I love what I do, just love it. I got another email from Nikki Hall, who recently scored big at an estate sale awhile back, and just had to share with me her 2 most recent treasures. I love it when people actually take their time to contact me because we have a connection, a common interest – thrifting ! We love to find vintage luxury items anywhere we can and try to save them. Did you know that when some thrift stores don’t sell items they either ship them to Africa or simply shred them? Yes items get shredded everyday and to think about what is getting shredded now makes me what a stiff drink ! Ok back to Nikki. She contacted me saying she had found not one but two Alaia skirts and as I was reading her email I was so damn happy for her I couldn’t stand it. So you know I had to ask her a few questions… so here goes….
Q: You are an professional serial thrifter, like me, so tell us how long you’ve been one.
A: I’ve been thrifting only since this summer!! I’ve always been a consignment shopper but one fateful day I found your blog and said wow I wonder if I could find amazing things like Daniel. My first committed visit to Goodwill yielded a no name but amazing vintage paisley shirt-dress that I get so many compliments on.
Q: Please tell us about your 2 recent Alaia skirts you found, tell us where did you find them.
A: Similar to my estate sale jackpot, I was away on a work trip. I always try to carve some time for thrifting if I can. I was in Charleston at a Goodwill and found these lovelies. They were right next to each other!! I had just shuffled through the dresses and thought the trip was a bust and then there they were!
Q: I’ve never found anything from Alaia but when I do I’m pretty sure you’ll be able to hear my scream so saying that what was your very first thought that came into your head when you saw the label?
A: Its so funny because when I saw them I thought those are cute I might get them even if they are Bebe. When I saw they were Alaia I about passed out. I always get this feeling like someone is going to fight me for the deal or that I’m shoplifting. I paid eight dollars for both!
Q: Tell us how did you educate yourself on these types of obscure French high end fashion designers? Do you read fashion magazines, blogs???
A: I love high fashion which is funny because I’m from a college town with very little fashion happening. I devour all the fashion mags and keep up with a few blogs. Bazaar is one of my faves– I find it a little more accessible than Vogue. I’m also the kind of person who reads the credits in editorials to see who clothes are made by. My mom always said I was the hardest to shop for when I was a child because I complained about bad fabric.
Q: This is a pretty sweet find but tell us what is your ultimate dream find? Tell us why too..
A: Now that I’ve found an Alaia skirt I feel like there is no limit to what I can find if I just dig. I would love to find a Halston jumpsuit, a vintage Goyard tote with the wallet, and anything vintage Chanel. The hunt is so much more satisfying than plucking a dress out of twenty on the rack.
To say that I’m thrilled for Nikki would be an understatement because there are no adequate words to describe the feeling. I’m so happy to hear from my readers when they find something really magical. What Nikki is doing is shopping “green” and she’s doing that by avoiding the malls. The merchandise she is finding, the environmental impact has already occurred. I have all the faith in the world that Nikki will find that vintage Chanel piece and that Halston jumpuit… No doubt.
Daniel
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