TABLE Magazine contributor Nicole Barley shares one of the ‘burgh’s finest vintage retailers, Dead Byrd Vintage. Owner Dana Broeker just happens to be an excellent photographer and stylist. Together, they make the point that sustainability and beauty can go hand in hand.

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Whether you shop vintage and resale clothing for the amazing finds, the sustainable habits, or both, what’s old is definitely new again.

Eileen Fisher was one of the first in the game, with Eileen Fisher Renew, a program now 10 years running, in which shoppers are rewarded for bringing back clothing to be resold or donated by the retailer. Recently, Nordstrom opened See You Tomorrow, a resale shop in New York City stocked with clothing previously purchased from, you guessed it, Nordstrom.

Online consignment in particular is having a moment, thanks to sites like ThredUp, PoshMark and The RealReal, with the later raising nearly $300 million in its IPO this past July.

Here in Pittsburgh, we’re loving Dead Byrd Vintage, an online shop brimming with “wearable, everyday, approachable” vintage pieces, says owner Dana Broeker.

By combining her childhood love of thrifting with her years of professional experience in photography and the fashion industry, Broeker has created a virtual destination for vintage must-haves. “I realized that there are people out there that don’t want to spend time at the thrift store, sifting through all of this stuff, where that’s what I enjoy doing. Pulling that into a curated shop allows it to be a pleasurable experience [for the shopper].”

Visit the site to explore timeless staples that play well with current trends and everyday outfits — like striped and printed blouses, trousers, Levi’s denim, oversized blazers (shoulder pads optional), and chunky cable knit fisherman sweaters. “That wool, classic cream crew always sells out immediately,” she says.

Broeker gravitates toward a neutral color palette and seeks out well-made silk, wool and cotton pieces that have stood the test of time. “They’ve lasted already 20 years plus, they’re probably going to last another 20 years plus,” she says, not only speaking to the quality. “You know, everything comes back around in fashion.”

This season, don’t be afraid to play with a bold vintage blouse. Go for ruffles, a high-collar or a puffy sleeve. Pair it with jeans and heels for an easy, on-trend look.

One of Broeker’s favorite all-time finds is a black and white mink and leather chevron-tie waistcoat from Kaufmann's. “I absolutely loved the coat visually, but even more so that it was a local vintage piece. Being from Pittsburgh and having heard stories of my mom and grandmother both going downtown to shop at department stores like Kaufmann's and Joseph Horne’s, it always feels special to find those pieces.”

She’s recently updated the site with 50 fresh pieces for spring — and don’t worry. “It doesn't matter what time of year it is, I will always sell my classic cream cable knit wool sweaters.”

Shop Dead Byrd Vintage online anytime.

Photo Credits:

Model: Angelica Kim

Makeup Artist: Marie Miclot

Photographer: Dana Broeker

Jewelry: Soft-Gold.co

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Second Hand Is First Rate