Thriftspiration is a weekly series that puts a spotlight on readers who share their secondhand shopping tips and fun ways to style thrifted finds. 
how to thrift shopName: Brittany Location: Dallas, TX
Why do you thrift shop? I opt for thrifting because I feel like it's the best way to express my creative imagination. I was tired of being seen in similar pieces that other people had from popular stores at the mall. I aim to one day have an entire wardrobe of thrifted items. That way, I can almost guarantee no one will look like me stylewise. It was through thrifting that I started developing my style.
What inspired you to start thrifting? 80s and 90s sitcoms, like A Different World and The Cosby Show. I look at all of the fashion from that era for inspiration while adding my own spin on it.

how to wear black and whiteLast week I showed you the 5 wardrobe staples to buy at thrift stores, and this week it's all about the trends. Every season the runways of New York, Paris and London dictate what's in and what's out for the coming months. And though everyone clamors for what's "new," some of these trends are simply revamped classics that are just having a moment. Like seriously, when is leather not on trend?And this is a great thing if you're in to {or want to get in to thrifting}. If you're not willing to invest in a trend, the secondhand store is a great option, but also, since fashion is so cyclical, you'll find many of the "new" trends at your Goodwill, Salvation Army or your thrift store of choice.Check out three easy to find and easy to wear trends you can score from a thrift store.

how to wear printsDuro Olowu is known for his heavily printed garments and that's exactly what the U.K. based designer is bringing to JCPenney. The jcp line features the same tribal, checkered and chevron prints, but not the high end price tag associated with the designer's usual line. With clothes, accessories and home items ranging from $10 to $100, this really is an affordable designer collaboration.

The collection hits stores on Friday and it's right on time as prints are still going strong and quite a few pieces embrace the hot new color combo of black and white.

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Last week was pretty big for me. I made my second appearance on the Today Show {my first appearance is here}.
My latest appearance was all about fashionable finds under $50. I picked my favorite pieces from department stores that packed major punch without putting a strain on your wallet.
If you missed the live segment, check out the video below as well as some behind the scenes shots and details on what I wore.

looking fly on a dime, patrice j. williams
I'm having a love affair with sweatshirts {see my last Thrifty Threads: Sweatshirt Chic post}. This is pretty strange for me because I normally think of sweatshirts as being frumpy and sloppy. But I've seen the error of my ways.
So when I came across a Mickey Mouse sweatshirt at the press preview for the Housing Works Buy the Bag shop in Brooklyn, I knew I had to have it. And when I looked at the label, I realized it was vintage! Not bad seeing as how it cost about $1 {a bag full of clothing is just 25 bucks and I was able to stuff about 20 pieces in a singel bag}.