I confess, I do buy things even though I sew. I get a lot of stuff from India and Egypt online. I'm fat, so I can't get the more exotic items locally in Northern Utah.

I love the Hot Topic clearance rack. ebay and etsy.com are good bets too. And there are always thrift shops. It all depends on what sort of "cool shit" you're looking for. Oh, and the links on icanhascheeburger (aka LOLcats) look fun.

Or keep an eye on the playa trading post tribe, sometimes people give away very nice things.

What did you have in mind?

I would recommend going to a Burner clothing swap rather than buying for the most part. You can get REALLY cool clothes--the very ones you see on people--and you are keeping with the spirit of Burning Man. Hell, you can even set UP a clothing swap in your area as a way to get some--that's what I did my first year and I got some amazing things. I put some of my more interesting stuff I didn't want in the swap and people took them happily, so it was a fair trade.

Just advertise on the Burner Tribes that you are having one such and such a date---especially on the Tribes that are specific to your area (where do you live and we'll hook you up with folks from your area). Wait until about two months or six weeks before the Burn--that's when people really start thinking about their wardrobe and getting rid of stuff they don't want anymore.

tribes.tribe.net/playatradinpost is a good Tribe to join. Then start asking. If you want something specific, ask--you never know who might see your post and say "I have one of those in my closet I never wear anymore--I'll send it to her." I got a $400 Dark Gardens corset for FREE that way. I just posted I was looking for a corset.

Mostly--haunt the thrift stores in your area--go back often and really be willing to spend time looking. I don't have any skill in sewing to speak of, so I wear things as they are--and have been very happy with the things I've found at thrift stores.

But other than some of the higher ticket items like coats (check out Lulie's stuff at www.lulievision.com/) you should be able to come up with some ROCKING clothes WITHOUT spending a cent--or at least--very little (and I actually got a full-length faux fur coat at a thrift store for $14 that I LOVE) . Remember--recycling includes clothing--and it's the Burner way!

It's funny, I was going to post a topic very similar to this.

I've been out at Burner events lately, and always seen a person or two in these AWESOME pants-- sort of stretchy-jersey cotton looking material, about pedal-pusher length (right below knee), with some ruffles at the bottom. (not huge fluffy ones, but just a ruffle or two of extra fabric). Not into making a pair, because stretch fabric SUUUUCKS to work with, and I don't have a serger, so.... anyone know a (local to SF, burner-friendly) company that sells these?

My wife sells clothes/accessories on etsy
CatChloeDesigns.etsy.com
She is in this tribe, and will make custom-made to order as well as the designs posted on the etsy website.
Her name on tribe is CatSpiracy (she is obviously on my friends list)
WE live in San Bernardino, not exactly local... but close enough to meet for fittings and such.

Whew! those sites are spendy! I personally hit up second hand stores, and keep and open mind, alter, combine, embellish items. Sewing is truly very easy. And fun!

Etsy definitely rocks.

Don't forget:
Phoenix Rising -
www.phoenixrisingartists.com

Melodia Designs -
stores.shop.ebay.com/Melodia..._armrsZ1

LulieVision -
www.lulievision.com/

Personally, I find A LOT of really awesome burner type stuff in the stripper stores on Hollywood Blvd, and it's not that expensive either. Lots of neon colors and shiny things. I find a lot of things there that I can mix and match and customize into really fab outfits that get a lot of positive feedback at burner events.

Also, I sometimes find good things at Crossroads Trading Co (not all the time, but sometimes), which is a chain of resale shops. Pricier than Goodwill, but much better quality.

American Apparel can also be useful, especially for basics to add on to/customize, since they sell a lot of basic garments in every imaginable color, including shiny metallics. (I'm totally in love with their silver lame hot pants).

A lot of the time, creativity with how you choose/combine/layer items, or wearing things in unexpected ways, can be even more important that an ability to sew.

It's easy, while at Burning Man, strip naked, have someone paint on your front and back:

"DRESS ME"


It should work great!

where do you live Bodhi?

I'm in LA... and I'm a big thrift store shopper. It's really kinda amazing what you can find at your local thrift store. I don't do the furry look (that would probably be pretty hard to find at a thrift store), but i'm made a few steam punk, firefly-ish, outfits from what i've found at thrift stores.

www.ojala.etsy.com

has some super sassy, comfy and versatile clothes. Pants are the #1 thing sold but they are AMAZING. i wear them to festivals (and constantly get compliments) and as well as around town day to day. They are pretty versatile on and off the playa

Hello! In addition to thrift stores and Lulie's stuff (I saw someone mention her- she's great, located in Santa Monica), try stripper stores. There are a ton in/around Hollywood and some of them have some unique and unexpected items. My favorite is on Hollywood Blvd, between Cahuenga and Highland. I think it's called Foreplay, but I'm not sure. They have all kinds of corsets, bathing suits, faux fur boot/shoe covers. I'm going shopping soon myself!

where I can just BUY shit?


Seriously??? If you don't want to sew - find a seamstress and give directions. or tear apart or pin together items you find all around you. i swear, everyone has a bit of creativity if they just choose to look for it.

ask around your local community. Many people like my self make custom pieces, sell our old stuff or offer low cost classes to help you make your own stuff at any skill level.

jennsputer.etsy.com/

That's my stuff btw... So, I think it's uber cool.