The Beginning of an Obsession

Greetings and Salutations bargain hunters and thrifty enthusiasts!  This is my first [ever] blog installment devoted to my current and what seems to be, everlasting, thrift store addiction. I get so excited about my findings, that I feel the need to share. I've gotten over my small feeling of shame in knowing I'm wearing a used, second-hand item. Why should I be ashamed?!!? I've found some pretty amazing DESIGNER-brand, top-quality pieces of clothing for a price that is cheaper than a gallon of gas these days. There's nothing more satisfying than finding that one amazing dress that makes you smile AND gloat to all your friends as they ask you "Girl, that dress is fabulous...where did you get it?!?". I'll shop at any thrift store nation-wide but most of my purchases come from the same store located in Jacksonville,FL called the Thrift Store. Simple enough name, but their inventory is not simple at all. They have everything you can think of!! Even the keyboard I'm using right now to write this blog was purchased for $1.50 (I know!) Whenever we need anything random or if I have a specific look I need for a photoshoot, my immediate thought and process is: Let me check the thrift store first. I know I can find it there. I can honestly tell you that I'm never let down. 

<------this store is the shiz-nit!!!!

So...where do I begin? Oh yes,I know. Let me show you the outfits I found and used in my earlier photoshoots. My agent at the time really wanted me to test more. In other words, I needed to build my portfolio. As a newbie plus model, I really had no idea how much financial obligation there was into building yourself as a model. I was extremely naive and basically overwhelmed in the costs of building yourself as a brand. It ended up costing me a spot on the board of one of the bests plus modeling agencies in the U.S. But hey, you live and you learn,right? 
Moving on... needless to say, I didn't have the funds to support my new found love of modeling so I had to get creative. I was lucky enough to grow up with amazing sisters who had an artistic, innovative style.They were so influential. I would always tag along when they went thrifting. It was one of my favorite things to do with them and it definitely planted a seed for my future addiction. It was the first thing I thought of when I needed to outfit-plan a test shoot for my portfolio. I thought to myself, why not try the thrift store to see if they have any unique and different items there?? hmmmm  *GREATEST IDEA I'VE EVER HAD*
I found some amazing things. Here, I'll show you:

Belt and top(Old Navy) were thrift store finds! Both purchased at the same time with a $5 bill.

This Talbot  dress was perfect for my Brigitte Bardot-inspired shoot. And the necklace! It is currently the most I've spent on an item at the thrift store for a whopping $14.95!

These were just the first of many! It spawned a brand new addiction. An addiction that I can say, I'm proud of.  I have so many items and photos to share with you guys! I hope you'll enjoy and follow my thrifty journey! 

*Photo Credit: Journey Photography, Hair Mindy Stamulis,MUA Tracey Upson