MARYSVILLE — The economic downturn might be impacting the world of fashion design, but Patricia Schoonmaker is still working with fashion, and she hopes to benefit bargain-minded shoppers in the process.

Schoonmaker recently opened Trusty Threads, a buy-outright used clothing shop at 1520 Fourth Street in Marysville, in the wake of being laid off as a fashion designer for Eddie Bauer, Tommy Bahama and Indian Motorcycle. She touted her knowledge of business and merchandise, as well as her considerable experience on store floors, while also citing the economic benefits of recycling clothes rather than creating new ones.

“I’ve noticed that these kind of shops have been growing since the economy took a turn,” Schoonmaker said. “I feel that these shops are fun and important to the community, to reuse and reduce clothing waste.”

Schoonmaker explained that Trusty Threads buys, sells and trades gently used apparel and accessories for adult and young men, as well as juniors and adult women, with a focus on the latest styles and the hottest brand names.

“We’re more casual than vintage,” Schoonmaker said. “We boast a lot of variety compared to the mall, and as far as I know, I’m the only such shop in town that can deal in cash.”

Schoonmaker has been using social networking Web sites to get the word out, and hopes to stage a promotional event in the adjacent parking lot this spring.

“I love fashion, because it shows people a part of your personality, in a way that you can wear everyday,” Schoonmaker said. “You can play with patterns and colors to express yourself.”

Schoonmaker advised would-be sellers or traders of clothing to check her Web site, at www.trustythreads.com, to find out which clothing items she’s most in the market for at any given time.