Forums > Hair, Makeup & Styling > Best place to source clothes on budget ?

Photographer

Hemera Visuals

Posts: 21

Dumfries, Scotland, United Kingdom

Hey everyone

Looking to put together a country/military mens editorial theme shoot together with my friend. I am wondering where is the best place to get clothes for any shoot ? And how easy is it to return clothes to a shop to get your money back?

Cheers
Cam smile

Dec 27 12 07:07 am Link

Model

Daisy Ducati

Posts: 10

Los Angeles, California, US

I'm not familiar with the differences in the UK, but where I live it is best practice to contact the home office of whatever retail store you are borrowing from and describe the nature of the shoot. If it is not for a large publication, you may have more luck with small local boutiques and designers that might need the exposure and photos. I have known some stylists to purchase items from stores with loose return policies, but this is not the most ethical practice. As with any other contributing party involved in a shoot, you should be prepared to describe to your wardrobe source why it is worth while for them to put in time and resources to help you. I hope this helps, sometimes wardrobe can be the most difficult part of a shoot, especially when you have a specific theme in mind.

Dec 28 12 11:40 am Link

Photographer

Chicchowmein

Posts: 14585

Palm Beach, Florida, US

Wardrobe stylist?

I usually pull my own wardrobe for my editorials but they are for publication but I am not averse to working with a stylist.

Hiring a stylist is probably more affordable than sourcing and they are going to have connections that you probably would not be able to access

Dec 28 12 06:15 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Laura Shipman MUA

Posts: 4

Leicester, England, United Kingdom

Loads of stylists buy and return.
Just check the stores returns policy when you buy and then leave all the tags on and be really careful with the clothes on set, keep them clean and such.

Dec 30 12 06:54 pm Link

Wardrobe Stylist

Tiffany_B

Posts: 1551

Atlanta, Georgia, US

Laura Shipman MUA wrote:
Loads of stylists buy and return.
Just check the stores returns policy when you buy and then leave all the tags on and be really careful with the clothes on set, keep them clean and such.

I can't stress enough how despicable this is.This is a HORRID practice and in some places is viewed as stealing (theft by deception is the exact term). It's also uselessly deviant when you take into account the number of stores and designers that will legitimately lend out clothes if they're asked properly and in advance. Moving on...


Hemera Visuals  wrote:
Hey everyone

Looking to put together a country/military mens editorial theme shoot together with my friend. I am wondering where is the best place to get clothes for any shoot ? And how easy is it to return clothes to a shop to get your money back?

Cheers
Cam smile

Considering you want something specific your best bet will likely be to bring on a wardrobe stylist or designer who can source clothes based on their relationships or who has something in the vein of what you're looking for. Barring that as an option you may want to look at a mix of local theater departments and boutiques as a means of mixing and matching. Ask to borrow the pieces. Many places will allow this if you 1) leave a security deposit or your credit card information in case of damage to the items and/or 2) provide them with images in a timely manner to be used as a part of their promotions. Not knowing the specific nature of your project e.g. a test shoot, magazine submissions ect. I can't really advise beyond that

Jan 13 13 01:03 pm Link

Photographer

Yan Tan Tethera

Posts: 4185

Biggleswade, England, United Kingdom

eBay. Why would you not know that.

Do you think that the world MM network is going to give you the name of a magical shop in Peebles?

Jan 13 13 01:13 pm Link

Photographer

Michael Broughton

Posts: 2288

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

try local thrift stores.

Jan 13 13 01:17 pm Link

Photographer

MichaelClements

Posts: 1739

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Army and Navy stores. Don't expect Burberry though!

Jan 13 13 01:19 pm Link

Photographer

PDF IMAGES PHOTOGRAPHY

Posts: 4606

Jacksonville, Florida, US

for the military look try these in your area... http://www.army-surplus.co.uk/militarygear/index.html

http://www.britisharmysurplus.com/

and the from USA you can order...
http://www.armynavydeals.com/asp/  , also as mentioned eBay

Jan 13 13 01:21 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Magnolia Beauty

Posts: 56

Summerville, South Carolina, US

Maybe there is a large thrift store in an area where there is a large military presence? There various military bases near me and there's a whole rack of donated army/navy/marine clothing for super cheap b.c no one would even wear that stuff outside the military (it's illegal) i think it get's picked up by stylists~ I could help you out but it's american military. Thrift stores do not accept returns. Small consignment shops may let you borrow like other MMers have said, but unless military looks are in style you're not very likely to find them (not sure if you want actual uniform pieces, or military inspired pieces)



Hemera Visuals  wrote:
Hey everyone

Looking to put together a country/military mens editorial theme shoot together with my friend. I am wondering where is the best place to get clothes for any shoot ? And how easy is it to return clothes to a shop to get your money back?

Cheers
Cam smile

Jan 13 13 01:41 pm Link