Thrifty Spotlight - Looking Fly on a Dime

Hello there and happy Thrifty Thursday! Today I’m taking a break from my Oprah’s Life You Want recap to introduce you to one of my favorite thrifty bloggers! Patrice J. Williams is the blogger behind Looking Fly on a Dime and I’ve been a follower since I stared blogging. Her blog covers all things thrift related, as well as affordable and stylish fashion tips and advice. Just a few short weeks ago, Patrice released her thrifting book Looking Fly on a Dime. This book is a great source for both avid thrifters, as well as those who want to thrift but don’t know where or how to start.

When it comes to looking fabulous on a dime, Patrice knows her stuff. It’s been a pleasure following her and I can’t wait to see what’s next for this New York fashionista. Take a look at her thrifty interview below and be sure to grab a copy of her book on Amazon. Enjoy!

ABOUT PATRICE & THRIFTING

1. Name, location and how long have you been thrifting?

I’m Patrice J. Williams and I live in New York, NY. I’ve been thrifting hardcore for 13 or 14 years.

2. Why did you start thrifting?

My Mom says I used to always love the Salvation Army when I was a kid, but my first recollection of thrifting was when I was a sophomore at Temple University. I only started thrift shopping out of necessity. I had an induction ceremony to go to and I needed an outfit but had limited cash, as I was waiting on my work study check. I stumbled upon a thrift store near a fast food restaurant and I haven’t looked back since! I was able to get an entire outfit (button down top and suede skirt) for less than $10.

3. What are 3 of your favorite thrifted items to date?

About 70 to 80% of my wardrobe is thrifted, so it’s hard for me to pick, but some of my top picks are:

– Dsquared Parka for $2. I bought it at a Salvation Army coat sale and the sales associate marked the price down because she thought it was a children’s coat. I loved the coat, but eventually sold it on eBay for close to $500.

-Theory Military Jacket for less than $1. I like going to outlets and stores that have clothes priced by the bound or bag; that’s where you get the real deals. I found a Theory jacket at the Goodwill Outlet and it’s been a constant in my wardrobe for 5 years now. It’s an olive color, which I normally wouldn’t wear, but when something’s so affordable, you can’t help but try something new.

–Vintage Zig Zag Flat Boots. I typically wear heels, but I love a good pair of flat boots that have amazing details. The boots I found were less than $10 and I’ll have to resole them soon, but they always get serious wear every fall and winter. I always get tons of compliments when I wear them. I always tell people that it’s the little details that really elevate your outfit and my zig zag boots are a prime example of that.

ABOUT LOOKING FLY ON A DIME

4. What inspired you to write Looking Fly on a Dime?

I tend to get the same thrift shopping questions over and over (how do you find a thrift shop, how do you clean the clothes, why do I keep striking out, etc.) so it was time to finally write the book on thrift shopping. There are hardcore thrifters, but there are also so many people who just don’t know where to start. In my book, I break it down from how to find a shop, the best strategies while you shop, and how to clean your clothes once you get home.

5. What’s the most important thing you want your readers to get from the book?

After readers finish their copy of Looking Fly on a Dime, I want them to feel empowered to thrift and cultivate their individual sense of style. I’ve worked at fashion magazines for years and I often see women who feel overwhelmed by style. My mission is to remove that intimidation from fashion and make it affordable and accessible for every single woman.

6. What’s next for you? Any T.V. segments, events…we want to know!

I just finished hosting another one of my Ready, Set, Thrift! events in NYC and I’m working on planning some events in other cities for late fall and winter. And of course continuing to promote my book.

7. How can we keep up with you?

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