Before Macklemore, there was Faye De Lanty, a pioneer in thrift store styling at Salvo Stores and the bestselling author of Opshopulence – a style bible aimed at turning thrift store finds into million-dollar looks while championing sustainability. Recently, Faye partnered with Salvos Stores and Cricut to host a Mother’s Day workshop, offering her expertise in creating memorable brunch settings using thrifted decor. In this blog post, we delve into Faye’s five essential tips for mastering thrift store styling.
Rework: Old treasures. New Life
Thrift stores are treasure troves of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Faye De Lanty’s first tip is to rework these finds by thinking outside the box. Whether it’s repurposing a vintage scarf into a trendy headband or transforming an old sweater into a chic pillow cover, the key is to get creative and breathe new life into pre-loved items. Reworking allows you to add a personal touch to your space while reducing waste and embracing sustainable living.
Rethink: Embrace the unconventional
Thrift store styling is all about breaking conventional fashion norms and embracing individuality. Faye encourages thrifters to rethink their approach to styling by mixing and matching unexpected pieces. Don’t shy away from combining patterns, textures, and colours to create a unique and eclectic look. Whether it’s pairing a vintage blazer with modern denim or mixing high-end accessories with budget-friendly finds, the possibilities are endless when you dare to rethink your style.
Refashion: Let’s talk tailoring
One of the perks of thrift store shopping is the affordability of the items. However, the challenge often lies in finding pieces that fit perfectly off the rack. Faye’s advice? Refashion your thrifted treasures to achieve a flawless fit. Whether it’s hemming a skirt, taking in a blouse, creating custom iron on designs using smart cutting machine, Cricut, or adding embellishments to jazz up a plain garment, tailoring can transform an ordinary find into a bespoke masterpiece. Refashioning not only elevates your style but also ensures that each piece in your wardrobe is tailored to perfection.
Restyle: A mix-and-match mindset
Versatility is key when it comes to thrift store styling. Faye advocates for restyling your thrifted pieces to maximise their potential. Experiment with different outfit combinations and styling techniques to create diverse looks for various occasions. A vintage dress can be dressed up with statement jewellery for a formal event or dressed down with sneakers for a casual day out. By mastering the art of restyling, you can make the most out of your thrift store finds and build a versatile wardrobe that reflects your unique personality.
Relove: Getting serious about sustainability
Above all, thrift store styling is about more than just fashion – it’s a lifestyle centred around sustainability and conscious consumption. Faye emphasizes the importance of reloving your thrifted treasures by cherishing and caring for them. Whether it’s repairing a loose seam, washing with eco-friendly detergents, or storing properly to prolong their lifespan, treating your thrifted items with love and respect ensures that they continue to bring joy for years to come. By cultivating a sustainable mindset, you not only reduce your environmental footprint but also contribute to building a more ethical and mindful fashion industry.
Three bonus tips to getting thrifty!
1. Inspiration is everywhere – especially with street style – check out apps like Vogue runway and follow the fashion weeks around the world. Get into Pinterest and make moodboards of what you resonate with to help you create looks.
Study high fashion brands and fashion history to equip you with knowledge when you go thrifting. The more wisdom you have the more your thrift game can elevate.
2. Stop before you shop and look at what you already have – you’d be surprised what is in your wardrobe. Could you wear it in a different way, could you customise it, could you embellish it, could you wear it in a different way that maybe you haven’t thought of before. Then with what may be missing you can hit the thrift store – a little bit of mindfulness goes a long way.
3. Look everywhere in a thrift store – not just your section. Clothes don’t have a gender, it’s just we humans who have decided they do, so let’s undecide that and try it all on!
Feeling inspired? Tickets are now available for Make Mum’s Day High TeaWorkshop. With two sessions held on Saturday 4th May at 10am and 1pm. All proceeds from ticket sales are donated to those in need being helped by The Salvation Army.
