Another Thrifted Fixture: Feature on Epiphany

 

Rundown

Name: Epiphany Xiann

Occupation: College Student

Size: 12

Hometown: Long Island, New York

Thrifting List

Thrifted Black Lace Top - Megathrift for $1.50

Thrifted Multi-Colored Floral Skirt - Goodwill for $4

Thrifted Black Leather Belt - Goodwill for $1

Thrifted Black and Gold Studs - Goodwill for $1

Thrifted Gold Ring - Thrift store in Winston-Salem for $2

Other Pieces

Black Lucky Brand Open-Toed Flats - Belk for $30

Gold Metal Headband - Target for $3

Pearl and Gold Necklace - Visiting boutique at Wake Forest for $48

Betsey Johnson Leopard Print and Gold Watch - Belk for $60

Gold Bangles - Forever 21 for $6

Cream Wooden Bangles - flee market in India for $1

1. When did you first start thrifting? How often do you thrift now?

I started thrifting during the first semester of my Junior year of college, so Fall 2010. How often I thrift really varies. Sometimes I don't go one week, but then I go three times the next. On average, I would say I thrift about once a week.

2. How much do you generally spend on one thrifting excursion?

On general I spend between $20 to $30 thrifting. It's simply amazing how much I can get for that much money. For example, today I bought 4 skirts and a lace top for $24 dollars. 

3. Where are your favorite places to thrift?

My favorite places to thrift are Goodwill and Megathrift. I ALWAYS have luck at the Goodwill by my school. They have the dopest, most unique items I've ever seen. I don't remember a time I've gone there and walked out empty-handed.

4. What is your favorite thrifted piece (may include clothing, jewelry, and accessories)?

Oh wow this is a very tough question. One thing that I absolutely love is this vintage, cream Leslie Faye dress with these huge, puffy sleeves. I had a ball to attend and my wonderful friend SheRea found it for me. This girl has an awesome eye for thrifting because I totally overlooked the dress. I didn't see it's potential until I tried it on. If it wasn't for SheRea I wouldn't have looked so damn hot. Thank you mama! Another thrifted piece I love is this grey fitted blazer. It looks great with shorts, dresses, leggings, or jeans. It's my go to blazer if I need a finishing touch to an outfit. I am also super proud of this Oscar de la Renta dress I found at Goodwill for only $5. I haven't worn it yet because I'm waiting for the right occasion, but when I do, it will be FIERCE.

5. What advice do you have for other aspiring thriftshionistas?

My advice for other aspiring thriftshionistas is to always keep an open mind. You never know what potential an item can have, so never be quick to disregard something. There's nothing a little scissors, needle and thread can't fix. I am sewing impaired, but I have a wonderful seamstress who alters all my clothes for me. I take the majority of my thrifted clothes to her and she works magic. When you have a hunch or a vision about something, don't be afraid to go with it. There's some people who doubt my choices at first, but once I get it altered and wear it, they finally see what I saw when I bought it. For example, the skirt I have on was originally a dress. With a little nip and tuck, it transformed into a beautiful piece of clothing. Never be afraid to follow your heart and think outside of the box.

6.How do you thrift? Do you shop alone or with shopping buddies?
When I thrift, I have to be in the mood for thrifting. If I don't feel like looking through the racks and trying on, it's not going to happen. Patience is a key component to thrifting so it's best to not rush the process and just enjoy it. I meticulously look through the racks, grabbing anything that catches my eye and ignoring sizes for the most part. I can always get things too big for me altered if I love it enough. I always get a cart because I try on a ridiculous amount of clothes but I leave with some fabulous treasures. I never shop alone. I absolutely love shopping with SheRea and the beautiful Chakayla who was previously featured.
 

I call SheRea my own personal stylist because she picks out things for me that I would have NEVER thought of hence the dope formal dress she found for me. It's always good to have a second opinion because every once in awhile you try on a fashion no no or you need help deciding between items. It's fun to have someone to talk to and joke with while thrifting. I don't know what I would do without my thrifting buddies. We bond over finding these unique pieces of clothing and the experience we have doing so. One of my favorite things is to see one of my girls wearing something thrifted that she bought with me. It's like wow, I was there when she first had the vision and now I'm watching it become reality. It's such a beautiful thing.

 I LOVE Piph. With a $5 dress she looks like a million bucks!!! With hair styled by me.. she is sooo #dope. Piph always has the most interesting and dynamic pieces and she is NOT your average fashionista, she is a thriftshionista. She is my official thrifting buddy and we constantly help each other on our excursions. I have a feel for her style and she has one for mine. I'm still #lowkey salty that I picked her out something that I eventually LOVED..it's okay.. Live. Laugh. Love.Thrift.

Check her out @  http://lovepassionately.tumblr.com/