Shop Feature: Who’s the Cloth

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where are you based? How do you spend yourdays?

I’m Collenne and I live outside of Boston in Medford, MA, with my husband and an almost-12-year-old German Shepherd (she’s my parents’ dog and on an extended stay with us). I sell full-time at Who’s The Cloth. I spend my off-hours reading (currently: Worry by Alexandra Tanner, next: The Age of Magical Overthinking by Amanda Montell), hiking, practicing Pilates, doing crosswords, and working on my 150+ year-old house. I grew up going to antique stores, auctions, estate sales, and flea markets (all before these were ‘cool’). My parents instilled in me an appreciation for the old, and I bring that ethos to my work and personal style, both on my body and in my home.

How did you hear about Noihsaf Bazaar / when did you become a part of the community?

I found Noihsaf in 2016 through the slow fashion community on Instagram. I’d been selling my clothes on eBay, a vast space and impersonal experience. Using IG as a collective sales platform felt innovative and community-minded. I’ve loved participating in Noihsaf’s growth and seeing it evolve while retaining its small, curated feel. The website is truly a pleasure as a seller (and buyer): no figuring out which zip code was first, no back and forth to get PayPal information, and no ghosting (IYKYK). I love supporting other small businesses and individual sellers, as well as Noihsaf itself, as opposed to the large, venture-backed platforms.

How would you describe your personal style? Do you have any style inspirations that you return to?

I’m not sure how I’d describe my style, but I know what I like and what I don’t. I like to dress for comfort and ease while feeling and (hopefully) looking put together. I wear a lot of knits. Sweaters are my cheat code for getting dressed: they’re easy to layer, which instantly adds style to an outfit, but are basically fancy sweatshirts (which I also love). I stick to pants and jeans and love a wide leg. I’m also a sucker for prints, especially stripes and florals—I love a good power clash. I try to wear my clothes to death. My favorite striped top is on its last legs but I plan to squeeze every remaining wear out of it.

My husband’s grandmother was incredibly stylish, and I’ve frequently looked to her for inspiration. A lifelong New Yorker, she embodied chic. Her ‘70s-era style is an especial touchstone for me: wide leg pants, perfectly oversized sunglasses, silk headscarves, incredible prints. I have several vintage pieces that belonged to her, including a tan leather trench and a handknit wool hooded shawl. Before she died, she gave me a gold pendant necklace she purchased in Venice decades earlier. It’s a treasured piece I wear often.

I’ve always found style inspiration in TV and film. After watching Contempt in college, I did it up with cat-eyeliner, wide headbands, and striped tees to (I’m sure poorly) emulate Brigitte Bardot. Mad Men was airing during my first post-college job, and I looked there for retro workwear cues (bow neck blouses, matching lips and nails, houndstooth). I’m currently watching season one of Physical and love the costuming, especially Sheila’s (Rose Byrne’s) early ‘80s SoCal-by-way-of-Berkeley Mom meets late ‘70s disco chic. No perm for me, but I plan to seek out some gold chains for layering. The belted leotards are fantastic, too.

There are several thoughtful, compelling fashion writers whose work I find inspiring: Rachel Tashjian at The Washington Post (I dream of getting her newsletter “Opulent Tips”) and Lucianne Tonti, who writes for The Guardian and elsewhere. Her book Sundressed: Natural Fabrics and the Future of Clothing looks at the potential of regenerative materials, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in sustainable fashion. Also, Substacks, so many Substacks: Emilia Petrarca’s “Shop Rat,” Harling Ross Anton’s “Gumshoe,” and Laura Reilly’s “Magasin” are all amazing.

What is your favorite Noihsaf score?

A light blue, vintage barrette I scored back in the IG days. It has a unique curved shape and looks like striated stone from afar.

Do you have any designers/brands that you’re especially into these days?

Perennial favorites are babaá, Rachel Comey, Apiece Apart, Micaela Greg, Caron Callahan, Cordera, No.6 Store, Beklina, and Lindquist Object. I’m a big fan of vintage‘90s brands like Jones New York, Eddie Bauer, L.L. Bean, and Ann Taylor—lots of high-quality, natural fiber basics!

Favorite song to play when getting dressed?

Ooof, this question is making me realize I don’t listen to music while getting dressed as often as I should. The Last Dinner Party has been on heavy rotation lately but historically, “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga.