Thrift It! Clique Style Queen – Brittany P.
Brittany, otherwise know as @vinty_fresh on instragram, is exactly that – Vinty Fresh. This lady takes vintage and thrifted styles, and make them fresher than you could ever imagine. That’s so contrary to the negative connotation that many people believe about thrifted clothes being old and yucky. If you haven’t heard me say it enough, let Brittany’s style prove to you that that train of thought about vintage is so wrong.
Describe your first thrift store experience.
My first thrift store experience was with my mom when I was a kid. She introduced me to thrift stores at a young age being an avid thrift shopper herself. Although, when she did it, it was to get good deals and stretch her dollar, knowing she could find quality clothes for herself, my siblings and I. I eventually fell in love with the quality and look of vintage clothing and pieces from different eras.
When did you fall in love with thrifting?
I have always liked to thrift, but it wasn’t until I moved to Dallas 5 years ago and wanted to reinvent myself that I fell in love with it. I didn’t want anyone wearing what I wore and it also because in outlet for my creativity and the way I view fashion, trends, and colors. I fell in love with thrifting then and have been passionate about it ever since!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start thrift shopping?
I get asked this a lot from different people and blogs and it actually lead me to writing a book to get everything in my head all on paper. There are tons of tips and advice I am always willing to give anyone, but my biggest piece of advice is to have fun, be open minded, and challenge yourself and style. The beauty of thrifting is that you never know what you will find, and some pieces may be out of your comfort zone or something you wouldn’t think of wearing at first, but great thrift finds like fun vintage pieces give you the chance to challenge your style, think outside the box, create a new look for yourself, and maybe even gain more self confidence knowing that more than likely, that one piece is unique, and no one else will be wearing anything like it. It will make you stand out amongst others.
What style(s) do you find easiest to shop for at thrift stores?
I love colorful retro pieces from the 80s and 90s. That’s my favorite era I feel. The acid wash jeans, color block blouses, colorful abstract prints, and of course Cosby sweaters. It was a really fun and funky time in fashion.
Where are your favorite thrifting spots?
I love the Goodwill and Salvation Army. I find most of my great finds there. But I will go into any thrift store I pass. I almost can’t resist when I do. It’s just new territory and new treasures waiting to be discovered.
What is the weirdest or most fun thrift purchase that you have ever made?
Weirdest… Hmm.. I don’t really consider anything I find weird.. I guess unique is a better word. And for that, I would say, these Comme de Garçon swordfish style tuxedo shoes. They were only $15!!! I always do research on things I find to see who wore it, the worth, and the history of it. I couldn’t find these shoes anywhere.. Similar shoes, but not those. I classified them as “Dead Stock” meaning that they were the last of their kind. I ended up selling them because they weren’t my size but they were definitely a find I would never forget! As for most fun? I think every retro piece I get is pretty fun. I’m infatuated with colors and the way they are put together on a blouse or sweater… Bright colors or natural colors. A lot of my pieces are very colorful.
What is your favorite thrifted item?
This is by far the hardest question I get from anyone that interviews me LOL I really can’t say I have a favorite item. I love everything I find because it is unique, it tells a story, it challenges my creativity, and it’s represents something within me… Whether it’s dark and mysterious, fun and flirty, retro and funky, or timeless and classic. Every piece embodies me and it becomes an instant favorite as soon as I style it.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I just want the readers to know I love to inspire and I’m always here to give styling advice and tips on thrifting. They are always welcome to contact me!
This was fun look. The whole outfit was thrifted minus the shoes. I couldn’t believe I scored that jacket at the goodwill for $10!
My mom actually found this sweater for me at the thrift store. She totally knows my style and when she goes, she looks out for me now. This whole outfit down to the shoes were thrifted.
This because the face of VintyFresh. I love mixing prints and layering. Everything in this picture was thrifted.
I felt like I was in Paris or something with this outfit that day. The whole outfit including boots (Etienne Aigner) and Chanel purse were thrifted. I really loved this outfit and how it came together.
This was a first for me wearing what I would consider a “Granny Skirt”. But I challenged myself to make it look stylish and chic, and I feel I pulled it off well. Everything but my shoes were thrifted in this picture.
You can contact Brittany on instagram @vinty_fresh and on Facebook at Britt Parrish.
xoxo, dolls & dudes
The Comments
Nicole (@AlwaysReiding)
Okay, now these clothes definitely take me back. I want back that sweater that was actually a coat! And maybe some bright 80s neons.
Thank you so much for this trip down memory lane, I think I need to thrift!
brittany parrish
Nicole (@AlwaysReiding)Sorry I’m late but thanks so much! I’m all about colors lol
tiaras and tantrums
I have YET to locate a good thrift store in my area. I think all they carry is odds and ends and stuff I don’t need or want. I keep seeing all these amazing things that others are able to find – but I have not had that much luck
brittany parrish
tiaras and tantrumsI believe there something to fund everywhere! Just be patient! You will come across something I’m sure!
Di
I LOVE thrift stores! For a while I only shopped in thrift stores, now I do about 50-50. You can often find REALLY good deals in thrift stores. I’ve gotten some really cool dresses, a skirt suit and other great finds!
brittany parrish
DiLol keep thrifting! I can’t stop! 🙂
Cynthia @craftoflaughter
Love thrift stores! It looks like you got some awesome deals!
brittany parrish
Cynthia @craftoflaughterLol it’s all about the deals!! Thank you!
Logan Can
My husband and I are going to a large thrift sore tomorrow and I can’t wait! I love your finds!
brittany parrish
Logan CanThanks so much! I appreciate it!
Brianna
I miss the good thrift shops in Nashville…we live too far away from the good ones now…
brittany parrish
BriannaI think hidden gems are everywhere lol you’ll find stuff!
Esther @ The Cuteness
I absolutely love your hat! I did a shoot this past week (just posted a few a preview on my blog actually) wearing it, it’s the perfect Fall accessory. You look gorgeous!
brittany parrish
Esther @ The CutenessThanks so much!! I really appreciate it!
Claire
Wow! Lots of colourful clothes 🙂 I love the denim jacket! I bought a lovely scarf in a thrift shop – I love it!
brittany parrish
ClaireThank you Hun! I appreciate it! 🙂
Ourfamilyworld
You can find a lot of good stuff from the thrift store. I love all the outfits you featured.
brittany parrish
OurfamilyworldAww thanks! And I agree! I love them lol
Jaime
I love seeing thrifted outfits. The granny skirt is my speed! Love it!
brittany parrish
JaimeLol thanks so much! I appreciate it!
Nikki Shae
I love all your looks!!! I love to go thrifting too!!
brittany parrish
Nikki ShaeAwww thanks! I appreciate it!
Eva/ Kid Minds
Love the granny skirt! You have a great sense of style.
brittany parrish
Eva/ Kid MindsThank you!! I appreciate it!
Kirsten
Lots of great looks here. Love them all!
brittany parrish
KirstenThanks so much! I appreciate it!
Ana De- Jesus
My favorites are the orange asymmetrical cross-over blazer and the blue leather split skirt gorgeous finds and supporting a good cause too!
brittany parrish
Ana De- JesusAwww thanks! That’s sweet!
laura londergan
wow I love seeing the use of the clothes I grew up wearing – so fun to see again! 😉
brittany parrish
laura londerganLol thanks! It’s all about having fun with it!
Trish @Almost Sexy Mommy
Oh, how these clothes take me back! Love it!
brittany parrish
Trish @Almost Sexy MommyThank you! Lol
nicole
So many style from the past are so in right now.
brittany parrish
nicoleYes I agree!! I love fashion for that!
Debra
I love thrifting! It is the best!
brittany parrish
DebraAgreed! Lol
Lauren
I love thrift in it is literally a addiction of mine
Addie
LaurenYou and me both, Lauren!
brittany parrish
LaurenLol yes, ditto!
Blanca
I love going thrift shopping for my party props they always have great things at great prices.
brittany parrish
BlancaI love it for everything! Lol
CourtneyLynne
OMG so many cute finds!!! Wish I had that kind of luck when thrift shopping. I never find anything!
brittany parrish
CourtneyLynneThank you! And I wouldn’t say it’s luck, more like patience and a good eye lol
lexie
I love thrifting! Especially for vintage designer goodies!!
brittany parrish
lexieYes definitely!
Don’t call it a comeback. | vintyfresh
[…] to get insight about my thrifting, what made me start, tips, etc… the feature was called the Thrift It! Clique. With this, she asked would I like to be apart of the actual thrift group she was putting together […]