inside: CUSTOMER PROFILES their must-haves this season
MEN’S SHIRT D.I.Y. five great ideas
TOP TRENDS the hottest looks
Fall/Winter 2012-2013
Editor’s Note W
hat always strikes me about fall and winter is the wonderful array of options to consider when creating an outfit. Coats, hats, scarves, and gloves are just the finishing touches to the whole ensemble. This season we are seeing an assortment of oxford style shoes, denim jackets, and details on collars, all of which bring a menswear inspired look to women’s fashion, and allows for men to have fun with more details. In this issue we highlight those trends along with some fashions from across the country. This is our third Buffalo ‘zine and we have loved putting together every issue. We don’t outsource this publication, creating it instead with the talent that we have in our midst. One of the philosophies of our company is that everyone continues to learn all the time, and the learning curve in creating a small magazine has been swift, but fun! Forgive us if it isn’t super slick; our intent is to share our love of clothing and the season to come more than anything else. We hope you share that love as well and will come back to sell your clothing, shop with us when you need a new (to you) sweater, or hunt for a treasure you never knew you needed. Enjoy the wonders of the season wherever you are this year.
Rebecca Block, Vice President Buffalo Exchange
Zine Team: Rebecca Block, Joe Carrel, Inara Edrington, Gneiss Hobbs and Stephanie Lew Publishing: Arizona Lithographers and Western Web Graphics Contributors: Mary Kolego Stevie Poulos Kathryn Riser Madison Pravel Special thanks to the Buffalo Exchange Archives and to all of the stores that contributed Photographers: Stephanie Lew Steve Sandala Illustrator: Jessyca Murphy Acknowledgement: McCall’s ® M1399 Image courtesy of the McCall Pattern Company copyright @ 2012 Please Recycle
Inside My Closet: Kerstin Block
Owner & Founder of Buffalo Exchange
My closet is pretty lean. I clean it all the time and get rid of stuff I am tired of or no longer wear. I always have a bag of items ready to go to Buffalo Exchange.
I have lots of accessories. A lot of
them are unique or special pieces and some were gifts. are
small
and
easy
Accessories to
keep.
They don’t go out of style and eventually they become classics.
Chako Suzuki Seattle WA
Darin Lund Portland OR
Wearing: Frenchie jacket, Alexander Wang purse, Wilfred dress, Loffler Randall shoes
Wearing: Vintage Pendleton vest, Rag & Bone pants, Individualized button-up shirt
Fun Fact: She’s the managing editor of the tv/celeb gossip site wetpaint.com
Fun Fact: Those boots in the pic - he made ‘em! (mrdlbootsandshoes.wordpress.com)
Favorite Buffalo Purchase: Chistian Dior lace dress
Favorite Buffalo Purchase: Levi’s for Filson jacket
Micki Shampang-Voorhies Eugene, OR How long have you shopped at Buffalo? 15 years How would you describe your style? A mix of vintage, classic, and funk What outfit are you pictured in? A jacket by Beyond Threads and skirt by People Like Frank What’s your favorite Buffalo purchase? A jacket by Milly of New York Who are your fashion icons? Alexander McQueen and Coco Channel What are your Fall/Winter must-haves? Great scarves and boots What’s a fun fact about you? I am a metal artist; I make steel high heels What’s your best fashion advice? Wear what makes you feel good
VINTAGE
the Mexican Tourist Jacket
by Kathryn Riser Why not add an artistic flair to your style with a vintage Mexican tourist jacket? Back in the 1940s and 1950s, Mexico was considered one of the most exotic and desirable vacation spots for American tourists. The great influx of tourists during this period spawned a huge market for handcrafted souvenirs in the forms of unique silver jewelry, ponchos, sombreros, embroidered shawls and dresses, painted circle skirts, and the “tourist jacket.” The Mexican tourist jacket was typically constructed using an unlined wool felt fabric that came in a variety of colors. It had an open front and included a one piece fabric collar, patch pockets, and two-colored yarn whip-stitching along the edges of the pockets as well as along the collar and outer edges of the entire jacket. Designs included details such as small appliques in the forms of cacti, people, animals, houses and mountains. These figures were sewn on the front, back, lower sleeves, and collar of the jackets in a myriad of quaint village scenes. The sleeves of these earlier designs were gathered high at the cap of the jacket into small pleats.
“these jackets look fabulous dressed up with a swinging circle skirt, or dressed down with a pair of jeans”
In the later 1940s, some crafters switched to brightly colored wool embroidery and the jacket began to have a straight shoulder line. Circa 1960s constructed jackets also included a large appliqued and sequined dancing couple on the back panel. Variations on the tourist jacket are found with mandarin collars and finely detailed floral embroidery on the front of the garment. The tourist jacket became so popular that, in 1949, McCall patterns created a pattern for those women who preferred to make their own jacket at home (perhaps as an afterthought of their trip to Mexico). When searching for these jackets look for the finer workmanship in labels such as “Adelita,” “Azteca,” “Carolina,” “Garcia Leal linos,” “Guillermo Guevara,” “La Mexicana,” and “Lopez.” These jackets look fabulous dressed up with a swinging circle skirt, or dressed down with a pair of jeans.
Winter wear we love From
Buffalo Exchange
Chelsea NYC
Photographed by Steve Sandala Styled by Viki Stevenson & Jeanette Sandala
L
h Sweet
A
Treats O Z
Want to spread some holiday cheer to your neighbor? Heading to a party and need to take the host a gift? Check out these recipes for some super yummy treats:
M
Chocolate Mountains Ingredients: 1 Stick of butter 1/2 Cup milk 6 Tablespoons cocoa powder 2 Cups sugar 1 Teaspoon vanilla 3 Cups old-fashioned oats
Mix the first 5 ingredients together in a sauce pan. Bring to a boil, stirring costantly for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Add old-fashioned oats & mix. Drop spoonfuls onto waxed paper. They will set up in about 20 minutes Makes one dozen
Oatmeal Candy Bars Ingredients: 1 Cup Peanut Butter 2/3 Cup Honey 1/2 Cup Coconut Oil 2 Cups Oats (not instant) 1 1/4 Cups Mini Chocolate Chips 3/4 Cup Dried Cranberries In a medium size saucepan, melt peanut butter, honey and coconut oil until well blended. Remove from heat and add the rest of the ingredients, stirring until chocolate chips are fully melted. Spread into a 9x13 inch pan and refrigerate until hardened, at least one hour. Keep Refrigerated!
Presentation is Key Don't worry about taking those treats to the party in tacky disposable plastic container or giving them to your neighbor on a fancy plate you'll never see again. Check out these great ideas for a creative presentation that won't break the bank. Roll one of these recipes into balls and cover with
powdered sugar
Thrift stores are a great place to find all kinds of containers and plates at great prices. Pick up a cute china plate and use it to deliver your treat.
Mason jars are another option. They are inexpensive and the receiver can reuse them for all sorts of things. Just dress them up a bit by adding some fun ribbon.
Add some fun to a paper plate by punching holes around the rim and threading a ribbon though it.
You can cover a not-so-pretty tin with scrapbook paper and line it with waxed paper. Find more tasty treats by Buffalo Exchange at pinterest.com/buffaloexchange
OXFORDS
Model: Brittany Moultroup
Defined
The oxford reached its height of popularity in the 1920s and 1930s, and then evolved into the men’s dress footwear of choice, with wingtip variations in the 1940s and continuing through the 60s. This classic style continues to evolve as essential footwear this season and receives an update with stud details, interesting materials & combinations, foam soles and unexpected colors.
hibernate
storing your clothes for a long winter’s nap written by Mary Kolego illustrated by Jessyca Murphy
In order to prolong the life of your fall/winter items follow these simple tips: • Store all items in a clean, cool, dark, and dry place • Clean clothing thoroughly before storing to prevent staining and deter insects
KNITS & SWEATERS
o While most wool items require professional cleaning, some can be hand-washed in cold water. Refer to the care label on the garment. o DON’T: use hangers (which can stretch and distort the fabric) o INSTEAD: store in canvas storage bags, a clean suitcase or a cedar chest o Fold items carefully using acid-free tissue paper to prevent creasing o DON’T: use moth balls (which can be toxic to children and animals) o INSTEAD: include a block of cedar or scented sachet to deter moths
LEATHER
o If your leather items need cleaning, consult a professional – this can be costly, and the process can fade or alter the leather o Use hanging cloth garment bags
SHOES
o Stuff the inside of shoes or boots with acid-free tissue paper or a shoe tree o Write a description of the shoes on the box or attach a photo to make it easier to locate them when the season changes
FOLD A GARMENT FOR STORAGE In 4 Easy Steps
1.
1. Lay item face-down, placing acid-free tissue paper along back 2. Fold sides in, almost even with the collar, then fold sleeves back at the shoulder 3. Add 2nd piece of tissue paper, then fold from the bottom up towards collar 4. Unfold 3rd piece of tissue paper fully, place item atop it, wrap up from sides BONUS TIP: use the same process, replacing the tissue paper with plastic dry cleaning bags, for wrinkle-free suitcase traveling!
3.
where to find it:
2.
4.
CANVAS STORAGE BAGS – Bed Bath & Beyond, organizeit.com ACID-FREE TISSUE PAPER – nashvillewraps.com, amazon.com CEDAR BLOCKS – Lowe’s, cedarblocks.com SCENTED SACHETS – freshscents.com, greenleafgifts.com HANGING CLOTH GARMENT BAGS – wardrobesupplies.com, garmentrack.com SHOE TREES – shoebuy.com, allenedmonds.com
Model: Malcolm Robinson
DENIM
Details
Denim jackets were introduced in the early 1900s and gained popularity with cowboys, mine workers and lumberjacks as a workwear staple. This iconic jacket started a style evolution that has continued for decades. We are revisiting the denim jacket treatments that started back in the 80s & 90s: acid wash, bleaching, embellishing with studs & patches, shredding, painting, you name it- we love it!
Collecting the Past By Gneiss Hobbs Collecting is an art and a passion. It’s rooted in a love of something, some place in history or in your own life‑maybe even just a vague memory, and if it at least begins there, it can take on a life of its own. Take for example former Buffalo Exchange employee, Kristin Roth. The 1958 Ford pickup truck that she was brought home from the hospital in is parked out in front of her house. It doesn’t run, but it’s there. She also has her first tricycle and her first chair. Kristin said “I come from a long line of hoarders; organized hoarders mind you”. Collecting is in her blood. Her grandfather collected carved elephants‑over 65 of them, which her mother still has. Whether it’s her collection of 1950s sunglasses she started in the 80s, vintage sprinklers, her metal mesh handbags which include the Whiting and Davis bag her grandfather gave her grandmother in 1930, or her immense collection of Bakelite accessories, history is always with her.
Kristin loves the hunt. She started going to yard and estate sales in 1987. She says that finding an item is the most exciting part of collecting, and adds, “I think also for me it’s the actress in me who wanted to play all these different eras and all of these characters. I get excited by these things because they speak a character- they speak a story.” She often wonders how many souls have touched each piece she collects, and she truly enjoys the energy and spirit of her items. With such a large and varied collection, we asked her if she felt that her collection of over 105 Bakelite bangles was complete. She said, “For the most part. I do need a good carved red big bangle, and I would like another big green carved bangle, and then I would feel complete…perhaps.”
Model: Chelsea Mcpheeters
COLLAR Appreciation
Embellished removable collars emerged in the 1930s as an inexpensive option to add detail to simple garments. We love the resurgence of detailed collars this season. These collars frame your face nicely and give an extra pinch of glam to any outfit whether it is a party dress or a sweatshirt.
Giving Back Buffalo Exchange is a company that believes strongly in being a part of each community in which it thrives. Our stores are organically a part of every city we operate in, not only because we depend on the people living there to bring in the inventory we buy and sell, but because we knew from the start that we wanted to be involved. Our Tokens for Bags ® program* (giving a 5¢ token for a charity in place of a bag) has been one way that we have slowly but surely been able to give back. Highlighted below are just a few of the Tokens for Bags ® recipients we have donated to over the years: SECOND CHANCE DOG RESCUE - San Diego
Rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes dogs from local shelters, as well as dogs surrendered by their owners for various reasons, and dogs from Baja California, Mexico. Once they receive a dog, they provide medical care, including spay and neuter, and any necessary rehabilitation. secondchancedogrescue.org COMMON GOOD CITY FARM - Washington D.C.
Grows food, educates and helps low-income community members meet their food needs. Their programs provide hands-on training in food production, healthy eating and environmental sustainability. commongoodcityfarm.org
YOUTH ON THEIR OWN - Tucson
Supports homeless youth to the goal of a high school graduation. They provide basic human needs and guidance to all homeless and abandoned youth, ages 13-21 that have a goal to graduate from high school and have a better life. yoto.org
True Story : Pacific Beach Buffalo employee Gohar Khachatryan found an injured dog and took it to Second Chance Dog Rescue. They treated the pup (now named Emma), who regained health and now has a second chance at a happy life. We later found that it was actually Buffalo’s Tokens for Bags donation that paid for Emma’s medical bills!
Giving back can be easy! Here are some ways to give back that we gathered from these charities: • Donate – donations can be monetary, but can also be specific to the needs of the organization. Their websites usually list items they need all the time. Sometimes these are new items, and other times they are simple used items (i.e. towels for animal rescue). When you’re doing a big cleanout, remember these groups need things too! • Sign up for their mailing list or email blasts. Staying informed connects people. • Drop off kitchen scraps for composting. Community gardens always have a compost pile going! • Volunteer your time. Your time is valuable, so spending it where you can make a difference can be a win-win. *Buffalo Exchange has finally run out of green plastic bags that we used for many years when customers did need a bag, and we have decided not to reorder them anymore. However, we are happy to announce that we are continuing with our Tokens for Bags ® program. Customers can receive a token worth 5¢ to put in the charity of their choice when they • Leave without taking a bag or • Bring in their own bag for their purchases If you are in need of a bag (and sometimes you are and that’s OK) we will sell you a reusable tote bag for $2.00. We won’t be able to give you a token, but the next time you bring in that tote for your purchases, we sure will.
Photographed by Stephanie Lew Styled by Gneiss Hobbs & Stephanie Lew. Hair & Makeup by Mayra Loreto.
Featuring Buffalo Exchange Arizona employees; Saku Grant, Lisette Rubi, Brittany Neal, Kate Fernandez
Holly Jolly
Dolly Ortiz Phoenix AZ
Teshia Smith Los Angeles CA
Wearing: Peasant dress, vintage concho belt, leather boots
Wearing: Vintage jacket, Forever 21 denim, Cynthia Vincent shoes
Fun Fact: A mother of six, grandmother of eight, and is learning Mandarin Chinese
Favorite Buffalo Purchase: The real fave is a pair of American Apparel acid-washed shorts, but for fall/winter this Betsy Johnson bag will do the trick
Favorite Buffalo Purchase: Vintage Leslie Fay dress
Abdul Kasom Costa Mesa, CA How long have you shopped at Buffalo? Three years How would you describe your style? Sporty, high-end hipster What outfit are you pictured in? A jacket by Nudie Jeans, Diesel pants, Nike lux boots, Crooks & Castle snap-back hat, and retro Italian sunglasses Who are your fashion icons? Diesel founder Renzo Rosso, Yohji Yamamoto What are your Fall/Winter must-haves? Scarves and light sweaters What’s a fun fact about you? I am Javanese (as in the island of Java) What’s your best fashion advice? Spend less, shop more, & feel like a million bucks
History of a Small Business:
Buffalo Exchange from 1974 to Sometime in the 80s - Rebecca Block
T
here’s a store here in Tucson that takes old things and makes them into something unexpected and new. I love to go to this store because I get great ideas and new perspectives on how to re-use. It’s definitely a badge of honor in these parts to find something discarded and put it to new use, and it was the literal foundation of our beginnings.
a cigarette. These are now treasured photos of the early years. I think my favorites are the ones that have a fly swatter in the background, hanging on some nail. Such a simple thing and so environmentally friendly...but I digress.
Of course we also grew simply because we went where people went. Two years after the first store opened in Tucson, an employee was moving to Phoenix, so a second store was opened up there. It didn’t do too well until a new manager was hired. She’s now our Chief Operating Officer.
In 1982 we again followed an employee to a new place. This time it was Berkeley, California. The Bay Area expanded in the 80s and another two stores were opened in San Francisco. It’s hard to believe we essentially only had six stores by the end of the 80s, but it’s true. However, the concept of putting something used in the marketplace and letting customers have a great time reusing it was just getting started.
In 1979 a second Tucson store was opened, and by 1981 the first Tucson store had to be moved because it was too small. It was moved I think that’s the fun part of our history; how we into a building that Spencer and Kerstin grew through seeing value in things and people. purchased. It was an old brick building that There’s the story about the first store in 1974 had been a corner market and bookstore in where Spencer found old wood discarded from a its past. It was ‘reused’ and given new life. demolished fraternity house and used it to make It was simple and it had a lot of character. the shelving, and the bicycle wheels that were To this day we still own that building and it suspended from the ceiling to make the racks. has since been an art gallery and an office.
Keeping it simple and using what you had around you was also the time for the kitchen ads, as Spencer called them. Early advertisements were homemade, sitting around the kitchen table after In our next issue we will take our handy dandy dinner, with coffee and dessert, and, of course, fly swatter and march straight into the 90s.
“Spencer found old wood discarded from a demolished fraternity house and used it to make the shelving”
Clockwise: Kitchen Ad, 1979 (from top) Tucson, 1981 C.O.O. Vella Austin & President Kerstin Block, 1976 Berkeley, 1982
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