A South Shore native, Ashley Judge grew up perusing discount chains like Marshalls and Frugal Fannies with her mom and grandmother. “One of my grandmother’s favorite stories,” she says, “Was that she returned a raincoat to TJ Maxx after she’d already hemmed it. The next week she watched a woman and rave that it was the only coat she had ever tried on that was the right length. She was a hot ticket.” Skip ahead a couple generations, and we’ve got Ashley hooking people up with what they want—her company, Tra Tutti, gives bargain hunters a place to score designer pieces at a discount and consignors a place to sell their goods, all the while benefitting local charities. Consignors receive 40% of the profit, another 40% goes to Tra Tutti and the last 20% of all sales goes to AIDS Action, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay, Dress for Success Boston, The Home for Little Wanderers, MSPCA-Angell, and Rosie’s Place.

“Tra Tutti’s rewards are fiscal, philanthropic, and green.” Ashley explains, “Shoppers can purchase designer apparel for a fraction of the price; consignors can re-sell their unworn duds for cash; and all can support charitable organizations, which have seen a significant decline in contributions in these tough times. Tra Tutti is green too – customers and consignors do their part for the environment by re-using and recycling beautiful garments and accessories. We were recently voted “Most Eco Friendly in Boston” at the Boston Fashion Week Stilista Awards.”

I got a chance to meet Ashley at Somerville’s Kick Ass Cupcakes where she was hosting her monthly “Cupcakes & Couture” event. Between bites of Kick Ass fare, sips of champagne and time spent ogling the merchandise hand-picked to suit the Rock ‘n Roll theme, I got the lowdown on Ms. Judge and her pretty, well, kick ass business.

–Jessie Rogers

What was your inspiration to start Tra Tutti?

Tra Tutti gave me an opportunity to bring together four things that drive me: fashion, a great bargain, a concern for the environment, and a passion for philanthropy. Tra Tutti is a social enterprise. The term can mean slightly different things, but ultimately a social enterprise is a business that seeks to make the world a better place: a “business for the common good.”

Why did you pick the specific charities that you donate to?

I chose charities that were deeply routed in the Greater Boston community. Each of my six official charities has been serving the Commonwealth for decades. I also chose causes that were important to me as well as to my customers and consignors.

What’s next for Tra Tutti? Where do you want to be in six months, a year, five years…?

In addition to donating 20% of every sale to charity, our Trunk Shows also set us apart. Our Trunk Shows are “Tupperware party” style, except with the best from Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, & Saks! Right now we only offer Trunk Show parties in the greater Boston area, but over the next few years we’d love to bring our parties to other states!

Do have a style idol (celebrity or “real person”)?

You’d think that I would, but my favorites change with my mood. Some days I love “cliché” iconic classics like Jackie O, other days I layer vintage necklaces and faux fur vests and pretend I’m a fancy stylist like Rachel Zoe, and this week I’m loving the “librarian chic” look sported by the guidance counselor on Glee! That’s what’s great about style, it’s ever-changing.

What’s your “uniform”, your go-to look for everyday wear?

I definitely have uniform: long sweaters, funky tees, large statement necklaces, either boyfriend fit jeans or leggings, and ballet flats or flat boots.

Who in Boston inspires you? Which local designers/boutiques/fashionistas are you keeping your eye on?

I’m inspired by the women who embody Tra Tutti’s mission: “Couture with a Conscience”. It seemed like every single Boston Fashion Week event had a philanthropic twist – bravo ladies!

Where do you go when you NEED something to wear? You suddenly have this killer event to go to tonight, you run to….?

Ah – it’s torture – but I head straight to the Tra Tutti office! With at least 500 gorgeous pieces in the office at all times, it’s my go-to place in a pinch! I end up buying at least something from every single consignor.

Where is your favorite place to shop in Boston?

As a bargain hunter, I love the Filenes’ Basement in Newton – it is a gem!

THE TEPARTY 10:

1. What is your favorite breakfast cereal?

Rice Crispy Treat Cereal. I don’t think they make it anymore – if you know where they sell it, let me know!

2. If you were a kitchen appliance, what would you be?

My one-cup coffee maker – because I have huge bursts of hyper caffeinated energy and then I lose focus.

3. Which irritating 80s movie icon would you rather punch in the face: Long Duk Dong (Sixteen Candles) or Mouth (The Goonies) ?

I’m kind of a wimp, but I welcome them to duke it out with each other.

4. If you were a particular style of facial hair, what would you be?

5 o’clock shadow.

5. If you were a type of cheese, what would you be?

Something sharp and edgy, but worth it!

6. One morning you wake up and you are one of Jim Henson’s Muppets. Which one are you?

Those old guys in the balcony, because I have something to say about everything!

7. One morning you wake up and you have a tattoo that you don’t remember getting the night before. What is it?

Since I have a crazy needle phobia that always ends in fainting, I guess it would be whatever the tattoo artist felt like giving me.

8. Would you rather be a rodeo clown or a sumo wrestler?

Sumo wrestler -  hopefully all that padding would soften the blows.

9. What is you “Dance around in your underwear” anthem? (Think Tom Cruise in Risky Business)

New Kids on the Block “The Right Stuff”.

10. What is your favorite word?

Fabulous.

Cupcakes & Couture: OUR PICKS

(all items available on tratutti.com)

Don’t miss the next Cupcakes & Couture event at Kick Ass Cupcakes in Davis Sq. on 10/20 at 6PM!