Industry Spotlight: College Graduate Opens Online Thrift Store

21-year-old Tori Ewald turned her life-long love of fashion into an online vintage shop, Restore Thrift. She makes the daunting task of shopping in a thrift store easy with her curated finds. Read more about Tori and Restore Thrift in our interview with her below!

Photo c/o Tori Ewald

DGG: Tell us about yourself, Tori.
Tori Ewald: I am 21 years old and just graduated from Hope College. My home is in Metro-Detroit, but I am currently living over on the west side of the state (Lake Michigan has stolen my heart). All my life I have always loved clothing as a form of personal expression and creativity. As a child I was more obsessed with dressing dolls than actually playing with them. This love for style has stuck with me, and I am now seeking career paths that marry my passion for clothing with my heart for people. I desire to see radical change and transparency in the fashion industry through the slow fashion movement. I truly believe that the creators of our clothes should be recognized for their craft not exploited as a result of our overconsumption. When I am not sourcing and photographing clothes for Restore I am either throwing bowls in the ceramics studio, indulging in salted caramel ice cream, planning adventures with my best friends, studying all things social media, eating tacos, catching a sunset on the lake, or cooking up the world’s best omelet (well, at least in my opinion).

DGG: Tell us about Restore.
TE: Restore Thrift is an online shop that sells curated thrifted clothing. Resale is a great alternative to purchasing brand new clothing, but often the task of sifting through a sea of color-coded racks is overwhelming. Luckily, finding hidden gems in crowded second-hand stores is one of my favorite things to do. Each piece that is sold on Restore Thrift is hand-picked with a specific vibe in mind.

DGG: What inspired you to start your store?
TE: Throughout my life I was constantly purchasing trendy clothing from big brands to add to an already packed closet, but recently I discovered the many horrible realities and injustices resulting from the fast fashion industry today. How could this seemingly glamorous industry have such disregard for human lives and the environment? We already have plenty of sweet clothes on this earth so why not recycle what has already been created! As I searched for alternatives to purchasing cheaply made clothing, I realized that I really could not find any brick-and-mortar resale stores that were doing it right-- most were either over-priced or just plain out of style. Buying second-hand can be just as cool as buying brand new, but jam-packed racks of t-shirts and grandma sweaters at a thrift store can be daunting to some people. I have always had a knack for searching for great finds in second-hand stores for myself, so I figured I would open my own online version of a resale shop!

DGG: Where do you see your store in the next 5 years?
TE: I am really excited because this summer I will be participating in a few vintage markets around Michigan. I hope to have more opportunities to do local pop-up shops. Other than that I hope that I can continue to grow my shop and expand my customer reach beyond my local area.

Photo c/o Tori Ewald

DGG: What's your favorite vintage piece you've found?
TE: My personal favorite find would have to be a pair of super vintage knee high Dr. Marten leather boots (practically a steal at $10!). As for an item for Restore, recently I found a vintage Dior cashmere sweater that has such elegant beaded details. It is absolutely beautiful.

DGG: Describe your style.
TE: I always find it hard to pinpoint my style specifically because it is always evolving. Recently though my wardrobe has slowly become more refined as I seek to purchase quality pieces that are timeless and will last a long time instead of overly trendy pieces. I am obsessed with Alexa Chung and find myself trying to emulate her effortlessly cool looks. My current uniform would be vintage cropped high rise Levi’s, a stone-washed black cropped t-shirt, old-school high top vans, and big silver hoop earrings. My closet is mostly filled with solid black, denim, or stripes and I absolutely love a good worn in jean jacket.

DGG: How do you take your coffee?
TE: Just a dash of cream, but I recently tried a lavender latte and let me tell you I’m obsessed!

DGG: Dior or Chanel? 
TE: Dior

DGG: The Real Real or What Goes Around Comes Around?
TE: The Real Real is so cool but ThredUp is more in my price range. As for a brick-and-mortar resale shop I am obsessed with Buffalo Exchange.

Photo c/o Tori Ewald

By Alex Donlin

Do It: This Weekend's Style, Beauty and Fashion Events That are Not to Be Missed

This weekend is full of fun and fashionable things to do, so if you're itching to hit the town, these events will keep you busy.

ORT and the City | Thursday, May 19
ORT, one of the largest educational organizations in the world, will be hosting a fundraiser that includes a silent auction featuring unique designs of wearable and livable art designed by students from the College for Creative Studies. The unique pieces are inspired by "Detroit neighborhoods" and include clothing, accessories and furniture from the Somerset Collection. A strolling dinner will be provided via various food trucks, in addition to passed hors d'oeuvres, dessert and an open bar. There will also be a graffiti artist creating a masterpiece, which will be for sale that evening. Tickets start at $100 per person, or $55 for those under 30. The event will take place at Eastern Market and starts at 6:30 p.m. To secure tickets, please call 248-723-8860.

Eastern Market is located at 2934 Russell St., in Detroit.


FGI-Detroit Fashion Tribute Luncheon | Friday, May 20
Join the Fashion Group International of Detroit as they pay tribute to Detroit fashion legends Rosemary Bannon and Linda Dresner. The luncheon will be held at the Heathers Club in Bloomfield Hills and goes from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are available here, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Barbara Ann Kamanos Cancer Institute.

The Heathers Club is located at 900 Upper Scotsborough Way, in Bloomfield Hills.


The Vintage Market - Spring Market Day | Saturday, May 21
The Vintage Market is a vintage inspired, flea-market style, open-air shopping event featuring amazing local artisans, shops and small businesses. This time, it will be held at Elizabeth Park in Trenton, and goes all day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It's first market of its kind to come to the Downriver area. Everything from gypsy couture to kitchenware, as well as delicious local food, and admission is free!

Elizabeth Park is located at 4461 Elizabeth Dr., in Trenton.


Sugar Islands Ice Cream Soc(ial) | Sunday, May 22
Come down and have fun with alcohol-infused ice cream! Aloha Donnie will take you on a tour of the Sugar Islands, including some ice cream cookie sandwiches, a boozy root bear float, champagne and sorbet mimosas and possibly a popsicle or two. You will be exploring new flavor combinations and concepts. The event will be held at The Sugar House and stats at 5 p.m.

The Sugar House is located at 2130 Michigan Ave., in Detroit.


Walk Fashion Show Sunday | Sunday, May 22
Calling all Detroit fashion enthusiasts! The Walk Fashion Show is returning to Eastern Market for a special one day show. The 13th edition of the show will feature established, independent and emerging designers, as well as over 50 Metro Detroit business owners, offering clothing and jewelry, live entertainment, great food and more. For more details, head here. The event goes from 3 to 9 p.m.

Eastern Market is located at 2934 Russell St., in Detroit.