You may remember Patrice J. Williams from last week’s 8 Thrifty Bloggers You Should Follow post. This New York based #FearlessWoman is a style blogger, entrepreneur, TV Host, author, and all around inspiring woman. Her blog Looking Fly on a Dime provides readers with helpful style and thrift tips, as well as an in depth look at Patrice’s fashion-forward style. But that’s not the only place you can find her thrift and style tricks. Published in 2014, Patrice also has a book on Amazon entitled, you guessed it, Looking Fly on a Dime! It’s like the thrifting Bible; a definite must read!
Another useful and must have item is her I Don’t Pay Retail canvas tote bags. I carry mine at least once a week while grocery shopping, thrifting, or to work. Lucky for my WNJ readers, you can purchase this awesome tote for 20% off (now – August 5th) by using the WHITNEYJAMES coupon code at check out. Be sure to grab one ASAP! I know you’ll love and use it, and I’m sure you will enjoy reading the rest of Patrices’ feature. Read on and be inspired!
1. What’s a typical day for Patrice?
I wear so many different hats, so I don’t have a typical day. It all depends on what projects I’m working on and what’s the top priority. If I have an on-air segment I’m prepping for, my day is usually consumed with contacting publicists for samples, picking up clothes from stores or showrooms, securing models and emailing my producer back and forth. Other days I’m researching future blog posts and ideas for YouTube and even reaching out to brands I would love to work with.
2. What inspired you to create Looking Fly on a Dime (blog and book)?
I created the blog after being laid off from my job at a fashion magazine. I wanted to use my style experience in a way that was relatable for the average woman who loves to look her best but doesn’t have the type of cash to drop on all designer everything. Last year I released the book Looking Fly on a Dime: How to Find Fabulous Fashion at Any Thrift Shop & Make the Cheap Look Chic, because I wanted to compile everything I’ve learned over the years about thrift shopping and even fashion tips. I’m all about taking the intimidation factor out of fashion and that’s exactly what the blog and book are about.
3. Who are your top 3 women inspirations, famous or non-famous, and why?
I love Tina Fey. She’s funny, ballsy and has succeeded in the sexist world of comedy without taking her clothes off or taking low blows at marginalized groups. She’s not afraid to poke fun at the boys and call them out.
Hillary Clinton: You either love Hillary or you don’t. I don’t always agree with her politics, but I respect that she’s always made her aspirations clear. Her husband was the Commander in Chief, but we all knew she wanted that role, had the chops to do it and she just might make that happen in the near future.
My grandmas: My first time walking in a pair of heels was when I tried my grandmother’s {my mom’s mom} shoes on. She loved ladylike dresses and a gaudy fur coat. And while I wasn’t close to my father’s mother growing up, she had a serious flare for fashion. Her closet was full of sequins, bright colors and beaded handbags, some of which are now in my closet. They both had tough upbringings, but they loved to dress their best, I think fashion was their expression of individualism and freedom.
4. One piece of advice you have for women entrepreneurs?
Don’t be embarrassed by your mistakes, learn from them. It’s inevitable you’ll stumble and make bad business decisions or sometimes in spite of doing everything right, stuff just falls apart. That’s where you learn the lesson. If you just beat yourself up, that’s only a pity party. But when you can take a step back, see where things when wrong or what you could have done better, that’s when you find the lesson and even preparation to do things better in the future.
5. What is your definition of a #FearlessWoman?
A #FearlessWoman feels the fear but she does it anyway. There’s nothing wrong with being afraid, but the fearless woman keeps moving because she sees her goal ahead of her. I always get a bit nervous before sending off proposals or approaching people for big meetings, but I take a deep breath, say a little prayer and make it a point to wow them!
6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I’d love to have released a style book through a major publisher and have a successful fashion show where I help women look their best without spending a ton. I’d also love to be happily married and maybe have another cat. Chauncey needs a playmate.
7. How can we keep up with you?
love her style!!! that pleated maxi is gorge!
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Yes, I love that dress too! Thanks for reading!
Ilove her book and still read it from time to time, as a matter of fact it’s promoted on my Blogging with Blake website!
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It’s a great refresher! Thanks for reading…xo!