Shopping with. . . Designer Kit Scarbo

By Suzanne Singer
March 11, 2010

Project Runway alum Kit Scarbo has proven she is no fashion flash in the pan. A year after her "Project Runway Season 4" stint, Scarbo opened her studio, Black Ink Atelier, in Los Angeles, where she designs her collection. She also keeps busy as a stylist for E! Entertainment and "Dancing With The Stars." And as if that isn’t enough to keep a fashion gal content, Scarbo hosts Craft Club for Teen.com TV, where she teaches on D.I.Y. fashion like how to make make brooches out of newspapers or pom poms to decorate knit hats. Finally, she recently teamed up with skate company Etnies, where she'll serve as designer and consultant for its its girls line. Her first capsule collection debuts this Spring.

Kit Scarbo Collection presentation; Sneaker for "Kit X etnies"

Fresh from presenting her first ready-to-wear collection for Fall 2010 in New York during Fashion Week—she describes the vibe of her line as “dramatic layering pieces for every day casual shock chic”—the rising style star (and longtime eBay fan) took the time to talk about how the online marketplace fits into her life.

“I often use eBay to search for difficult to find items. I look for clothing and accessories that take too much time to hunt for in boutiques or vintage stores, like the perfect flat black boots—an amazing wardrobe staple!” She continues, “I almost always throw the word 'vintage' in front of what I am looking for in order to find a truly one-of-a kind item…the best part of eBay!” 1. Alexander McQueen Above Knee Thigh Flat Boots (buy it now price, $1,095)

“I like to search for designers that are hard to find in the States, [such as] brands like Hysteric Glamour.” 2. Hysteric Glamour Pink Leopard Sweatshirt (winning bid, $19.99)

Not only does Kit use eBay for personal use, but it also serves as a vehicle for her designs. “eBay is a great place for me to find inspiration; I often search for vintage patterns by designers I love such as Betsey Johnson and YSL.” 3. Vintage 70s Betsey Johnson Jumper Top Pants Pattern (sold for $31.50) 4. Vintage Vogue Dress Pattern Yves St. Laurent (buy it now price, $45)

“I am also always searching for bulk jewelry and vintage buttons. Vintage buttons have always inspired me. In my personal wardrobe, I am constantly buying vintage jackets/blazers and switching out the original (usually plastic) buttons for statement buttons. It’s a great trick to make any jacket or blazer instantly look amazing.” 5. Lot of 14 Vintage Fancy Assorted Metal Design Buttons (buy it now price, $12) 6. Bulk Lot of Lockets Brooches (winning bid, $23.37)

“I look for records on eBay—album covers are great sources of inspiration.” 7. On The Beach by Neil Young (buy it now price, $8.96) 8. Malcolm Mclaren 12 Inch Single Madam Butterfly (buy it now price, $5)

“I allso use eBay to find curious objects of inspiration.” 9. Vintage Russian Folk Art Dymkovo Ceramics Doll (buy it now price, $34.99)

Here’s what Kit is currently coveting on eBay:

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Silk Taffeta Dress (buy it now price, $249.99)

2. Vintage Rogers Satin Black Slip Dress (buy it now price, $24.99) “[Since I'm] Always on the hunt for wardrobe staples, I love this classic black blazer and black slip to go under any dress.”

3. Vintage 70s White Lace Ruffles Mini Dress (buy it now price, $128) ”Wanting it to be spring already, I found this great vintage white lace dress."

4. Vintage ‘80s Boyfriend Blazer (buy it now price, $48)

5. Jonathan Adler Salt and Pepper Shakers (buy it now price, $43) “Always love trying to find fun accents for my apt too!”

Suzanne Singer served as the Accessories Editor at ElleGirl and most recently, as the Associate Accessories Editor at Lucky. She can usually be found wearing at least eight rings and five necklaces.

Tags: