Looking Fly on a Dime

Thriftspiration: Making the Old, Look New

LookingFly — Fri, 24 May 2013 09:00:05 +0000

Thriftspiration is a weekly series that puts a spotlight on readers who share their secondhand shopping tips and fun ways to style thrifted finds.

Name: Inez
Location: Michigan

When and why did you start thrift shopping?
My late grandmother absolutely loved thrifting and as a child, I never quite understood it. I simply could not get with the idea of wearing secondhand clothes! It wasn’t until I started blogging two years ago that I really got into it and I’m so glad I did. My grandmother would be proud. I absolutely love mixing old and new.

What three words would you use to describe your style?
Stylish. Thrifted. Chic.

How did you style your outfit {above}?
I thrifted this particular floral blazer over two years ago and had never worn it. That is until I needed something to wear with these pastel skinny jeans, so I decided to shop my closet. I wanted my look to be light and springy so I thought the colors would go well together.

What do you wear while thrift shopping?

I generally wear leggings and a tank or fitted tee. This “thrifting uniform” allows me to try items on easily and without adding bulk.

What are your favorite stores in your area of Michigan?
Value World, Lost & Found Vintage and Salvation Army.

What reactions do you get after telling people your outfit is thrifted?
“Really, you found that at a thrift store? Whaaa, can you teach me?”

What tips would you give to new thrifters?
Pack your patience, have an open mind and try on everything!

Be sure to check out Inez’s blog Style Chic 360 and follow her on Instagram {@StyleChic360}. Also, you can join her #Thrift360 Style Challenge.

Interested in being the next Thriftspiration candidate? Don’t be shy! Share your tips, best outfits and inspire your fellow thrifter. For a submission form, email ThriftInspiration@gmail.com. Show us what you’ve got.

Style Guide: How to Easily Mix Prints

LookingFly — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:00:27 +0000

I constantly hear women say, “I could never wear that,” and sometimes it’s in regards to prints. I get it. Prints can be intimidating. They’re busy. You never know what to wear them with and if not executed the right way, can look all wrong.

But let’s ditch that thinking and settle this once and for all. You. Can. Mix. Prints.

Depending on your style {casual, edgy, chic, etc.}, that determines how you’ll want to wear them. Last week’s Thriftspiration subject was Luna and one photo I absolutely loved {and which inspired this post} was her belted blazer over a mini dress. The two prints don’t “match,” but she stuck to rule numero uno for mixing prints.
To effortlessly style mixed prints, both prints should have at least one color in common. In Luna’s case, the gold hue ties the blazer and dress together. Since the color is the same, it creates a sense of cohesion.

{at the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum}

I took a mini getaway to Baltimore last week and mixed prints in a more subdued way with a pair of floral jeans and a striped Ralph Lauren polo I thrifted for 2 bucks. As you can see, pink was the cohesive color, but you may not be able to see the stripes in the top. The stripes are a bit more faint, so it’s possible to mix prints, but do it in less of an in your face way.

This weekend I added more hints of prints with a Derek Lam for Kohl’s shirt and thrifted pumps. The two printed pieces don’t necessarily compliment one another {i.e. having a similar color}, but I rocked them anyway! Little accents like a shirt peeking from under a cardigan or bold shoes can make a major impact.

So why not take a risk this season and thrown on a few prints? And if you need more inspiration, check out my past Today Show segment where I further demonstrate how to wear mixed prints.

Upcoming Thrift Shopping Tour

LookingFly — Mon, 20 May 2013 09:00:32 +0000

The weather is getting warmer and I’m bringing back my group thrift shopping tours. Though I host private tours and individual style sessions throughout the year, it’s time to get a group together and hit the NYC thrift scene.

On Saturday, June 1, we’ll venture to East 23rd Street, which has a row of secondhand stores including Goodwill, Housing Works and Salvation Army.

Adventures in Thrifting is for you if you:
• are looking for thrift stores in NYC and need a little guidance
• want to update your spring/summer look without spending a ton

And I’ll also be dishing out some styling advice if you’re unsure of how to wear your new thrifty threads or just need direction on how to wear the clothes that are already in your closet.

It’ll be a fun, stylish afternoon. Be sure to sign up and snag your ticket ASAP.

If the above date doesn’t work, contact me for a one-on-one session.

photo: source

Thriftspiration: How to Style Bold Secondhand Finds

LookingFly — Fri, 17 May 2013 09:00:34 +0000

Thriftspiration is a weekly series that puts a spotlight on readers who share their secondhand shopping tips and fun ways to style thrifted finds.

Name: Luna Nova
Location: Arizona

When and why did you start thrift shopping?
I stepped foot inside my first thrift store when I was 11, and I still shop there almost every day! Before that I lived in France where we have city-wide yard sales for the whole town. Those are super fun and that’s where I learned to bargain. Now I thrift full time for my Etsy shop.

What three words would you use to describe your style?
Quirky. Misfit. Vintage.

How did you style your outfit {above}?
I’ve tried planning my outfits ahead, but that never works, because I never wake up in the same mood or mindset as the night before. I usually pick one “focus piece” and make it pop by pairing it with something that will accentuate the print, colors or texture. I started this look with the white and navy shirt and loved that the colors were inverted on the jacket. The sharp vintage lapel bring out the printed collar on the shirt, which I tucked in a pair of high waist polka dot shorts. The length falls perfectly above the jacket, while still keeping it classy. And I added an extra retro touch with these bold shades from Buffalo Exchange. I almost never wear jewelry. I think my clothes are pretty loud on their own so I don’t think it’s necessary to accessorize. I know some people would kill me for saying that.

What’s your best thrift store score {a standout garment or accessory you absolutely love or a cheap designer find}?
Anything that I can wear everyday as a staple is an ultimate score. As far as unique pieces go, my favorites are a Mickey Mouse comic strip shirt {above} and an acid wash embellished shirt {below}. Both vintage and under $2.

How do you care for the items you bring home from the thrift shop?
Dry cleaning is way overrated, but definitely follow the care instructions if they are still there. Whenever I’m in doubt, Google usually has the answer.

What tips would you give to new thrifters?
It’s so easy to get excited about the first thing you see. But take the time to think rationally. {Ask yourself}, “do I need this”? Also, remember that you are not in a regular store where the merchandise is somewhat related. No two items are the same in a thrift shop. So don’t give up halfway through that shirt rack because your dream piece might be hiding two hangers down. But then again, maybe not. It’s hit or miss. It’s OK to leave empty handed sometimes!

You can check out more of Luna’s amazing style at her blog and follow her on Instagram {@lulutresors}.

Style Discussion: Is It Ethical to Resell Thrift Store Clothes?

LookingFly — Wed, 15 May 2013 09:00:06 +0000

Last week a reader commented and asked a question I’ve heard before. Of course I responded directly to her but since this isn’t the first time the question has come up, I decided to blog about it and see what you guys think.

After writing my 3 Tips to Selling Clothes Online {clothes you’ve outgrown or amazing pieces you thrifted}, Vyla asked: “…don’t you think the people who donated that stuff to thrift stores wants someone who normally can’t afford the item to enjoy it? Instead of you reselling it and making a profit?”

I can understand why some people would have an issue with or feel conflicted about making a profit off of something that was donated as an act of charity.

My direct response was:

There’s no denying the world of thrift shopping has changed. It used to be for people who couldn’t afford clothes. And this used to be me in college and when I first moved to NYC and was earning $27k/year working at a fashion magazine. Though I can shop at major department stores now, I still choose to thrift.

Due to thrift shopping’s popularity, it’s for people of all walks and every income bracket. People who would normally never step foot in a secondhand shop are now proud thrifters who either shop for their own closets or search for gems they can resell.

That’s where the quandary comes in.

Since everyone isn’t there with the same intention, the final resting place of the garments in the thrift store can vary.

I do resell some of my thrifted finds, either after I’ve worn them or if it’s a great piece I can flip for serious cash. At the Salvation Army coat sale last year, I scored a DSquared rabbit fur lined parka for less than 5 bucks. I wore it once, realized it wasn’t my style and then resold it for a few hundred dollars {this coat was originally priced at a little over $1,000}.

When I donate clothing to a secondhand shop, I have no idea who’s going to scoop it up. Maybe my items will end up with a college student on a Ramen noodle budget or a Brooklyn hipster earning $80,000 a year. And maybe the person will wear the clothes or maybe they’ll resell for a few dollars. The only thing I know for sure is I want my clothes to find a good home and not end up in the trash.

But those are just my thoughts…now it’s your turn.

Is reselling thrifted clothing unethical? Do you think it’s fair to make a profit off of a charitable donation? Are people who really need affordable clothing being affected? Does reselling somehow impact thrift stores?