Join me in welcoming Troy of Thriftanista in the City this week as our Thrift It! Clique Queen! Her brand’s name says it all, and her classy, chic thrift style is just amazing. Let’s here what she has to say.
Describe your first thrift store experience.
My first experience with thrifting was visiting a local vintage store and not really knowing what to buy or what looked good on me. I was looking for a different shopping experience. I ended up purchasing an orange vest that was in my price range. A lot of the other items were too costly.
I never wore the vest either. I ran errands all day with my one item haul in a bag. When I got home, I realized I was carrying an empty bag. I lost the vest somewhere in the day.
Two things that are different now is that now I know what I want for my closet and I don’t shop vintage stores for a good deal.
When did you fall in love with thrifting?
I fell in love with thrifting after having my daughter. I was no longer in the workforce and no longer wearing maternity clothes. I didn’t really have a casual wardrobe and needed new clothes bad. My friend and I went to a thrift store that was close by and we both left with an amazing haul. From that day on, I was hooked and visited a thrift store at least once a week.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start thrift shopping?
Look at everything. Look in the kids department. Look in the mens department. You never know where you’ll find treasure. Also, don’t concern yourself with the size label. It’s best to try something on to determine if it fits or not. The labels can be misleading as several decades and styles are represented at the thrift.
What style(s) do you find easiest to shop for at thrift stores?
I have the best luck with print skirts. They are always fruitful and there’s usually one that catches my eye each visit. They’re easy to add to any wardrobe. Easy to alter and tweak too.
Where are your favorite thrifting spots?
I prefer charity shops in general. Estate sales are my second favorite. I’m currently loving America’s Thrift Stores in Riverdale, GA and any Goodwill location.
What is the weirdest or most fun thrift purchase that you have ever made?
I’d say my rhinestone articulated leopard shoulder brooch. I found it at an estate sale in California. I also have a pair of oddly colored vintage high back chairs that have great bones.
What is your favorite thrifted item?
A vintage wool coat in an amazing color and in great shape. My other favorites are the thrifted items I’ve flipped and gained a profit from.
What thrift motto do you live by?
One woman’s old clothes is a thriftanista’s treasure.
Vintage thrifted orange coat from a thrift store and Furla bag from an estate sale.
leopard brooch
vintage sequin top and thrifted jeans
thrifted J. Crew chambray shirt and vintage jean skirt
thrifted Louis Vuitton bag
thrifted Tory Burch flats
Thank you so much, Troy, for sharing your love of thrifting here with us. You can find Troy at Thriftanista in the City, on facebook and on instagram. What was your favorite thrift takeaway from Troy? I have a few favorites lol, but the orange coat and sequin top definitely steal the show for me. Let us know your favorite looks and tips in the comments below!
xoxo, dolls & dudes
Sonya says
I just started shopping at thrift shops a little over a year ago and Goodwill is my favorite. I love their low prices and you never know what goodie you will find 🙂
Addie says
Goodwill is a pretty good place to start! That is so true 🙂
Danielle S says
That Furla purse is soo cute! I really want to get into thrifting, but I don’t even have the patience for regular in-store shopping lol.
alexandria says
Love her motto. Lol. I love thrifting for home decor and pieces to flip. But I would love to find some great vintage, designer bags. I do always look for those!
FabEllis says
Great interview! I have been following Troy for quite some time and she is a true thriftanista! I really liked her advice to shop everywhere in the thrift store. She’s right! I’ve found great items in the men’s department.
Michelle Gwynn Jones says
I love the thrift shop. I think 1/2 the lamps in my house were found in one thrift shop or another – then home for a color change or a new shade.
LaToya says
I love thrift stores. The is something pretty amazing about turning something old into something new and unique. This was a great post!
Laci says
You look AMAZING in it all !!! I am so jealous… I love thrifting for everything clothes and new items to be crafty with. The Goodwill’s in Georgia are amazing!! Awesome job love this !
Katherine G says
I keep saying I’m going to start shopping at thrift stores but have yet to do it. She looks fantastic! I love her style!
Alex Bone says
Love these looks! so fashionable!