In My Closet: Buffalo Exchange Store Manager Sarah Maloney

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Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Marti Zimlin, GoLocalPDX Contributor

If you have been to the Buffalo Exchange on West Burnside, you will most likely have encountered Sarah Maloney, the super stylish, punk-meets-Goth store manager who is the voice of what the store buys – having one of the keenest eyes in the business.  

Sarah is  known for her amazing accessories and flawless eye makeup – her closet is a mishmash of brands from Luis Vuitton and Hermes to Jeffrey Campbell, Free People and H&M.

What one word sums up your style? 
Neo-Goth.

What influences you when it comes to style and shopping?

Music inspires me a lot. I also am influenced by the early '80s post-punk Goth looks. Romanticism, lace, velvet, and leather are some of my favorite materials. I also enjoy occultist symbolism mixed with religious (Catholic) idolatry.

What is your favorite article of clothing in your closet? 

A layered rose lace dress from Free People with asymmetric hems. It's something that always makes me feel great when I wear it.  

Definitely a go-to piece in my closet.

What are your favorite stores to shop in Portland?

Since I work for Buffalo Exchange, I usually prefer to shop there. I also enjoy H&M for basics like t-shirts. I love Solestruck, but again, I usually wait 'til I see styles I want come into my store. It happens pretty frequently. 

Who are your go-to designers? 

Free People, Jeffrey Campbell, and Pamela Love for jewelry. Any designer featured on Bona Drag. UNIF.

What's been your best shopping find? 

I've acquired several Louis Vuitton handbags as well as two amazing Hermes scarves.

What's your special occasion go-to piece? 

A rust-colored velvet dress reminiscent of the 130 by Loup.

If you had to pick only one thing from your closet during an emergency, what would it be? 

Any of my black maxi dresses. These are pieces that I can wear to work or for going out. They are also extremely comfortable.

What has been your biggest fashion miss? 

When I thought I had to 'grow up' and I wore a lot of denim and peasant blouses. I am a firm believer in not having to dress your age.

What do you think about Portland style?

I enjoy it. It can sometimes feel a bit redundant, but it works for this city. I wish women would embrace more classic looks like wide leg trousers with smart tops and lovely linen in the summer, but I get that's not the vibe here.

I feel like Portland men are really starting to get it, though. I've been impressed with their style evolution over the past couple of years.

Footwear is important – who rules your shoe closet?

Footwear is where I tend to be really trendy. I buy a lot of throwaway brands, but when I invest, it's usually Jeffrey Campbell or Frye. My Frye harness boots are my fall and winter staple.

And one last question – What is your go-to work outfit?

A black maxi dress, lol!  Easy to dress up, comfortable enough to be in all day and go out in after work.

 

Marti Zimlin is a fashion-obsessed New Yorker living in Portland who spent years working at fashion magazines. She never met a Chanel bag, Proenza Schouler dress or piece of rose gold jewelery that she hasn't liked. She blogs daily about Jeff Goldblum and about fashion and other random musings at martizinpdx.blogspot.com.

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Related Slideshow: Slideshow: Portland Threads: Vintage and Thrift

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