In search of some strong images to launch the Reckless Resale brand on Friday, August 4th, I scheduled a fashion/style shoot with photographer, Sharon Dickey, last weekend. Modeling for me was a professional model from the Chicago area, Becca Morello, and new, upcoming model, Hannah Bielicki. 

We met at New Wave Coffee shop in Logan Square and set out on our scheduled course of action. My original plan of shooting in three different locations was nixed immediately when the photographer discovered an abandoned lot next to our first stop. Powerful street art, graffiti splattered EL bridge, barbed wire topped fences and even the skyline of Chicago became the backdrop for my urban vintage inspired style shoot. Here are a couple of sneak peaks: 

Denim is hot this season. Becca's Denim & Co stone washed dark blue denim coat is belted with a wide black leather belt with silver medallion clasp; she wears a matching denim page boy hat. Her functional Guess cross body purse keeps her belongings safe when traveling the city. She stands under the train; perhaps waiting for the next stop, or ducking out of the warm autumn sun. But where ever she's headed, she looks on trend. Model: Becca Morello

The classic Bad Ass black leather jacket. Covered in zippers, this Mossimo black leather jacket is perfect for securing all belongings. Her Guess cross body purse is on trend and its gold metal strap adds to her look that "I'm in control" persona. Her Kill City black and gray animal print top makes this a perfect addition for layering under her jacket. Model: Hannah Bielicki

Photographer, Sharon Dickey, did an amazing job of capturing the desired mood of my urban vintage concept. Her transforming style of photography has the ability to naturally express power through light and color. 
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Reckless Resale Urban Vintage Style/Fashion Shoot
Date: July 29, 2017
Location: Logan Square, Chicago, IL
Stylist: Gwendolyn Bielicki
Photographer: Sharon Dickey
Models: Becca Morello, Hannah Bielicki

​After learning about the collapse of the Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh on April 24, 2013 killed over 1,100 garment workers and injured more than 2,000, this is a question that now sits foremost in my mind. While I was rearing my children and educating them on the importance of citizenship and care for the environment, the thought of workers in far away factories slaving to make the clothes they needed to dress for the formal did not cross my mind. I was thrifty; shopped at consignment and resale shops 90% of the time. But we were still mass-consumers, turning our wardrobes over as fast as the seasons changed (which in Chicago, is sometimes daily!).

 Just as it is important to know from where our food is grown, so too is it to know how our clothing is being produced. Culturally, we've treated fashion like a consumable product and our landfills are now bearing the burden. 

So I challenge you to consider becoming your own "eco-stylist." When shopping, consider this new list of questions to ask yourself before a purchase: 

• Is this a capsule item that will compliment my entire wardrobe or is it a trendy item that will go out of style next season?
• What type of fabric is this garment made? (More about fabrics later.)
• Where was this garment made? Do they provide workers with suitable working conditions and reasonable living wages?

If you feel comfortable with the answers, make your purchase. If you are really lucky; some very conscience suppliers are publishing stories about their workers, so you just may find out just who made your clothes. 

Sign the #GoTransparent: Demand to Know Who Made Your Clothes petition to start making an impact today! 

Sculptures made from recycled automobile tires, by Chakaia Booker evoke hopful images in the parks around Michigan Avenue, Chicago. I don't think I'll be able to make my own clothes out of rubber, but sourcing from resale shops, I someday hope to produce a line of unique clothing. In the mean time, inspiration from an amazing female artist like this encourages me onward. Let's do this. ​

​I read in an article yesterday, that Rush Street, State Street and Michigan Avenue are recognized as the cities most fashionable places to shop. All beautiful locations, yet I find myself drawn more to the streets in and around our city's neighborhoods. Resale and consignment shops that sell vintage clothing and pre-loved clothing. These are the places where I've felt the most alive.

On our cities north side in the village graphic artists have taken to the streets. The walls, buildings and sometimes windows in and around Galerie F in Chicago are decorated with the most amazing street art.

This, above all the white walled minimalist craze with clear bottles decorated with leafless branches inspires my sense of fashion more than anything. It restores color to where color is sometimes hidden in alleys, behind buildings, or as in the case of my childhood hometown, Detroit, it covers abandoned buildings. I must have this color, all the colors. And as in the case of Rebel Nell jewelry designers, you can turn these colors into jewelry.