I am so excited to feature one of my very favorites as this month's Thrifty Blogger: Kyla of
Blue Collar Catwalk!
She's the master of mixing great clothing store deals with 30 cent thrifted finds. Whenever I see one of these unique and just plain cool pieces incorporated in an outfit, I am in awe.
Of course, I couldn't wait to ask her some thrifting questions and share her experience with you!
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Another's Treasure: When did you first start thrift shopping, and why did you begin?
Blue Collar Catwalk: I actually started thrifting a long, LONG time ago in middle school. I used to LOVE thrifting when I was in high school (circa Nirvana, grunge and My So-Called Life), but didn't do it as much when I was in college and the couple of years after that.
When I started blogging, I really got into it again. I think part of it was seeing all the creative and affordable gems that other bloggers found at thrift stores, paired with a lack of money after quitting my full time job last summer. Now, I can't get enough!
I love the opportunity to find unique, high-quality items for next to nothing. AND there's not going to be 50 people walking around town with the exact same thing!
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An outfit featuring Kyla's 30 cent denim vest and her dog Iggy!, Courtesy of Blue Collar Catwalk
Click HERE for her original post. |
AT: What do you consider your best thrifted find ever?
BCC: Ooh - that's a tough one! I found an amazing military-inspired blazer last winter and the perfect black suede skirt. My most worn item is a Talbot's khaki safari jacket.
AT: What would be the ultimate coolest thing to see for a dollar at a thrift store?
BCC: Hmmm ... designer shoes in my size! I never find shoes at Goodwill, and I'm so jealous of the amazing shoes, especially leather boots, that others have found!
AT: Do you have any tips on finding great things while thrifting? Please share!
BCC: Patience, patience, patience. Once in a while, I'll go to Goodwill just to mosey around and see what jumps out at me, but 99% of the time, I go with a few things in mind. Nothing too specific, but just enough of an idea of what I want to help narrow my search a little, like high-waisted pants, floral skirt, etc. Otherwise, it's too overwhelming.
I also like to scan the racks for fabrics, colors or prints that jump out at me. It's a great way to find bold pieces. And, of course, try on everything (if you can). Sizes are all over the place, so it's important to keep an open mind.
Lastly, I try to make it a rule not too buy things just because they're cheap. It's a really bad habit to get into, because before you know it, you've got a pile at home of $50 worth of thrifted crap!
I try to steer clear of anything that needs a lot of altering - a hem is easy, but I'm really selective of anything that needs more (even with the best intentions, I almost never get to it all). And anything that shows a lot of wear (like pilling, tears, crappy quality) should just stay on the racks!
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Make sure to check out Kyla's great personal style blog Blue Collar Catwalk here :)
Want to talk about
your thrifting experiences or show your finds? Email me at isanotherstreasure(at)hotmail(dot)com and I'll post them on
Things We Thrifted!
Always,
Amanda