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Sidewalk Style: Night Vision

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This week, we zero in on a couple with great thrift-store date style.

By Sarah Zlotnick   Published Friday, September 18, 2009

Photograph by Chris Svetlik.

Who: Donna Harati, 21, and Trey Bussey, 22

Where we spotted them: On Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown on a post-dinner stroll.

Your outfits look like there’s a history behind them. Where is everything from?
Donna: “My shirt is from one of those special collections for Target. The umbrella is from Target, too. People have given me a hard time for it because they claim it’s “frou-frou,” but it’s the sturdiest umbrella I’ve ever had. My skirt is from the best thrift store ever in Austin, Texas—they’re all over the place there, so you can find really great stuff at really low prices.”
Trey: “I got the shirt at least seven years ago, and I’m pretty sure it’s from a thrift store in Phoenix.”

And all the accessories?
Donna: “My shoes were 99 cents at a thrift store in Cranks Creek, Kentucky, where I was participating in an ‘alternative spring break’ trip. The bracelets are from all over—I just wear them until they fall off or deteriorate. My bag was my mom’s. She was about to throw it out, I intervened, and I’ve been using it pretty much every day at school for five years now. My mom’s and grandma’s closets are my favorite places to find clothes.”
Trey: “The belt says “Arizona” on the buckle, and it has some nice weaving on the back. My mom gave it to me at the airport when I first left for college—I’m supposed to look down and remember my Southwestern roots.”

Comments

Her shoes are amazing. I can’t believe they were only 99 cents- that’s style with a story!

Posted by: love, Oct 22, 2009 02:01:52 PM

Love the shoes!!

p.s. I go to Parsons and I’m making a pair of oxfords in my shoe design class- super complicated!

Posted by: Nick, Oct 20, 2009 08:16:59 PM

Love the shoes!!

p.s. I go to Parsons and I’m making a form of oxfords in my shoe design class- super complicated!

Posted by: Nick, Oct 20, 2009 08:15:41 PM

I find it extremely ironic that the "features editor" of this blog seems as desperately out of touch with their target audience as the previous comment from the "features editor" from a "magazine I can’t speak of on the internet." Why don’t you quit the name dropping and lend some credibility to your post? First off, I had no clue half of the things you are saying even relate to fashion; I still don’t think they do. Items can be loved and have sentimental meaning, but it doesn’t have to be a handbag that is falling apart. What happened to the mink coats of our mother’s time with shoulder pads? There are other ways to be trendy by wearing pieces that matter to you, without looking like you are 40 years old.

I’m sorry "Hilda," but you lost all your credibility at "a naive and surface oriented format." Unless you are a student at FIT, please drop the ridiculous attempts to distance yourself from the reading public by using big words. I think it would allow all the readers a better grasp on your real ideas.

Posted by: megan, Oct 14, 2009 08:34:29 AM

Opinions are meant to be personal and respected and that’s why it’s ok to think they’re well dressed I just don’t think your credibility as a features editor automatically makes their outfits fashionable.

But I just want to say one thing, why is it that most but not all people who get stopped in the streets of DC because of their "style" seem to be average people with nothing to oohh and ahh over? There’s just a fine line between fashion and monstrosities that people put on their backs but somehow there’s a reason to justify that? Hmm, just wondering

Posted by: Diana, Sep 30, 2009 11:05:41 AM

Y’ALL ARE SO CUTE!

Posted by: grannieluvr, Sep 30, 2009 06:16:55 AM

note: within

Posted by: Hilda R. , Sep 28, 2009 11:10:36 PM

I ran across this blog, and as I review the responses, I feel the need to comment on some of the lukewarm attempts at critiquing this fine couple. I’m currently a features editor under one of the largest editorial publications in the US (I cannot comment on specifics online). I also assist with the website which inevitably has led me here.
There is a growing lack of sentiment when it comes to dressing, and because of that, the relationship between garment and wearer has been reduced to a naive and surface oriented format. I don’t believe that gender roles or age restrictions are all too relevant in today’s zeitgeist- specifically when it comes to the youth subculture. However, there is that kitschy bug spreading fast; the thing is, I don’t believe they are being ironic. They didn’t come across their garments and accessories at the all too familiar Beacon’s Closet, nor did they attempt a, heaven forbid, Urban Outfitters conquest. From reading the blog entry, it seems most of their purchases were made from travels and home affection.
Donna and Trey view garments from an artifactual standpoint- a dying art I have become all too familiar with in my line of work. Donna’s innate sense of collaboration between fabrication and print seems to be serving her well, and Trey’s look evokes Southern charm without it being an obsequious nod to a western cult classic. All in all, I would say readers would do right by taking a few notes from this adorable couple.

Note to those with past responses: I do not wish to cause confrontation.

Regards,

Hilda R.

Posted by: Hilda R. , Sep 28, 2009 11:07:46 PM

the shoes and the shirt are ugly, the top is cute, the couple is cute... the clothes not so much

Posted by: Ro, Sep 22, 2009 07:51:59 AM

Seriously, this couple looks like they’re trying to dress twice their age. I don’t find this look trendy or interesting.

Posted by: deb454, Sep 21, 2009 10:00:58 AM

This is exactly why DC is not known for fashion... if anything people see us as unfashionable. With all respect, this couple’s clothes looks so old and worn out. Just because someone breaks out of the typical navy blue, grey and black color palette that conservative Washingtonians stick to doesn’t mean it’s chic or fashionable.

Who ever stops these people in the streets of DC needs to get fired and have a better eye for fashion when they see it, not gasp at the sight of a young couple dressed like grandparents.

Posted by: Jessica , Sep 21, 2009 08:38:09 AM

Thanks Trey see you tonight ;)


holla at NILu

Posted by: Lady at Harmony, Sep 20, 2009 08:44:43 AM

what a cute couple!!! reminds me when i used to go to georgetown on dates with my then boyfriend ;) in the early 90’s.

Posted by: marilyn - former washingtonian, Sep 19, 2009 05:13:10 PM

This girl is my best friend. I call her Donnald because she’s legit. She’s probably the best all round person I know. I use her name as a comeback. Trey is legit too... so recognize. Also, hey David!

Posted by: jane doe , Sep 19, 2009 02:13:43 PM

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