I’ve been grabbing a lot of style inspiration from Instagram lately. So it’s no surprise that today’s Thrifty Friend is someone I found while style searching on IG. When I first came across Nikki‘s IG feed, I stopped in my tracks. This girl is a vintage/thrift queen, I said to myself. Her feed was filled with sequins, prints, vintage blazers, and her hair cut was fierce! Of course, I followed her, and began looking forward to her stylish posts day after day. Nikki has an eye for vintage and knows how to style her items in a very fun, unique and fashion-forward way. That said, be sure to check out Nikki’s thrifty blog, Style Rehab, when you get a chance. Enjoy her interview and have a blessed and joyous Thanksgiving holiday! 🙂
Name, Blog Name & Location?
Nikki Ellis of Style-Rehab from Clearwater, FL.
How long have you been a thrifter?
I have been a thrifter for 3 or 4 years now. I wish I could say longer.
How did you get into thrifting? Did someone inspire you?
I honestly don’t know who or why I started thrifting. I think I heard co-workers talking about it and decided to try it. I’m not 100% sure.
How often do you thrift?
My thrifting comes in waves. Once I start I get super addicted and I can’t stop. However, now I am trying to use some restraint as I am completely out of closet space. I also try not to wear the same thing twice so this enables my thrifting habit and is more financially feasible.
What are some of your favorite Thrift Stores in your area? (Name & Location)
Goodwill – Ocala, FL
Salvation Army – Holiday, FL
Super Thrift – Clearwater, FL
Sheriff’s Youth Ranch – Dunedin, FL
I also hit any local church thrift stores in the area. They always have the best jewelry! Ok, now you have all my secret haunts!
What would you say to someone who wants to try thrifting but has no idea where to start?
There’s so much! Don’t go in looking for specific items. You will be let down. Just go for the excitement of it.
I started small with just blazers then slowly progressed into other areas like skirts and tops. Thrift stores can be so overwhelming due to the size so just start small. Eventually you will be a pro.
What items do you look for most when you thrift? Clothing, Accessories, Home Decor or a little bit of everything?
I look for everything. I love the home décor because it makes your place look eclectic and interesting, but I do not discriminate I look at it all jewelry, clothing, etc. Are there certain items you will not thrift? If so, what? I can’t do swim wear that really freaks me out. Shoes were the last thing for me to thrift. I had a really hard time with shoes for years.
What are 3 words to describe your style?
Eclectic, unexpected and my own
Any fashion/style inspirations? Celeb or non-celeb?
I have always loved men’s wear and men’s inspired fashion so I do grab inspiration from Ralph Lauren the mens collection. I think Teen Vogue has great styling and ideas. I like the styling and color combinations in J. Crew, but I find inspiration anywhere really.
What’s the biggest misconception, in your opinion, you think people have about thrifting?
That it’s gross or that everything is garbage. I have found some amazing pieces that would have been ridiculously expensive in a store for a fraction of the price.
I think thrifting has enhanced my personal style because I gravitate towards very different items. I am truly thankful I started thrifting.
How can WNJ readers keep up with you?