Rag Trade: Like Your Hip Sister's Closet

Stopped by Rag Trade last week and was very impressed. It's is a funky consignment store
run by eco-conscious, entrepreneurial, and friendly Stephanie. You can bring clothes in to trade (for cash on the spot!) or peruse the store's great selection of new and vintage finds. I love the store's green philosophy, which manifests itself in pleasantly surprising ways. For instance, instead of having your purchases bagged in one of Rag Trade's biodegradable bags, you can put a plastic coin in the baby Buddha (above) and owner Stephanie will donate the cost of the bag to a charity at the end of the week. I was also loving the store's colorful decor, eclectic furniture and neighborhoody feel.

I traded in a couple tennis skirts, a BCBG embroidered skirt, a vintage dress with a patent-leather belt and a quirky-printed top. In addition to the second-hand clothing, Rag Trade also carries brand new indie-designed clothing from England and local designers in Miami. And there is some great swapped clothing on those racks - I spied some Marc Jacobs and Diesel in addition to plenty of obscure brands. It was like raiding your hip older sister's closet. I went looking for something unique and I found it in the form of a turquoises top with a fabric flower applique by Sugar Rush - only $6. So ladies and gents (Rag Trade also has a men's section) go through your closets and bring in those things you know you just never wear but make sure it's all cleaned and preferably not mega-mainstream brands (no Old Navy here). And next time you're in the Design District stop by Rag Trade, the selection's always changing and at the very least you get to meet Stephanie, a great addition to anyone's roster of Miami peeps. You can tell a lot of thought was put into this business, and if it's any indication of where our generation is headed business-wise, it's just plain awesome.

Rag Trade is located at 4600 NE 2nd Ave. Design District, Miami. (305)573-1478