Whitney Nic James

Navigation
  • Home
  • About
  • Style
    • WNJ Style
    • Thrifted Style
    • Personal Style Linkup
    • Thrifty Friends
  • Inspiration
    • #WNJInspired
    • #WNJSocial & Blogging
    • Healthy Living
  • Lifestyle
    • Gift Guides
    • Events
      • Columbia & Baltimore
      • DC & Northern VA
      • Non-Local
    • WNJ Eats
    • WNJ Travels
  • Thrift With Nic!
    • Meetups
    • #TWNTour
  • Contact

Thrifted Style | 8 Thrifty Bloggers You Should Follow

July 23, 2015 by Whitney 8 Comments

I’ve been dying to create a list like this forever! So today I’m beyond thrilled to share my list of 8 Thrifty Bloggers You Should Follow. In the past I’ve done some Thrifty Friend Features and they’ve been a lot fun, and seemingly helpful to those who’re searching for thrifty tips and tricks. I’ve actually featured quite a few of the thrifty bloggers on this list, so some may sound familiar. Nonetheless, this list is a must read and share. Let’s get into it!

Thrifty Bloggers to Follow

8 Thrifty Bloggers You Should Follow, ASAP. #thriftwithnic

Click To Tweet

1. Looking Fly on a Dime. Patrice is the thrifting queen. She’s even written a book on thrifting! She’s a definite thrift/style and entrepreneurial inspiration and it’s been a pleasure getting to know and follow her over the years. She’s been featured here on the blog before, and next week she’ll be sharing her #FearlessWoman story with us. Just goes to show that Patrice is much more than just fashion; she’s a woman living with purpose and is on a mission!

2. Thrift & Shout. Lindsey always has the best finds and she’s kind enough to showcase them over on the blog. I was drawn to her fashion sense, and cute haircut, a while back and I’ve been a fan ever since. I featured her as my first Thrifty Friend back in 2013 and she gave some very helpful thrift tips. Be sure to follow her for thrift inspiration and a dose of amazing style!

3. Style is She. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Atlanta based thrifter and stylist NeShanta and believe me when I say, she’s has an amazing and positive spirit. I just LOVE her! She shares the best thrifted fashion on her blog and is always ready and willing to share great thrifitng (and entrepreneurial) advice. NeShanta is a gem; be sure to check out her online shop too!

4. A Collected Gentleman. When I stumbled on Isiah’s site I immediately showed hubby. His thrifted style is impeccable and so well put together! It’s quite refreshing to see a young man take pride in his style, and Isiah does just that. He also shares a lot of inspirational and uplifting messages through his posts. A blogger with a purpose is something rare, but he fits the mold perfectly. Check him out and be sure to take a look at his WNJ feature as well.

Style is She

NeShanta | Style is She

5. DE Divah Deals (Fashion & Fun After Fifty). I call Antionette my big sis; no worries, she knows it. We met through the Bloggers Like Me group and have been friends ever since. Last year we had the opportunity to thrift together and I also made the trip to DE to for a Goodwill Fashion Show she invited me and hubby to. It’s always a blessing to find genuine people along this blogging journey and Antionette is definitely one of those people. She also give great blogging 101 tips too; check out her other site Blogging with Blake!

6. Thriftanista in the City. Troy is a great thrifter to follow because not only does she have GREAT finds, but she’s also really good at DIY fashion. That’s a skill I’d LOVE to have, lol. She shares great thrift tips and is always so chic and fly with her OOTD choices. I can just tell she too has an amazing spirit. One day, we’ll meet and thrift til we drop…I’m sure of it. Be sure to join her interactive thrift group on Facebook too!

7. Fashionably Employed. Jen is another blogging pal and has really great style tips for those of use who work a 9-5 but still want to be cute and stylish. She does a great job of dressing for the workplace and always provides useful tips on style and life in general. She’s also one of my favorite bloggers to collab with. We’ve collaborated a few times and it’s always fun to work with other bloggers who enjoy their craft. I’ve featured her as a Thrifty Friend so be sure to check it out!

8. Melodic, Thrifty & Chic. Eclectic, funky and fashion forward are just a few words I’d use to describe Anna’s style. She thinks outside the box when it comes to style and knocks it out of the park every time! Her blog is another refreshing take on fashion and I love that she is not afraid to be herself and express that through her personal style. It’s genius…and fun to watch. Take a look at her thrifty feature here!

Thrifted fashion is suppose to be fun, easy and always unique! #thriftwithnic

Click To Tweet

Thrift and Shout

Lindsey | Thrift and Shout


So tell me, do yo follow any of these thrifty bloggers? Who’re some of your faves? Let me know! 

Thanks for reading and be sure to visit these amazing thrifty bloggers. Until tomorrow, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

KEEP UP WITH ME

Instagram // Twitter // Snapchat // Facebook // Newsletter

Filed Under: Style, Thrifty Thursday Tagged With: blogger style, style, thrift shopping, thrifty features

Thrifty Friend #17 | Jen of Fashionably Employed

October 9, 2014 by Whitney 9 Comments

Thrifting for work wear is something I really enjoy! It’s amazing how many well made and tailored blazers and dresses you can find. Jen of Fashionably Employed is a whiz when it comes to thrifting for work wear. I’ve been following her blog for a while and I really admire her “Thrift Eye”. Loft, J. Crew and Banana Republic are just a few labels Jen has found and thrifted at her local thrift stores. She’s great at mixing thrift and non-thrift items and she even re-fashion’s some her clothing. A thrift master and a skilled DIYer? Genius! Jen’s enthusiasm about thrifting is refreshing and her knack for sewing is something I’d love posses. Enjoy her thrifty interview below and be sure to stop by and check out her style blog!

Fashionably Employed - thrift feature


Name, Blog Name & Location?

Jen, Fashionably Employed, from Chicago, IL.

How long have you been a thrifter?

I started thrifting about three years ago.

What are 3 words to describe your style?

Conservative, classic, and colorful

Fashionably Employed - style
How did you get into thrifting?

Hmmm. That’s a really good question to which I’m not sure I exactly remember the answer. I think it evolved over time. A few years back I started reading lots of blogs in various niches, but personal style blogs and minimalist blogs certainly topped the list of topics about which I enjoyed reading. I appreciated the aspect of considering and attempting to minimize the impact our lives have on the world around us. So as my style developed, I dabbled in secondhand shopping to not only find more unique pieces that I wouldn’t see all my co-workers wearing but also to be more conscientious about the sustainability of my style choices. Not being impulsive or wasteful in my purchasing habits at thrift stores when low prices can be so tempting to indulge took some practice, but I think I’ve developed some discipline in my three years or so of thrifting.

How often do you thrift?

Not as often as I’d like, but that’s probably good for my bank account. Ha. I stop in a thrift store in my hometown of Chicago about 5 – 6 times per year. I like the selections at the stores near me, but they aren’t always my favorite. However, I ALWAYS make plans to stop at both of the thrift stores near my parents house when I am home to visit them. I love the selection and make it a priority to stop in and check out what’s new. I visit them 2 – 3 times per year, so consider that another 4 – 6 visits to stores. Finally, I look forward to stopping at a local thrift store when I travel in order to explore a collection outside of my standard stomping grounds.

What are some of your favorite Thrift Stores in your area?

Savers and Goodwill are my favorites. There is a Salvation Army near me that’s alright, but the selection doesn’t seem to be quite as great. However, I think the true ticket to a great thrift store really depends on the neighborhood in which it’s located. The quality of the selection (the real selling point for me in a good thrift store) is highly dependent on the donors. So I often favor thrift stores in neighborhoods with residents who I expect would have similar shopping habits to me (or shop at stores I’d like).

Fashionably Employed - feature

What would you say to someone who wants to try thrifting but has no idea where to start?

Start slowly and be disciplined. It’s very easy to fall into a trap that something is cheap so why not buy it. Chances are that mentality will leave one with a closet full of cheap things only a few of which they love and wear. Also, plan to commit plenty of time (at least an hour or two) when stopping into the store. Thrifting is a long-winded exploration through racks and racks of miscellaneous items. Finding a diamond in the rough brings so many shoppers back to thrifting, but they likely spent many hours sifting through stacks before landing on that perfect piece. It’s a far different experience than walking into a well-organized chain store with a selection of styles in current colors and trends.

What items do you look for most when you thrift?

Clothing, Accessories, Home Decor or a little bit of everything? Definitely clothing. I occasionally stop in the accessory or home decor section if I have something specific in mind, but I spend the majority of time in search of clothing. More specifically, I head straight for the dress section. Dresses tend to be pieces that are unique and fun but also have less wear and tear than some other types of items. I may stop in the blazer section and then the skirt section. I don’t spend as much time in the casual knits (t-shirts, light sweaters, etc..) because these items tend to be a bit more worn. And basics can be tough to find. Most people exhaust the lives of their basics before donating them. So if these pieces do make it onto the thrift store shelves, they likely are a bit tired or worn by the time I consider them as secondhand purchases.

Are there certain items you will not thrift? If so, what?

Socks and undergarments, for sure. Also, I have never looked for a pair of jeans at a thrift store. I’m certainly not afraid to buy them. But considering the difficulty in finding a perfectly fitting pair of jeans coupled with the various sizing uncertainties inherent in thrifting, I think I have just shied away from the challenge so far. Maybe one of these days when I have good chunk of time and energy on my hands to try on a boatload of pairs, I’ll give it a shot.

Fashionably Employed - thrift feature

Any fashion/style inspirations? Celeb or non-celeb?

Boring as it may be, none are top of mind. I gather most of my style inspiration walking down the street checking out what others are wearing and perusing Pinterest. I avidly check my Pinterest feed and pin regularly to keep track of all the inspiration I love.

What’s the biggest misconception, in your opinion, you think people have about thrifting?

That it’s gross. I understand the clothes have been worn by someone else, but I always wash or dry clean the clothes before wearing them. (Sidenote: If a piece needs to be dry cleaned before being worn, consider that in the total cost of the item. It really is just part of the effective purchase price.) Maybe thrifting being gross is an opinion and not a misconception, I suppose. But I have found plenty of high-quality pieces at budget prices that have been well-worth a little wonder about where they have been before landing in my closet.

How can we keep up with you?

The Blog

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

fashionably employed - thrifted feature

Filed Under: Style, Thrifty Friends, Thrifty Thursday Tagged With: blogger style, outfit inspiration, Outfits, thrifty features, thrifty friend

Thrifty Thursday Spotlight – Patrice J. Williams of Looking Fly on a Dime

September 25, 2014 by Whitney 8 Comments

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!

Looking Fly on a Dime - Feature


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.

Looking Fly on a Dime

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.

looking-fly-on-a-dime-thrifty


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.

looking-fly-on-a-dime-book

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?

Blog // Twitter // Facebook // Instagram  // YouTube

1505631_591744080890655_1754528421_n

Filed Under: Style, Thrifty Thursday Tagged With: blogger style, thrifted, thrifty features

Thrifty Friend Feature #16 – Anna of Melodic, Thrifty & Chic

September 4, 2014 by Whitney 8 Comments

Melodic, Thrifty, Chic…perfect words to describe today’s Thrifty Friend feature. I remember stumbling across Anna’s blog months ago. I was so taken with her unique and eclectic sense of style, and the fact that she was an avid thrifter served as a huge bonus! Melodic, Thrifty & Chic is actually the name of her blog and she is indeed all that, and MORE. Oh…one more thing before you scroll down to read! Anna attended university in Nishinomiya, Japan and is proficient in Japanese. Pretty cool, right?! OK, now you can scroll down and read more to find out her thoughts on thrifting – enjoy! 🙂

thrifted fashion - feature


Name, Location & Blog?

Anna Martin from the Midwest and my blog is Melodic, Thrifty & Chic.

How long have you been a thrifter? 

My mom really inspired me, as she would often take me shopping with her when I was younger. She always went straight for the sale racks and she would have a ton of clothes in her cart by the time we’d get to the check-out counter. I always expected the final total to be in the triple digits given how much stuff she had, but it never reached that level. My mom could do a lot for us with very little and I really respected that.

Thrifty Thursday - Melodic Thrifty Chic ft.

How often do you thrift and what are a few of your favorite thrift spots? 

I’m on a year-long spending freeze, so the only new clothing I receive is from my clothing swap group (for the cost of shipping). However, prior to this, I would thrift as often as I could. If I had the money to spend, I’d spend it (albeit as wisely as possible!) I have quite a few vintage shops that I love, but unfortunately there aren’t any thrift shops that I frequent in my area. If we had a Buffalo Exchange, I would certainly go there!

What would you say to someone who wants to try thrifting but has no clue where to start?

Oh dear. Well, I would tell this person to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to do a lot of sifting. Thrift stores vary in terms of how organized (and clean) they are. So, you’ll have to make a choice as far as where you’d like to shop. I’ve been to thrift stores where clothing is just piled on the floor in some parts of the store. It’s off-putting, but I’ve also found things I love from picking through those piles. Of course, it goes without saying that you should thoroughly wash everything you’ve bought before wearing it! I’ve been to really well maintained thrift stores, too! In that regard, some of the best ones have fitting rooms! Not all, though, so you should also be prepared to figure out what will fit you without being able to try anything on. I suggest bringing a roll of measuring tape and being very familiar with your flat bust/waist/hip measurements. All of this can be really overwhelming and there’s no guarantee that you’ll find anything spectacular when you go, but eventually you will and it will be so worth it! I speak from experience!

Thrifty Thursday - Melodic Thrifty Chic

What are your top 3 thrift finds?

I would have to say (1) a red/white checkered vintage top that I scored while on a trip to Austin last year, (2) a beautiful 60’s plaid shift dress from a local vintage shop, and (3) a floral corduroy vest, also vintage.What are 3 things on your spring must-thrift wish list?I’m dying for something in daisy print. I finally broke down and started adding more florals to my wardrobe, last year. I have seemingly every manner of floral print, except daisy! I’d love to get a chunky, grandpa cardigan in a deep forest green and rich brown. I probably already have way too many cardigan, but I don’t care. Haha. A pair of patent loafers would be rad, too! I have really big feet (like 10.5/11) so I’d probably end up having to shop in the men’s section at a thrift shop to get those shoes.

What are 3 things on your must-thrift wish list? 

I’m dying for something in daisy print. I finally broke down and started adding more florals to my wardrobe, last year. I have seemingly every manner of floral print, except daisy! I’d love to get a chunky, grandpa cardigan in a deep forest green and rich brown. I probably already have way too many cardigan, but I don’t care. Haha. A pair of patent loafers would be rad, too! I have really big feet (like 10.5/11) so I’d probably end up having to shop in the men’s section at a thrift shop to get those shoes.

Thrifted Fashion - Melodic Thrifty Chic

Are there certain items you will not thrift? 

I’ll thrift just about anything, really. I’d draw the line at intimate clothing, swimsuits, socks. It just depends on whether they are in their original, sealed packaging.

Describe your style in 3 words.

Eclectic, theatrical, unpredictable.

Melodic Thrifty Chic - Thrifted Fashion

Who are some of your style inspirations?

Generally speaking, I draw a lot of inspiration from bloggers who have a command of color and patterns. The more unique and unexpected the color/pattern combinations, the more the gears in my head start to turn. Bloggers who have a gift for layering tend to catch my eye, as well. I think I have a natural aptitude for layering, but I’m always interested in learning more about how I can take it to the next level (i.e. playing with fabric lengths and asymmetrical patterns). 

How can the WNJ readers keep up with you?

On the Blog

Instagram

Facebook

Lookbook

Chictopia

Twitter

Filed Under: Thrifty Friends Tagged With: thrifted, thrifting, thrifty features, thrifty friend

Search Blog

Top Categories

More Categories

My Top Posts

  • 7 Bible Verses to Renew and Refresh Your Spirit
  • Life Update | I Have Androgenetic Alopecia
  • 13 Bible Verses to Celebrate Your Birthday
  • #WNJDrives | 2016 Mazda CX-5 Car Review
  • Music | 13 Worship Songs for Comfort & Healing
  • #WNJInspired | Why Your Vision Board isn't Working
  • Faith | 5 YouVersion Bible Plans Every Woman Needs to Read

Copyright © 2023 · Foodie Child Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress