I am delighted to be visiting on Gentri's blog, today. My name is Brandi and I share snippets of my life over on Run Style Run; I've always loved fashion and also have a passion for running so that is where the name comes from.
I would label my personal style as edgy but classic; I love a good pair of skinny jeans, a slouchy tee, and a classy oxford shoe or pretty, leather ankle boot. Top that look off with an over-sized sweater or a chunky scarf for Fall. I love building off of essentials and that is something that has been consistent over the years when it comes to my personal style. I've also found with how quickly trends come and go- sticking to the basics has never gone out of style.
As far as shopping goes, I could easily be labeled as an avid thrifter which gives me the room and budget to have a simple yet eclectic style. I'm not afraid to spend a little more money on some essential pieces but also LOVE finding the best price in the best place.
Over the years when sharing my style on my blog and instagram, I have often heard things like "Where do you like to shop?" "What are your favorite thrift stores?" "Wow, you have the best luck in thrift stores. I never find anything! How are you so lucky?" "What's your secret?" So..I thought I would address some of these today!
1-"Where do you like to shop?"- I buy most of my basic essential pieces at Madewell or JCrew. It is pricier, but I have found everything I purchase from them has lasted me longer than something from a cheaper store. They have the perfect pieces to mix and match that go with everything, and I only ever shop their sales.
2-"What are your favorite thrift stores?"- To be honest, I don't really have favorites! I will go into any kind of thrift store, I have often found some of my favorite items in the dumpiest shops. I'm not afraid to get down and dirty and dig. If I see one, I'll stop. Where I live I have a Goodwill, Deseret Industries, and Savers that I love to frequent often. They bring things out daily so I can find different things any time I go. I also love scouring Ebay for certain items I may be looking for... mostly shoes. I love vintage and name brands at the best price.
3-This one will address the last 3 comments I get:
"Wow, you have the best of luck in thrift stores. I never find anything!"
" How are you so lucky?"
"Whats your secret?"
These comment always makes me smile. Anyone can go into any thrift store and find amazing things if they're willing to look and have an open mind. There is NO secret and it is NOT luck. When I walk into a thrift store, I don't plan to be in any rush. I'll go to the shoes, walk through the skirts, check out the blankets, flip through the coats, (filling my basket with the questionable and the for sures all the while), check out the sweaters and button downs, and often I'll go back to the shoes to make sure I didn't miss anything. It's a sort of structure I have built that I have just become good at. I look for the fabrics I love, I can recognize the brands that I like (and if I don't, google comes in handy A LOT), and I will try on anything that catches my eye, ANYTHING! Whether it's as I shop or tossing it in my cart for the dressing room. Also when I do finally make it to the dressing room, I'll take my time. I'll make a yes, no, and maybe pile. When I have my yeses, I'll look them over for flaws and ask myself "do I need this? Is this in good enough condition?" Some of you reading this may think "I don't have that sort of time." It doesn't take me long. If you know what you want to look for and keep an open mind, don't be afraid to try new things and try things on. Be confident in what you can wear or most importantly what you WANT to wear.
Last bit of advice while thrifting....Well, not just thrifting but shopping in general. If you don't love it, don't buy it! Even if the price is crazy. You don't want a closet full of items you just bought because they were a good price; love everything you buy or put it back. This took me a while to learn, but now helps me so much in building the wardrobe I really love and want.
Thrift shopping isn't for some. I totally respect that! I don't buy everything I wear at thrift stores. In fact, You'll find that I often just have one or two items in my outfits that are thrifted. But those items are unique and are what I feel makes my style unique. Which I love. Anyone can wear a t-shirt and jeans, but not everyone will find that amazing vintage hat or great pair of leather shoes to make the outfit unique.
What are some things you've wanted to try to incorporate into your own style but haven't? How about some items you've wanted to add to your wardrobe? Here's a little motivation....Just try it. Start looking. The hunt is the best part. Just be careful though cuz when you succeed it becomes addicting.
-Brandi
