Shana: She ReDefines the Term "Thriftshionista"

Hello Lovelies,


I know I have not featured an amazing thriftshionista in FAR TOOOOOOOOOOOO LONG. I don't know what got into me. I guess I got a kick in the butt when one of my friends/readers said "imma need you to blog about something besides your outfits." I guess she didn't get the memo that it's a personal style blog, but to some degree, she was/is right. This blog is about my self-expression about the wonders of thrifted fashion as well as the expression of other thriftshionistas/os around the world. So today, I bring you Shana of Color Blind. She is definitely one of my inspirations. I don't know how she does it, but she finds the DOPPPPPPPESSSSSTTTT, most EXTRAORDINARY PIECES!!!!! She is such a thrifting guru and it is definitely my pleasure to feature her on my blog. She always mention the thrift store, Thrifted Savers and I NEED to go there... My thrifting gods, please take me there NOW. Ok I had a moment, but back to Shana. I REALLY want to be like her when I grow up... FABULOUS, FIERCE, and FEARLESS. Her blog and her personality are such a treat. She is one of my favorite bloggers of ALL TIME.  LOVE YOU SHANA!!! I hope you guys enjoy this feature.


Live. Laugh. Love Thrift.


Name: Shana Dahan-Kilbourn
Age: 31
Occupation/University: I am  a Group Benefits Broker at Orgill/Singer & Associates
Blog/Tumblr/: www.colorblindblog.com
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
Current Location: Las Vegas, Nevada..I know..I am such a world traveler ha!

Jacket: “Oskie Woskie” Vintage Thrifted Salvation Army, Dress: “Oskie Woskie” Vintage Thrifted Goodwill, Belt: Thrifted Goodwill, Heels: Marshalls Tahari, Bracelet: Thrifted Savers, Ring: Foggy Morning Jewelry Designs

1. What was your first thrifting experience? How often do you thrift now?

I’ve spoken of my first experience several times and I remember it like it was yesterday…and well folks…as you can tell by my young age haha it was NOT yesterday! Growing up we used to frequent local thrift shops, The Salvation Army in particular. My dad had a knack for finding things, and re-creating and re-furbishing furniture and electronics. My mom on the other hand was super sexy and had a special talent for finding unique and amazing things for almost nothing! One experience that sticks out was when I found this vintage burgundy, velvet coat and lace dress… when I was about 6 years old…I couldn’t wait to wear it and I remember going home and putting it on and having my dad, who was a photographer, take pics of me..

I would like to say I only go thrifting once a month…but I can’t…cuz that would be a lie…I go often…but I always try to give myself a budget for the month, that way even if I go 12 times I still only spent $150 for that month…you got me? Haha When I don’t go..I picture amazing finds just sitting there waiting…it’s like going to the animal shelter…I mean do you ever come home without an animal? Haha ok YOU guys probably do…but I have 2 cats and 2 dogs…let’s just say I am not allowed to go to the animal shelter anymore.. I started Thrifters Anonymous for a reason…

Fedora: Thrifted Savers, Top: Thrifted, Men’s Pants: Thrifted Yves Saint Laurent Savers,

Men’s Belt: Thrifted Savers, Heels: BCBG Thrifted Savers, Watches: Vintage Thrifted Savers

2. What items do you have most luck finding?

I find the best dresses..and blazers/jackets…really I am just good at spotting “Oskie Woskies” for those who follow my blog  you know ALL about Oskie Woskies…they are vintage and they are old…and they are FABULOUS!...blouses, skirts, dresses, scarves, purses…say it with me everyone…”OSKIE WOSKIE!”

3. Why do you thrift?

Each item you find is one of a kind…or at least that is how it feels…each item has a story, and each item seems as though they were meant for me. When I spot something and try it on, I rarely look at the size, the brand, or even the price for that matter…it’s like you are free from judging the item and judging yourself…you can now shop strictly based on COLOR, STYLE, and INSPIRATION.

When you go into a department store you have a tendency to go towards what you feel comfortable with…like if you wear Kenneth Cole, you probably won’t wear Guess…and if you think that Guess only makes clothes for certain body types…you will NEVER even  look at the clothes…do you see where I am going with this! I mean…we are missing out on so many amazing things! Obviously the material and fit are key to a great piece…thrifting allows you to be free…FREE from the restrictions we have all placed on ourselves!

Dress: Vintage Thrifted Savers, Belt: Express: Thrifted Savers, Heels: BCBG: Thrifted Savers, Purse: Dooney & Bourke Thrifted Savers

4. I consider you a thriftshionista. What does that mean to you?

Well, first I would say THANK YOU Miss SheRea…you are one of my inspirations! Thriftshionista can mean many things. I just mentioned this in another feature and I loved it after I said it! Haha I know…I surprise myself sometimes…” Chic doesn’t come from your wallet, it comes from within”…I just like to get more clothes for my money…being fashionable doesn’t mean you wear Chanel…you can wear Chanel..and look ridiculous…it’s how we feel, and how the clothes we wear make us feel…

Top: Old Navy Thrifted Goodwill, Belt: Thrifted Goodwill, Skirt: Thrifted Catholic Charities, Heels: Seychelles Nordstrom Rack, Purse: Vintage Thrifted Savers

5. Do you think your thrifted pieces make a statement?

I would say any piece of clothing or accessory can  make a statement…but there is something about a thrifted piece that actually makes you giddy with excitement!

YOU found it amongst all the crap. YOU styled it with another vintage piece. YOU have a story of how you found it and YOU probably paid less than $5 for it..which in turn makes everyone upset and has them secretly wishing they had spotted it before you! The statement I usually get is..”ARE YOU KIDDING ME! I NEVER FIND ANYTHING” I get sad for those poor folks..and then  happy cuz if they leave with nothing..I can come home with something :O) haha just kidding I wish I could go with everyone to help them!!

Dress: Vintage “OSKIE WOSKIE” Thrifted Savers, Belt: Thrifted Savers, Heels: Nine West Thrifted Savers

6. What advice would you give to someone interested in thrifting?

 I‘ve mentioned these tips in previous posts but these are tips I always follow and hold true to.

Here are the top 5 things I do before I go thrifting and while I am there:

       1. I grab some magazines and start tearing out anything that inspires me, colors, styles, or even people (stars) and I take them with me! You will be surprised how your eye magically goes to all of the items you chose! I write down a list of the items I definitely want to find i.e. jean shirt, yellow skirt, lace dress and give yourself a budget ($30 is what I usually say)

      2. I wear comfy tight clothes.. gym clothes are the best and flip flops Or something with some color, when you try things on sometimes you get the best combos and ideas from what you are already wearing!

    3.  Either wear a belt, or grab some belts, even if you don't want to buy any. They can make any dress, skirt, or top look amazing and really help you decide if it is a piece that will work.
4. I TRY ON EVERYTHING over my clothes in front of a mirror, honestly I just hate being in the dressing rooms and I feel like I can talk with photographer extraordinaire about the find.
5. And that brings me to the last and most important thing I do, I NEVER go alone. I mean the best part about shopping is being with someone to share in the high you get! Bring a friend to discuss fit, get you out of something you are stuck in, tell you how ridiculous you look, or help you weed through what you chose before you check out!

 Lace Cardigan: Thrifted Savers, Vintage Lace Dress: Thrifted Savers, Heels: Steve Madden Thrifted

7. If you had to choose, what are your favorite thrifted pieces?

I have soooo many pieces I love, so I am just going to mention those that are in the pictures I chose…cuz I would be here for hours going on and on haha

My YSL(Yves Saint Laurent) Men’s suit pants, The vintage striped dress in this post, The BCBG Sandals from Savers also in this post, and the Dooney Bags, one is in this post! I LOVE my blazers and jackets too…

8. Why did you agree to be featured?

When I was asked to be featured by SheRea I don’t think I hesitated. I think YOU She Rea are fabulous and I was honored to be part of the Thriftshionista family…I sometimes wish I had more time since I feel as though I am always running out of time…but I have found so much joy in blogging and sharing my tips that I will find myself typing at midnight to be a part of this amazing family…i.e. followers… Thank you SheRea and I can’t wait to meet your family!!! 

Dress: “Oskie Woskie” Vintage Thrifted Savers, Purse: Vintage Thrifted Savers, Heels: Carlos Santana: Thrifted Savers