When former Recycled Lines customers Christina Boehk and Michelle DeMartino heard the founders of the company were interested in selling the business, the lifelong friends jumped at the chance to realize their dream of owning a small business together. Since 2022, the Fairfield Moms have revamped and expanded the brand to make it their own. Looking to add that must-have piece to your wardrobe or looking to offload pieces to become someone else’s treasure? - Recycled Lines is fast becoming the first stop for fashion for the whole family.
FLM: How do you describe Recycled Lines?
M & C : Recycled Lines provides consigned clothing to both a broad, yet unique audience that includes Boys, Men, Women and Girls. Many Fairfield County consignment shops specialize only in Women’s, Teens, and Girls clothing. However, our founders, mothers of Fairfield Prep students, saw this niche community of Young Men and saw the need to reuse prep school uniforms. Christina and I took the chance to include women’s and girls clothing and have had much success.
FLM: Why consign?
M: Why pay full or sale price when you can find like-new clothing for half off or more! With the rise of performance fabric, clothing has become even more reusable than it was in the past. These fabrics aren’t prone to fading, wear and tear, and still look fantastic after multiple uses, they are the perfect candidates for consignment. Of course not all clothing is performance, but when clothing is loved and well-maintained, it remains desirable for future usage.
C: The thrill of the find is what I love about consignment. You can find pieces that are unique or past seasons but in like-new condition. As a consignor, it gives you the chance to put your clothing back into circulation and give it a second chance all while making money of your own!
FLM: How does the process work for consigning and for shopping?
C & M : Recycled Lines collects clothing on a quarterly basis based on seasonal needs. We hold quarterly pop-up sales at the Fairfield Museum and update our inventory on our Recycled Lines website regularly.
FLM: Closet clean outs can be overwhelming. Can you give tips or advice on how best to clean out your closets for consignment?
M: We encourage our consignors to ask themselves, would I buy this item, is it still in style or is it dated? If it feels dated, we ask that they donate the items to those in need. Clothing that is still fashionable sells, so that is what we are looking for, clean, classic, clothing.
C: When I clean my closet out, I ask myself “When was the last time I wore this?” If I haven't worn an item of clothing in a while it's time to part with it even though in the back of my mind, I think I might wear it - the reality is I'm not going to wear it. So that would be an item I would part with and give it a second home.
FLM: What are you typically looking for? What are popular items your clients shop for?
M: We feature classic, coastal brands such as Vineyard Vines, Lilly Pulitzer, J.Crew and Patagonia. Our most popular items include navy blazers, button down shirts, khakis ties, and belts for men and boys. Women’s and girls’ bestsellers include dresses and pretty blouses.
C: Our activewear is a hot seller too - anything Lululemon, Athelta and Aviator Nation!
FLM: What is a must-have for Fall?
M: This fall I’ll be on the look-out for the perfect jacket that will look great with jeans for an easy put-together appearance.
C: A must have for this Fall will definitely be a coastal cotton sweater you can pair with jeans or throw over your shoulders on a chilly night!
FLM: What do you love most, being small business owners in Fairfield?
M: I find the relationships we’ve formed with our customers and consignors the most rewarding. While Fairfield is a large town, the personal connections we have with our Recycled Lines family makes it feel like we are truly part of this community and we are providing a wonderful service to our fellow Fairfield families. Recycled Lines has allowed us to work part-time, on our own schedule, and provide quality consigned clothing to our community and to those in need.
C: The relationships we have with our customers and consignors for sure! We have met so many great people along the way and that truly has been the most rewarding. Like Michelle said, working on our own schedule is also a perk - we both have busy families and being able to work around them is great.
For the latest information on pop-ups and clothing drops follow on Instagram @recycledlines. For shopping back to school and Fall wardrobe updates visit recycledlines.com