A peek inside someone’s wardrobe can be like peering inside their mind. But what about a look at what’s not in their closet? What I Consign explores what people let go and why, from the evolution of their personal style to sustainability to the designers they’ve fallen out of love with.
Whether she’s sharing styling tips, Instagramming from Ghana as she discovers her heritage or giving natural haircare tutorials on her YouTube channel, Brooklyn-based Kia Marie, aka @thenotoriouskia, is “doing it for the culture” and she’s doing it sustainably. The NYC creative is known for putting together bold, eclectic looks in a way that’s thoughtful, inspiring, and takes conscious consumerism into account. Often pulling vintage and consigned pieces, Marie proves curating your wardrobe doesn’t have to mean succumbing to fast fashion. Recently, she visited us at our SoHo NYC store for a consignment appointment and gave us the lowdown on what she’s letting go of, what she’s still on the hunt for and how she limits her consumption.
How would you describe your style? Eccentric, bold, unapologetic. I love creating juxtapositions – mixing high & low, vintage with contemporary, feminine with masculine, and sporty pieces with more structured ones.
What’s the last thing you consigned? Vintage Chanel clip-on earrings. I always wanted a pair, and I actually got them from The RealReal but I haven’t worn them. I’m still on the hunt for the perfect pair.
What are you excited to invest in next? A black Céline Nano Tote – the #OldCeline Phoebe Philo era was iconic. A red Chanel Caviar Quilted Medium Double Flap. Everyone needs a classic Chanel bag, and it’s a great investment.
Earth Day is on the horizon, and really we should treat every day like it’s Earth Day. How do you balance your interest in fashion with efforts to be sustainable? By limiting my consumption. I try not to purchase something unless I can wear it at least three different ways. I also try to purchase all major designer items secondhand.
How do you decide what to keep and what to let go? If I’ve worn it in the last six months and it still brings me joy I keep it — if not, it has to go.
Has consigning changed the way you shop? Yes. When thinking about purchasing a designer piece, now I always think about the resale value.
What are some of your favorite designers? Balenciaga, Chanel, Dior, Saint Laurent, Céline
Do you have a style icon? Rihanna
OUT OF MY CLOSET Color: Pink Shape: Fitted and short Handbag: LV Speedy Designer: Gucci Shoes: Ballerina Decade: ‘80s
INTO MY CLOSET Color: Beige Shape: Structured Handbag: Anything Chanel Designer: Jacquemus Shoes: Sneaker Decade: ‘70s
Ready to start consigning? Get started here. Plus, read more about consigning and sustainability here.
