Suzanne Carillo

 

Have you been thrifting lately? Do you usually go with a set goal in mind?

I’ve tried to thrift with a set goal in mind. It never seems to work. I become frustrated and suddenly something that used to be joyful gives me a headache.

I’ve learned to surrender myself to the joy of discovery when it comes to thrifting.

Thrifting is like yoga for your style. It teaches you to move and stretch your fashion brain in ways you never thought possible.

Where else would I find a full purple midi skirt in leather? With an icy blue jacket as a topper?

I never would have considered either of these pieces in a retail store. The cost of purchasing a new leather skirt would be well beyond my budget, let alone a purple midi leather skirt.

The velvet jacket is by Façonnable, a high end brand from France that I adored but couldn’t afford when I lived there. I might have let out a little squeal when I spotted it.  The quality is amazing. As soon as I slipped it on I knew it was coming home with me.

I don’t normally wear safari style jackets and this one is missing the belt but that wasn’t enough to deter me. It fit too well and the colour was too rich and helloooooo! velvet!  My obsession with velvet is out of control. I now own six velvet jackets.

I may have a problem.

I love how shopping secondhand pushes my style limits.

When I discover quality items like this that deserve to be purchased I have to be willing to imagine myself differently. A purple leather skirt and blue velvet safari jacket wasn’t on any “want” list or filling any holes in my wardrobe.  I had to open my mind to the possibilities that lay within each of those pieces and be willing to see myself differently to incorporate them into my life and wardrobe.

Imagining yourself differently is a unique skill that ensures you don’t become stale, repetitive or stuck in a style rut.

If you are truly gifted like Melanie then you will not only see beyond yourself, but also beyond how that item of clothing is normally worn or used. She takes men’s sweaters and wraps them around a model as a scarf.  A man’s tie becomes a woman’s belt.

Being willing to see everything with new eyes and no preconceived ideas will free your fashion style and open your creative heart.

My goal when dressing myself it to look artsy, feminine, interesting, colourful and unique. There are many different ways of going about that and thanks to shopping secondhand I am discovering even more.

How do you stimulate your style sense?

 

You might also enjoy How To Train Your Thrifting Brain

or some great Tips On How To Choose A Winter Coat