fun-in-the-sun look, we paired some 80s-style swim trunks with a striped tee, a Hawaiian-print shirt (of course!) a retro Ocean Pacific hat and Tevas. This Patagonia messenger bag makes for a surreptitious way to tote diapers, sand toys and sunscreen for the whole family. Dad fashion done right!

Dad on the Go

For the dad with a million and one things to do, you can’t beat these Columbia shorts (easy to clean!) and this dinosaur pocket tee. Not only is your kid sure to love it, but the pocket makes a great place to store a pacifier. Finish off the look with a beige Disney hat (VERY 90s dad, if you ask us), comfy Vans and couch potato-print socks to express what you’d rather be doing.

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By Aarian Frye, Buffalo Exchange HQ

Summer is by far my favorite season. The longer days give way to warm nights that feel full of possibility. It’s the season of “Yes, and – .“ For example: “Do you want to go to the beach?” “Yes, AND let’s check out this free concert in the park!” See what I mean? The only hard part of all this freedom is deciding what to wear. With so many cute summer trends, how do you decide what’s necessary to have in your closet? I’ve got you covered! Whether you plan on relaxing at home or heading out on a cross-country roadtrip with your best friends, read ahead for the summer essentials you’ll want to have in your wardrobe.

Macra-made In the Shade

This season, macramé and crochet are for more than just art projects! We’re seeing this knit and knot technique used everywhere, from pants and shorts to tank tops. Find yourself a matching rainbow set for double the fun.

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By Amelia Gotobed

Summer is going to be here before we know it – and with it comes new trends to try on. Our favorite? Sporty chic looks with touches of red, white and blue. And don’t worry – you don’t need to be an athlete to rock them!

Sporty Chic Stripes

Taking a cue from sports uniforms of the past, lots of this summer’s styles are featuring retro athletic details like taping up the sides. These give a sporty chic update to otherwise routine outfits. We love seeing this on everything from dresses and rompers to denim and high tops. Doesn’t this romper look like it would go perfectly with a pair of roller skates and tube socks?

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By Aarian Frye, Buffalo Exchange HQ

There are many things I love about my mother, from her sense of humor to her generous spirit. If I had to choose one of my favorites things about her, it’s that she’s never been risk-adverse. She’s braver than I am by a long shot, and doesn’t back down from a challenge… unless the challenge is allowing me – her one and only daughter (Hi, Mom!) – to dress her in outfits outside of her comfort zone. However, she agreed when I added in this one important caveat: my mom could dress me as well *cue ominous lightning strike*.  Read ahead for our Freaky Friday  of an afternoon shopping session at Buffalo Exchange Tucson to celebrate Mother’s Day.

Check, Please

First, my mom picks out this checkered skirt and off-the-shoulder blouse for me – good job, Mom! This actually looks like a lot of the things I already own. My only hang up is the silhouette of the skirt – I don’t find the knee-length bell shape to be particularly flattering on me. This would be an ideal look for a Mother’s Day brunch, though, and I could definitely see myself wearing this outfit beyond the Buffalo Exchange dressing rooms!

The Clash

“Oh, Aarian, no,” is my mother’s response to this striped ruffle blouse and floral jeans. Oops. Guess my mom is not much of a pattern clasher. Nonetheless, she tries them on – and doesn’t totally hate it! This is a huge victory in my eyes. If you’re also hesitant about mixing patterns, I recommend keeping the color scheme soft and simple, like we did here.

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By Jessica Pruitt, Buffalo Exchange HQ

So you’ve read Marie Kondo’s book on cleaning out, you’ve made several trips to The Container Store and you’ve spent a whole lot of time visualizing a clean, organized closet. And yet…you’re still stuck with a pile of clothes on the floor. We get it. That’s why we’ve compiled our favorite tips for cleaning out your closet and earning cash for clothes you just don’t wear anymore.  Read on to set yourself up for some major wardrobe wins!

Clean Out Seasonally

To prevent your cleanout from being overwhelming, go through your closet once per season (every 3-6 months, depending on what works for you). When you do, start by pulling out all of the out-of-season pieces. Store the ones you think you’ll wear next year and pack up the rest in a bag to sell. Resale stores like Buffalo Exchange always buy the best of all seasons, so even if the weather’s warming up, you may still be able to sell the fantastic down jacket that’s just not your color.

Create a Special Section in Your Closet

I don’t know about you, but I always have a hard time figuring out what to do with sentimental pieces, party dresses and one-of-a-kind vintage. I hardly wear these items and honestly get tired of looking at them, so I’m tempted to sell them every time I clean out. On the other hand, I can’t bear to part with unique pieces that I may never see again.

The solution? Give them their own special section in your closet! This’ll make it a whole lot easier to get dressed each morning. Plus, when you want to switch up your standard wardrobe, you’ll have a whole section of pieces that feel new and exciting to throw on. If you end up finding that you’re still not wearing these items, keep in mind that Buffalo Exchange loves to buy vintage and one-of-a-kind finds.

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By Jessica Pruitt, Buffalo Exchange HQ

Attention all Earth Day $1 Day shoppers! If you stopped by to score some $1 finds last Saturday, April 21, you ought to give yourself a huge high five. Thanks to everyone who came out, we raised $51,471 for The 5 Gyres Institute, a non-profit doing great work in the area of ocean plastic pollution. That’s a whole lot of happy turtles – and we couldn’t have done it without you! In the four months leading up to Earth Day, we also collected over 1,464 furs through our Coats for Cubs Drive, which are shipping out to animal rehabilitators across the nation as we speak.

A Little Bit About Our Earth Day $1 Day Sale

On Saturday, April 21, customers lined up around the block at 47 Buffalo Exchange stores nationwide to shop a special selection of clothing for $1 apiece. For these shoppers, brunch could wait – they knew that $1 items go quickly, so it’s best to get to the store early! Whether it was pouring rain (we’re looking at you, Texas) or hedging on 90 degrees (ahem, Tucson), the sale went on!

Over the past 20 years, Buffalo Exchange’s Earth Day $1 Day Sales have raised more than $665,000 for a variety of charities and environmental causes. Last year, all funds raised went to the Humane Society of the United States and their efforts to promote pet adoption. Other charities we’ve supported include Center for Biological Diversity and their water conservation efforts.

And Don’t Forget Coats for Cubs!

From January 1 until Earth Day every year, we invite customers to donate their unwanted furs in any condition to our Coats for Cubs Drive. We then ship these off to wildlife rehabilitators across the country, who repurpose them into bedding to provide warmth and comfort to recovering animals. Since taking this initiative over from The Humane Society in 2006, we have collected over 15,108 furs for animals in need. This year, we collected over 1,464 furs, all thanks to you guys.

But it doesn’t stop there – we give back to the community all year round! At every one of our 47 Buffalo Exchange stores, we support three local non-profits at a time through our Tokens for Bags program. Instead of giving out plastic bags, we give out 5 cent charity tokens – the result is over $728,595 raised for thousands of local nonprofits and almost 14.5 million plastic bags kept out of the environment. Want to give back just by shopping? Stop by your local Buffalo Exchange to recycle your closet cleanout and shop fun spring finds!

By Danielle Hargett, Buffalo Exchange HQ

Every year, we choose a different environmental charity to support through our Earth Day $1 Day Sale. For 2018, we’re thrilled to announce that all proceeds from the sale will go to The 5 Gyres Institute! 5 Gyres is an organization dedicated to using science, art, education and adventure to understand and reduce plastic pollution.

Mark Your Calendars

Clear your schedule – our 21^st annual Earth Day $1 Day Sale is coming up on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at all locations, excluding outlets. A special selection of men’s and women’s fashion will be available for just $1 apiece. All proceeds of the sale will be donated to The 5 Gyres Institute in support of their efforts to research ocean plastic pollution and engage communities in the responsible use, design and disposal of plastic materials.

So, What’s a Gyre?

A gyre, pronounced jy-yure, is a ring-like oceanic current system. There are 5 subtropical gyres in the ocean (hence the non-profit’s name!) and, in 2011, 5 Gyres discovered evidence of plastic in all of them. Since then, they have been studying how plastic travels to these gyres and the effects it has on marine ecosystems, wildlife and human health.

#BeadFree

5 Gyres may be relatively new, beginning in 2009, but they’ve been at the forefront of major environmental challenges and accomplishments. A notable example is the 2015 U.S. ban on plastic microbeads – tiny pieces of plastic found in cosmetics that you can’t see or filter out. Thanks to their research on plastic pollution and their #BeadFree campaign, the sale and manufacturing of these plastic microbeads are now banned in the United States.

Moving Towards a Plastic Pollution Solution

Current 5 Gyres programs include their TrawlShare, Plastics BAN (Better Alternatives Now) List and Mi Mar educational initiative, just to name a few. Through their Trawlshare program, they engage citizen scientists and are able to broaden their data collection on marine plastic pollution. Their Plastics BAN List gives consumers the chance to learn about the materials they regularly use and provides options for better alternatives to plastic.

One of their newest initiatives, Mi Mar, or My Sea in Spanish, is a program that encourages underserved high school students to learn about plastic pollution through one-day research expeditions off the coast of L.A. Through their programming, they work to spread awareness about the issue, create community engagement and spark ideas for long-term solutions.

BYOB!

Like what you hear? Support 5 Gyres and their mission to reduce plastic pollution by shopping our Earth Day $1 Day Sale this April! To minimize plastic use and maximize your clothing carrying capacity, be sure to bring your own reusable bag to the sale (or buy one of ours, made from 70% recycled bottles)! Don’t forget that the sale is cash only and that $1 items go quickly, so plan to arrive at the store early! For opening hours, check your local Buffalo Exchange. To learn more about 5 Gyres and find out other ways to get involved with this year’s Earth Day $1 Day Sale beneficiary, visit 5gyres.org.