For this week's Style Envy Post I decided to interview one of my best, most stylish friends, Mary Michal. She is a gal with so much personal style, she makes Missouri shine! I swear, between her thrift store finds to the way she loads up on bangles and necklaces, she is definitely one to be envious of!
M: Where do you draw your fashion inspiration from?
MM: Quite honestly...movies and the seasons. The movie fashion ideas that tend to stick with me usually involve a European theme in some capacity - like riding a bike through the streets of some little Italian town in a 40's style sundress, or walking around Dublin in a perfect pair of jeans, boots, and a long-sleeve T. Fall and spring are my favorite two seasons for fashion - they're both a totally new palette that can define your winter and spring.
M: How would you classify your style?
MM: Above all else, comfortable. I've finally reached the age where I realize that even if an ensemble is gorgeous, you'll look terrible in it if you aren't comfortable. I would never really call myself a trendsetter; I tend to gravitate towards taking a really classic look (think t-shirt and jeans) and adding one or two things that make it totally different (like a huge belt, tons of bracelets, or an unexpected scarf).
M: What elements do you look for when making your purchases?
MM: Comfort, price, ownability, and authenticity. Will I actually wear it, is it a deal/is the price worth it, and does it provide enough opportunity to make it different than everyone else's?
M: As a seasoned thrift shopper, is there any advice you can offer to those first timers?
MM: Oh, goodness. My favorite all-time pastime.
I definitely have advice:
1. Make sure you have plenty of time to browse, or you at least know the store well enough to go find exactly what you're looking for. Thrifting can't be rushed, and the volume of things to sift through can be overwhelming. Train yourself to look quickly for colors, patterns, and textures that appeal to you. That'll allow you to skim racks without having to pull everything out.
2. Open up your expectations. You may go into the Salvation Army looking for a pair of jeans, but you could just as easily find an incredible dress. And if you find something interesting, take a moment to think about how you'd wear it or how you could easily alter it to make it perfect. At $2 a pop, you can better afford to be wrong.
3. Have a really good idea of what size you are. Many thrift stores don't provide changing rooms, and even if they do, you may not want to venture in. Know your size in both american and european, and try to get good at judging what will fit you and what won't. It's very important that you be honest about it - nothing's more disappointing than getting home with a treasure that doesn't fit. This just takes practice!
4. Don't limit yourself to clothing. There's no better place to find amazing projects for your home! It can be a breeding ground for creative ideas. Find an ugly old picture frame, paint it, and frame some gorgeous fabric or an old postcard. Snap up that 50's style lamp and update the shade. SO much fun!
5. Have a blast. Take a friend you trust if you want honest opinions, or go alone and allow the vast array of treasures to provide you with inspiration. And remember that these places depend on donations - your old unworns could make someone else's day. Complete the loop and donate (just don't buy your own stuff back. Speaking from experience here)!
M: I might be a little too envious of your brown Donald Pliner bag but, what is your favorite clothing item and why?
MM: Oh, I do love that bag. But I would have to say my Frye Campus boots are my favorite. No matter what I wear them with - jeans, skirts, shorts, dresses - they make me feel totally comfortable, confident, and ready to go anywhere. I'm not sure I own anything else that's as totally me as those are.
If you follow whatIwore (http://whatiwore.tumblr.com/), you have undoubtedly seen Jessica don a scarf turban from time to time. And if you are like me, you have never quite figured out how she does it.
