Hey Everyone,
I am soooo privileged and honored to fixture Vanessa from the “Maverick Diva Blog.” I also found her on IFB and I fell in love with her and her AWESOME style. I definitely have called her my thrifting twin because she loves thrifitng as much as I do. Her style has a retro, old school feel and she transcends this very century. Whether it’s her high waisted flare pants or antique jewelry, Vanessa redefines the term thriftshionista. Be sure to visit her blog The Maverick Diva and fall in love with her over and over again. Vanessa stands out, sticks out, and she doesn’t conform. She stays true to the thriftshionista in her heart. That’s enough of me rambling on about her. Here’s what she has to say about herself.
Jewelry All Antique. Dress Thrifted. Sunglasses Found at an Antique Mall.
Brief Bio: I am 21 years old, I am a FIDM graduate with a degree in fashion design. I have worked in all kinds of jobs in the fashion industry, from retail, to being a representative for designers in Los Angeles, interned for a music magazine as a weekly columnist, did freelance styling, worked fashion shows as backstage help and directed one once. I am currently working on getting a second degree for Communications with a concentration in Public Relations. I signed up for a blogger account way back just for kicks with no purpose to it. As I got used to it and felt comfortable with it, I decided to give my blog a makeover and give it a cleaner look, a better name, make it consistent, put up relevant posts, give it a purpose about something I am passionate about and then came "THE MAVERICK DIVA" I wanted my blog to be not only inspirational to me but a virtual outlet but also for the readers that visit and to get inspired from what inspires me.
Thrifted Transparent Maxi Dress. Amazing Paisley Print. Thrifted Architectural Heels.
Here’s the scope on the thoughts of Vanessa-Thriftshionista Extraordinaire.
When did you first start thrifting?
I started thrifting back in high school,that was about 8 years ago? I would go to local thrift shops that were of walking distance to my school. I started thrifting when I was in my 1950s beatnik phase and all I wanted to wear was black tight pencil skirts and berets. Was it age appropriate? no! Did I care? NO! I later developed a liking to antique shopping, vintage shopping and flea market shopping; all very different outlets to finding second hand items and the best vintage pieces.
Why do you thrift? Do you have a larger purpose?
I thrift because it’s cheap. I'm not one of those bloggers that has all designer products in my outfit shots. Ya, here and there I have new items but even my "expensive" finds were bought at reasonable prices. So thrifting is my life! From all the years of thrift shopping, I've picked up several patterns and tricks of the trade. Fashion has always worked in cycles and designers are constantly seeking inspiration from other decades but warping them into a modern design. If Anna Sui comes out with a collection of paisley 60s prints, I can count on the nearest goodwill to have a full stock of long dresses with obscure 60s prints that resemble the runway. Thrift finds always have a history! I love imagining the woman or man who wore the piece I purchase for 5 bucks. I have a Ralph Lauren equestrian print sweater and I love to think that it was worn by an old lady with long white hair who owned a horse ranch and wore tight jeans all the time with big belt buckles. what a badass!
All Antique Jewelry. Denim Jacket. Tunic Top. Skirt. All Thrifted. Zara Heels-NOT THRIFTED.
What is your favorite thrifted piece (may include clothing, jewelry, and accessories)?
I have so many favorite thrifted pieces. My most special pieces are strangely the finds I have collected from my earlier years of thrifting. Back in high school I had a knack for purchasing really vintage pieces. I snatched the goodies before anyone else did. Those earlier purchases are my 1920s to 1950s dresses. My pride and joy. But I can't narrow it down that specifically. I have my favorite loose knit sweater that I got when I was obsessed with Rodarte(still am) or my antique agate necklaces, or even my many velvet maxi skirts. I love everything I've purchased at a vintage shop, thrift shop and flea market because every piece is a unique find and its got some type of history with it.
Thrifted Rorschach Top. Thrifted High Waisted Flare Pants. Shoes-NOT THRIFTED.
What advice do you have to people who are skeptical about thrifting or are thinking about thrifting?
Listen people, It's a unique piece so forget about that tear under the armpit. I have bought countless of items that have damages but thats the last thing I notice. If I find a 70s lurex pleated gold skirt just sitting on the rack calling my name, I don't squander away my time contemplating my purchase over a button missing. Give thrifting a try if you havent yet. If you are obsessed with a trend, go to your nearest thrift shop and I swear to you that you will find that piece you were looking for with a vintage vibe to it. But do keep one thing in mind, don't have high expectations when you go cause you never know what you will find or what you won't find. Go with nothing in mind, with no target pieces just go and you will find something you have subconsciously been wanting for a while and that spark will ignite when you see it.
Only the Dress is Thrifted. Cat Prints. Matched with Zara Bird Print Top.
What does being a thriftshionista mean to you?
A thriftshionista is a fashionista that has allowed thrift shops to take over her life! I am guilty of that. A thriftshionista is also a fashionista that lives and breathes fashion but achieves her chic looks through thrift shopping. I believe these type of girls are the most creative gals in the fashion world cause they can envelope the latest trends with an outfit found at a thrift shop that probably cost them less than 50 bucks. Thriftshionistas are the best!
Glasses. Coat. Polka Dot Top. All Thrifted.
Note: In the header, Vanessa is wearing a vintage oversized transparent polka dot button down, vintage bowler hat, and vintage glasses. The acne wedges are not thrifted.
Vanessa undoubtedly proves that thrifting is ideal for affordable pieces that are trendy, dynamic, and super fun. Begin your thrifting journey today. No regrets. No surrender.
Live. Laugh. Love Thrift.
