I love talking to other thrifters so this is just pure pleasure to introduce to you Nancy. I met Nancy about what feels like a decades ago because we have so much in common, but in reality it was probably just over a year. I was at a Goodwill when I heard this voice say to me “are you that thrifting guy that was in the newspaper?” She was kind enough to start up a conversation with me and we’ve been fast friends ever since. I’ve had the pleasure of going to her house and stepping into her closets and when I say that Nancy has a very sharp keen eye for design, I wouldn’t be exgagerating. Her collection of items are mind numbing not just because of her vintage luxury collection but for her mix of modern pieces as well. Nancy is one of the most stylish women in Atlanta and that’s not an understatement, it’s just the fact, so with that in mind here goes our interview……
Q: Nancy how long have you been thrifting and have you always searched out luxury brands?
A: I have always loved thrift shops and flea markets. Early on it was the search for vintage buttons or belt (spare parts) that would make a sweater or dress ‘mine’. Now it is the seriously fabulous clothes that are there, if you make the effort. There is no middle ground, its Bergdorf’s or Goodwill. Even if I could afford the best, I would still want to shop the thrift stores. It’s an adventure, its green, an ongoing treasure hunt that’s fun.
Q: Do you remember your first treasure find?
A: My first serious find was a black and white silk YSL jacket. I still have it. My best find is a black Vionnet dress with its still perfect jacket.
Q: I’ve been fortunate to have seen your lovely well organized closet and you have every fashion brand from Armani to Yamamoto is there any brand your yearning to collect? What would that be?
A: The one find I hope might happen is a black & white CHANEL hand knit sweater with a camellia, I saw in Bergdorf’s about 15 years ago. It was so amazing, and I still hope it might turn up at a consignment or thrift store. And there is always the circus collection from Schiaparelli, the jackets with the Schlumberger buttons.
Q: I know your background is art, do you think your awareness of colors and feel for fabrics help you in any way?
A: I think my art background has given me an eye for good design, where ever you find it.
I don’t really do much with color. My wardrobe is the little black dress and I love a beautiful white blouse. I wear unusual or colorful accessories.
Q: You travel quite a bit and each trip you always find time to take in the current museum shows tell me how that soaks into your conscience.
A: There is always an important show on in Paris over the New Year. I plan my travels around jewelry and fashion exhibitions. Estate jewelry is often better quality and design than most things current.
Below are just a few pieces from left to right: Geoffrey Beene yellow sequin jacket, Scaasi striped jacket with black skirt, Oscar de la Renta black dress with velvet trim, Jacques Fath black & white suit, Dolce & Gabbana nautical blouse & Sonia Rykiel white bustier + black Gucci slacks with zipper on side.
Now didn’t I tell you that Miss Nancy has some serious style? Thank you Nancy for your informative interview and good luck with your future thrifting adventures….
Daniel
Thank you for using the Fashion Industry Network. Have you helped another member today? Answer questions in the forum. It brings good luck.