Hello all! For me, fall and winter are the best seasons of the year. They have the best holidays (Halloween and Thanksgiving!), basketball season starts up (Go Phoenix Suns!), it’s my birthday (November!) and the air cools down (you can walk outside here in Tucson without melting into a puddle)! To my last point, cooler weather brings so many new fashion options. I love to layer my clothing and there’s no better time to experiment with trends. This week, I paid a visit to Buffalo Exchange Tucson to search for plaid in its many forms: gingham, tartan and more! Read ahead to check out all the pieces I found and how I styled plaid three different ways.
Nitty Griddy
For my first look, I experimented with a punk rock vibe and mixed two distinct patterns at once: Madras and Glen plaid. Named for its origin city of Madras, India (now Chennai), Madras plaid is recognized by its widely variable color combos and checkboard pattern – and this denim jacket does not fall short of that description! I paired it with a more subtle gray Glen Plaid (hailing from Scotland) and a mustard-yellow velvet mock neck.
Does this ever happen to you? All year round, you think of unique Halloween costume ideas and then, ALL OF A SUDDEN, October’s here and you can’t remember a thing. That’s where we come in. We’ve got your back with some of our favorite costumes from last year!
Costumes that POP!
Fulfill your squad ghouls with Halloween costume ideas inspired by your favorite 90s pop groups. Tell me what you want – what you really, really want: it’s a Spice Girls group costume, right?
Animated October
What’s better than watching cartoons? Bringing them to life! We all have well-loved cartoons from our childhood (or even from today). Bring your favorite characters off the screen with these Halloween costume ideas – Arthur or Sailor Moon or Bob’s Burgers!
These Costumes Are Out of This World
This Halloween, have some intergalactic fun with bright neons, metallics and funky patterns. Travel through space as an extraterrestrial creature or a totally rad space cadet. With space-themed Halloween costume ideas, the possibilities are endless. You can throw something together last minute or plan an epic and elaborate look!
Clown Around with These Halloween Costume Ideas
Are you still trying to decide whether to be funny or scary this Halloween? Wear some of your favorite brightly colored clothing (plus about a pound of make-up on your face) OR recreate a frightening character from your favorite horror movie!
Ready to start putting together your perfect Halloween look? Head down to your local Buffalo Exchange to start shopping costumes! We recommend searching out great everyday pieces that you can wear all season long and mixing them with funky pieces and fantastic accessories. And while you’re at it, bring in your fall closet cleanout – you could pick up cash or trade to put towards the costume of your dreams!
As fall rolls in, we’re more than excited for layers, cool-weather trends and a general wardrobe update! In our Fall/Winter Zine, say hello to some of your favorite fall trends – from 1940s style at Buffalo Exchange San Diego (Hillcrest) to music-inspired streetwear at Buffalo Exchange Houston. Be sure to take a peek at our handy flowchart, perfect for figuring out which items to keep and which items to bring in to sell. Then, find out what inspires some of our favorite Instagram style icons. Stop by your local Buffalo Exchange to pick up a free copy of the zine!
By the Sea
For anyone really feeling the 1940s right now, head to the shore with us in this vintage-feel editorial from Buffalo Exchange Hillcrest. This fall, we’re thinking knee-length dresses, striped trousers and naval-inspired hats. Photography by Monique Woolley (@momomerlot). Styling by Teha Wallace (@TehaWallace).
Musically Inclined
This photo shoot was inspired by some of our favorite music icons. Channel your inner superstar with moto jackets, canvas outerwear and your own take on denim from Buffalo Exchange Houston. Photography by Martha Rincon (@TotallyMartha). Styling by Martha Rincon and Urma Redmond.
Keep It or Sell It
When struck with the age-old quandary – to keep or to sell – consult our handy flowchart. Pick up a copy of our zine and keep it close by during your next closet cleanout!
Our Favorite Style Icons
ConnoisseurOfCute: Okay, well it doesn’t get much cuter than Elizabeth Winn Colley. Head over to her feed for an overload of all things pink and adorable.
SofiaGConte: How adorable is Sofia? We love her fun, classic take on style.
OscarDeLarmenta: We totally dig Oscar Armenta’s unique, early 2000s-inspired style. Oh and did we mention that he looks fantastic in tiny sunglasses?
AFashionNerd: If you’re feeling Wes Anderson vibes when you scroll Amy Roiland’s feed, you wouldn’t be wrong. She draws much of her style inspiration from the filmmaker and even had a “Wes-tern Anderson”-themed wedding.
This is just a taste of the fall style inspiration in our latest zine, so stop by your local Buffalo Exchange to pick up your own copy. Then, be sure to consult our Keep It or Sell It flow chart as you’re cleaning out your closet for the new season – we’re buying for fall and the best of all seasons!
After selling my closet cleanout to Buffalo Exchange (and shopping on a VERY regular basis) for more than a decade, I’ve learned a thing or two about how it works. Ever wondered how a buyer decides what to buy and what to pass on? Or what kind of stuff you’re supposed to bring in? Here are my top takeaways if you want to sell your clothes!
Clean Out Seasonally, then Bring It All
Buffalo Exchange buys the best of all seasons, but what does that really mean? Can you actually bring in heavy winter items in June? The answer is yes…and no. On one hand, Buffalo buys primarily for the upcoming season. On the other hand, they’ll buy extremely desirable, like-new items anytime (a current Patagonia down jacket in July, for example, or a designer dress from this season in December). My best advice? When you go to sell your clothes, just bring it all – some pieces are always desirable, regardless of season, and Buffalo’s buyers are happy to look through everything you have.
More than Just Brands
If you’re trying to crack the code on which brands Buffalo Exchange buys before you head in to sell your clothes or you want to squeeze a price estimate out of them ahead of time, I recommend just stopping into the store with everything you’re cleaning out. Though certain brands are particularly popular, Buyers make selections more based on styles that are selling quickly – and this means that they have to see each item in person. You could have an undesirable designer item that they won’t be able to resell, for example, and a super desirable everyday item that a shopper will snatch up right away. Another thing to note: while a brand’s original price point is factored into the pricing, the desirability of the style, age and condition matter.
Sell Your Clothes, Then Take the Trade
Since shopping is one of my top hobbies (it counts as a hobby, right?), I ALWAYS take the trade. Anytime you sell, you have the option to take 30% of their selling price in cash or 50% in trade (your buyer will tell you the selling prices of each item they buy from you). I took the cash maybe once and ended up spending it at Buffalo the next week, so that was the end of that. But even if you’re not as much of a shopper as me, the trade is a great option. After you sell your clothes, I recommend shopping around – you can buy some new pieces with your trade (which, believe it or not, is great motivation for a second round of closet cleanout) and take the rest in cash. If you’re in a rush, you can grab a trade card for later (they never expire) or take some on a card and some in cash. There’s nothing like having a hankering to shop and then remembering that you’re Buffalo rich.
At Buffalo Exchange, the buyers always make selections based on current inventory needs. On a number of occasions, I’ve bought items at Buffalo, worn them once and then decided I didn’t like them. When I go to sell them back, however, they’re not always able to buy them. Confusing, right? In reality, it’s because the store’s inventory needs can change on a daily or weekly basis. Buyers pay close attention to what’s selling quickly and what’s sticking around, constantly learning new information about what to buy from you when you come in to sell your clothes. At the end of the day, I donate any items that I don’t sell to a deserving local non-profit through Buffalo’s charity pickup program.
Take Advantage of the 24-Hour Hold
At Buffalo, you can hold up to 5 non-sale items for 24 hours. So if you find something you love but you don’t want to pay full price for it, put the item on hold and head home to clean out your closet. I recently found a pair of Chanel clogs that I just had to have. But instead of maxing out my credit card, I cleanout out my closet – and made enough money in trade to buy the clogs! WIN. PS – If you’ve been procrastinating your cleanout, this is the best motivator.
For High-End Items, Ask About Consignment
When it comes to high-end items that I paid a lot for (and, ahem, never really wore…), it’s sometimes hard to stomach the fact that, no matter where I sell them, I won’t be able to earn as much back as I originally paid. But at the same time, they do little good sitting in my closet. Take the slightly-too-small Acne booties that I paid over $500 for and wore only a few times over the course of several years. They’re classically stylish and in near-perfect condition. The answer? Consignment! At Buffalo Exchange, you can ask about selling higher end items on consignment. Consignment is offered on a case by case basis. If you do end up going with this option, you’ll forego an immediate payout and wait until the items sells to get paid. They’ll be able to price the item higher, though, and when you do get paid, you’ll receive 50% back in cash instead of 30%. No-brainer!
Hear that? That’s the sound of mysteries unraveling! Just kidding. After years of selling at Buffalo, I’ve learned a lot about how the process works, but I’ve also learned that popular styles and inventory needs are always going to change and I’m probably not going to make $500 back on my $500 pair of boots. But you know what? I don’t care. There’s nothing I love more than trading in my closet for exciting new finds and basically shopping for free. Questions about selling? Let me know in the comments. Otherwise, happy selling and shopping!
By Aarian Frye (Buffalo Exchange HQ) & Buffalo Exchange Tempe
At Buffalo Exchange, it’s not uncommon to hear about die-hard shoppers turning their love of the store into fashion careers! Today, we meet Cornell, who has worked as a Buyer at Buffalo Exchange Tempe since March 2017. We talk about his journey in the fashion industry and his personal style!
The Stuff Fashion Careers Are Made Of
Cornell’s enthusiasm for Buffalo started at a young age. In middle school, he “came to the realization that you could love fashion and make a career out of that passion.” Cornell couldn’t wait to apply and join the team at Buffalo Exchange Tempe.
Can you believe we’re already so far into 2018? It happened so fast, it feels like summer just started! If you’re hesitant to pack away your bright warm weather gear in favor of drab sweaters, don’t sweat it. We’ve compiled a list of the hottest trends you’ll see everywhere this fall! Color and patterns are here to stay, so read ahead for the fall trends you’ll want to shop for ASAP.
Fall Trends 101: Don’t Skip The Color!
As the leaves begin to turn from green to brown, you might think it’s time for your closet to do the same. While we have nothing against a great neutral, remember all the shades that come between! Vibrant yellows, oranges and even reds will give you your chloro-FILL of color this fall.
First things first, I must confess that I love to shop. If you’re reading this blog, I’m willing to wager that you do, too. However, none of us likes spending hundreds of dollars on a wardrobe update, so that’s why I’m here – to guide you through updating your wardrobe for under $100! This past weekend, I went to Buffalo Exchange Tucson in search of a few versatile pieces to liven up my closet for the last weeks of summer. I also wanted to make sure I could incorporate these into my fall outfits when the weather gets cool. Read on to see what I found!
Fringe Benefits
There’s nothing I love more than a coordinating set! I found a great deal on this two-piece. This set is breezy for summer, but I know it’ll look great with a cardigan and boots when the weather cools down. Because I came in under my budget for this item, I took the plunge and bought a saddle bag with colorful suede fringe as well. This is going to add some serious flair to all of my fall outfits!
Ok guys, I’m going to level with you: moving to a new city is really hard! When I decided to leave behind my best friends and family for the sand-colored pastures of Tucson, AZ, I was bright-eyed and bushy tailed. Even though I was going to miss our Portland, Oregon store, where I had first started with the company as a Buyer and then Associate Manager, I was excited to be taking on a new role in the Buffalo Exchange Marketing Department. I fancied myself to be bold, daring, independent. And so I packed all my worldly possessions into my teeny-tiny Chevy Spark and tottered my way down to the desert. When I got here, though, I wasn’t quite so bold and daring as I thought. Instead, when I wasn’t at work, I spent a lot of time feeling lonely and out-of-place. Here’s what I did to ease my way into life in a brand new city!
Appreciate Your New Surroundings
The best way to get your bearings after moving to a new city is to get out and see what it has to offer. Take a walking photo tour of the downtown area – no doubt, you’ll happen across cool murals, interesting architecture and local restaurants you might like to try. In my case, I even came across a beautiful end-to-end rainbow (thanks, desert monsoons!). A photo tour is especially great because it’ll give you the chance to show off your new neighborhood to all of your friends and family back home.
Go Shopping!
My first priority when moving to a new city? Finding out where to shop! Go figure that the Buffalo Exchange here quickly became my favorite place to buy clothes in Tucson. Since each store buys most of its inventory from people in the neighborhood, shopping at Buffalo is also a good way to get a feel for the local area.
Try a New Hobby
Always wanted to learn woodworking or take piano lessons? Now’s your chance! Before moving to a new city, make a list of hobbies you’d like to try and start researching classes or teachers. Personally, I started voice lessons, choir, a fiction writing workshop, kickboxing, rock climbing and eventually even played in a musical. It kept me very busy, but I don’t regret a single late night – after all, how many chances do you have to devote yourself wholeheartedly to your own interests?
Join a Club
Joining a club is a great way to meet likeminded new people and get involved in a local community. No matter what you’re interested in, there’s probably a club (or at least a Meetup or Facebook group) for it, so get Googling! When I found myself moving to a new city, I decided it might be cool to take up caving, so I did a quick Google search for “caving club” and found out when their next meeting was. Little did I know that the people I met there would become some of my closest friends in the area! Not only did I find something I was extremely passionate about, but I found a community that I really felt like I belonged to – definitely a make or break decision.
Moving to a New City? Get Out and Explore!
No matter where you move to, there’s guaranteed to be something cool about it – a beautiful hiking area, a breathtaking viewpoint, a phenomenal art museum, a fun amusement park or an artsy historic town. As you’re settling into your new space, start making a bucket list of things to do in the area. Then, when you’re feeling homesick, get out your calendar and start scheduling them out.
When I found myself laying on the floor of my studio apartment in existential despair – oh wait, did I say that out loud? – it helped to have something to look forward to other than a weekend alone putting together Ikea furniture. My Tucson/Arizona bucket list included everything from the botanic gardens and the planetarium to the historic mining town of Bisbee and the Grand Canyon.
Keep at It!
The number one rule of moving to a new city, though, is keeping at it! When the going gets tough and you miss your friends and family back home, keep on putting yourself out there, trying new activities and being the fierce, independent person you are. You never know when one thing will lead to the next and finally click into place. I’ll admit that I felt pretty homesick the first 6 months or so. I felt like I’d finally landed my dream position and was proud of myself for making such a bold move, but it took a while to make some good friends and feel at home in a strange land. All things in time. You’ll soon be rolling down the streets of your new city like you always lived there! In the meantime, if you ever need to see a friendly face, just stop by Buffalo Exchange. We’re happy to give recommendations for fun things to do in your local area!
Ah, summer – time to pull out your favorite pair of shades and dust off your party pants. Whether you’ll be beachside working on your tan, adventuring in the outdoors or shopping your way across the US, here are some packing tips to help make your summer vacation the best one yet!
Opt for Versatility
If you’re like me, you’ll be tempted to bring everything in your closet. To avoid getting overwhelmed, start by pulling out items you’re naturally drawn to and then piecing looks together. Try matching one blouse with a few different bottoms or consider a dress that can easily change from day to night. Choosing pieces that can work in a variety of different ways is one of the most important packing tips to remember! Definite must-haves: a reliable pair of jeans, comfortable walking shoes and an on-the-go bag like a crossbody or backpack.
I also like to think about when and where each look will fit into my summer vacation. For example, if I’m going to be out all day brunching, shopping and then beaching, I’m going to choose something comfortable and cute like a breezy sun dress and my favorite casual sneakers. I’ll throw my swimsuit and flip flops in my bag for an easy transition to the beach. Bonus: while packing, if I happen to run across any pieces in my closet that I’m just not loving anymore, I also take the opportunity to pull ‘em out of and throw them into a bag to sell at Buffalo Exchange! There’s no better way to start a vacation off than with a clean house and a clean closet.Full Story
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 4th 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 4th 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 4th, 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 4th 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 4th 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 4th 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!
