ReMade USA designer Shannon South’s favorite pieces are a vintage Armani cashmere blazer, a hand-crafted scarf and a very special ring that once belonged to her great grandmother.

As Founder and Designer of ReMade USA, Shannon South gives old leather jackets new lives as gorgeously handmade bags, clutches, iPad and iPhone cases. It seems only fitting that one of the favorite pieces in her closet is a vintage jacket. This one, however, is made from cashmere, not leather.

“I got this Armani Collezioni cashmere pinstripe blazer at a consignment store in San Francisco a few years ago,” Shannon says. “I was first attracted to its softness and when I tried it on, it fit me perfectly. I rarely buy expensive designer clothes and even on consignment this was well over my normal price range, but I could not resist the tailoring.”

Most of us never count on spending a lot of money when walking into consignment, vintage or second hand stores, but sometimes it’s just worth it. Considering the quality and versatility of the garment, the CPW (cost per wear) may be far less than a less expensive dress that you’ll end up wearing just a few times.

“I cannot tell you how many times I have worn this jacket — It goes with so many things and it is probably the most high-end designer item I own,” says Shannon. “I have never had a jacket fit me as well as this one and I always feel so polished when I wear it. It’s a reminder to me to save my money to buy quality, classic clothes, even if they are used. I feel better when I wear them and they last way longer than the cheap, trendy stuff.”

Speaking of craft, another favorite of Shannon’s is a loop scarf that she made last winter. “I bought the yarn at a knitting store in Williamsburg, on my way to a knitting party with my old studio mates. It comes from a small, organic farm where they hand-dye the wool in small batches. It is the one and only thing I have ever knitted and it reminds me of happy times with friends.”

“Lastly,” Shannon says, “my wedding band is the one staple that I wear everyday. It’s a traditional ring that is more practical to wear than my engagement ring when I am working. It was handed down from my great grandmother who I never met. I’m the only other person to ever wear it and somehow it makes me feel connected to her.”

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