Thrift It! Clique Style King – Lawrence Jackson

Our first Thrift It! Clique King feature is Lawrence Jackson, and his instagram is so amazingly curated – it is how I found him.  Not only is he an expert in styling vintage and thrifted pieces, he is a photographer with a unique eye for capturing people’s personalities through their fashion and personal style.  You can experience Lawrence’s vintage world on instagram @thevintographer.  If you don’t do anything else today, I strongly encourage you to go straight to his instagram, like right now.  You won’t regret it.

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Describe your first thrift store experience & when did you fall in love with thrifting?

My first real thrift store experience was like a visual enlightenment. I had just finished with undergraduate school in Louisiana, and I was heading back to Chicago. I was waiting to start graduate school in January but at this particular point in time it was August if my memory serves me correctly. I picked up a job at The Mens Wearhouse for the time being, and I needed a few new suits because I was hired at the last minute. I went to the Village Discount Thrift on 95th and Ashland in Chicago and it changed my life forever. Being “ultra-low” on funds, I decided to check this joint out because I had a little knowledge about thrift shopping from my college days but nothing to brag about. I was overwhelmed by how many suits, shoes, hats, jerseys and other items this place had. It was different; something was special about this joint. I bought 2 suits!!! I drove home so fast to let my mom check them out, and she was pleased with my purchase for more reasons than one. ($$$) She ended up giving me a few more bucks to purchase a couple of other items before the store closed. I ended the day with 5 new suits and 2 pairs of shoes.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start thrift shopping? (this can be advice on style, thrifting tips, etc).

My Advice to anyone who wants to thrift or wants to jump into the thrift scene, I would tell them to be patient. Every day will not be a good day… But oh! When your day comes to hit it big at the thrift, one will experience what I like to call “feeling like a Real OG”.

What style(s) do you find easiest to shop for at thrift stores?

I believe the 90s retro, color-blocked, flamboyant style is very easy to stumble across these days, especially in urban areas. Although the sensationalized hype that has been placed on “classic man” has made many thrift shops switch their appeal to a more business casual inventory.

Where are your favorite thrifting spots?

Chicago, Philly, Los Angeles, and Houston are my favorite thrift cities so far. My favorite stores are Americas Best Thrift Store, The Salvation Army, (I hate Goodwill because it’s too damn expensive), Village Discount Thrift in Chicago, Nostalgia Thrift in Philly and many more.

What is the weirdest or most fun thrift purchase that you have ever made?

I have a whole entire collection of old vintage suitcases lying around here that I shouldn’t have bought. Kind of wish I wouldn’t have made such an impulse purchase.

What is your favorite thrifted item?

My favorite thrifted item is a pair of Tortoise-Shell frames, with green GLASS lens… someone broke them, I think they might’ve hated on a playa…

As a stylist and photographer, what is your favorite aesthetic to capture?

My specialty is Afro-Aesthetic. Everything about black people is cool. Black culture is by far the most interesting culture and happens to be my favorite thing to indulge in. From vintage style to spike lee era cinematography, I have a love for it all. Black Hair has been my main focus lately on the photography front.

Your photography is raw, real, unfiltered and unapologetically unique (as in you and the subjects are not afraid to be yourselves and show the world your true style). What inspires your style, and what inspires your method of photography? 

To be honest my particular score on inspiration is that it is omnipresent. Anywhere you look, if you are on a quest to create… you will find inspiration in anything. I read a lot of old Jet/Beauty magazines from the 60s-early 2000s. I find them in thrift stores and buy every single one. There is some pretty cool stuff in those magazines; you guys should check them out if you have not already taken the time to.

Your style reminds me of Jidenna’s song and explanation of a “Classic Man.” What does being a “Classic Man” mean for you?

And I’m sorry about the last question; I’m not really familiar with the song or artist so I cannot really give a real in depth answer. I really wouldn’t refer to myself as a classic man per say but I do think it is important to have class. Also it is important that kids go to class and don’t smoke crack. Thank You.

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There you have it!  Thanks to our first ever Thrift It! King, Lawrence, for this great perspective on not only thrifting, but life haha.

xoxo, dolls & dudes