Those of us who have watched Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New York City from its initial debut in 2008 have witnessed Alex McCord transform from a so-called “social climber” in the first season to a charitable, level-headed, intelligent and stylish woman in Season Two. Through both seasons, however, one thing never changed — her obvious love of fashion.
Smack in the middle of New York Fashion week, and with the March 4 premiere of the third season of Housewives just around the corner, I asked Alex to answer a few Tonic-worthy questions about her current job with luxury consignment store, Second Time Around, and to share her personal take on the fashion industry:
Tell us a little something about Second Time around?
Second Time Around is a family-owned chain of upscale designer consignment clothing, with 25 stores up and down the east coast from Maine to D.C., and Chicago as well. They have 3 stores in New York City, and were noted by Vanity Fair as one of the top 3 consignment stores in NYC.
What is your role with Second Time Around?
They are one of my retail clients and I serve as their Director of Creative Operations. To that end, I help them plan store openings and special events as well as more behind the scenes work as well.
Why is Second Time Around important for fashionistas?
STA allows women to be fearless when it comes to fashion choices. If you buy something and when you get it home, it just doesn’t work, you can consign it and send it back into the community where someone else will fall in love with it. Also, STA allows women on a budget to buy designer labels at 50- to 75-percent off, which is always amazing, but even more pertinent in this economy.
How often do you wear second-hand clothing?
Twice this week — a great TSE cashmere tank, and a fab Nanette Lepore black and pink lace cocktail dress with a suede jacket (left) out to John Bartlett’s show and the GenArt presentation. This fashion week I am wearing either clothes from the designers whose shows I’m attending, or wearing off-the-rack pieces from the Mott Street Second Time Around, all of which will be available in the store after fashion week.
PS — Simon is in head-to-toe John Bartlett in that pic.
You have been photographed in a “Feed” shirt designed by Maggie Norris (below). Do you have any new favorite items from designers who are making an effort to push the eco-friendly fashion movement?
I applaud all designers and retailers who take steps to be more eco-friendly — if everyone out there takes baby steps toward “green-ing” their operations we can make a world of difference. I love Allison Parris, whose show I’ll be attending later this week and whose feather dress with organic silk I wore to the Us Weekly’s “25 Most Stylish New Yorkers” party.
I think eco-friendly clothing often conjures up images of uncomfortable, unflattering, hemp designs. Share with us some of your favorite pieces that dispel that notion…
If I told you that Allison’s feather dress was lined with PET satin — made out of recycled plastic bottles — you’d say ‘OUCH’ as a knee-jerk reaction. In reality, it was a soft, comfy dress and you’d never know you were wearing something made from plastics.
How can an average person combine a love of fashion with charitable work?
There are so many ways to give back when it comes to fashion. At STA you can opt to have the proceeds of your items go to charity and there are many, many charities which run their own thrift shops. In New York there are multiple charity events nearly every night and there’s always a silent auction with clothing or accessories donated by great designers. My husband Simon and I are also on the board of the Brooklyn Style Foundation which offers young designers materials and mentoring to help to get themselves started and we produce Brooklyn Fashion Week{end}.
What upcoming NYC shows are you excited to see?
We really loved John Bartlett’s show which was Wednesday, and I can’t wait to see Allison Parris, Loris Diran, Walter, Malan Breton, Pamella Roland….there are so many. Also the Academy of Art University show on Saturday — that’s always so exciting!
What kind of changes would you like to see in the design world?
I’d like to see every single house take a step toward becoming more green and more socially conscious. I’d like to live in a world where fair trade fashion is the rule, and the wealth of available recycled materials becomes a standard. Oh no, I’m not idealistic at all!! 
Your husband, Simon, often turns heads with his fashion choices. Tell us how you feel about his sense of style?
I am so happy to be married to a fashion risk-taker. He is never afraid of trying new things and is a fashion chameleon. He’s going to be in some great get-ups this season on Real Housewives!
Portraits courtesy Bravo
Simon & Alex pic by Getty Images
“Feed” top pic by PR Photos