As university students, 99.9% of the time we’re pinching pennies — so buying a $700 designer bag can be a bit of a stretch. Small vintage stores have become a student’s saving grace. You can find amazing pieces for under $10 and cut them, hem them and tassel them to fit your style. But there’s a catch! Finding something that doesn’t make you feel like your grandmother can be a challenge. This week’s Fashionista has mastered the art of bargain shopping. She can walk into Value Village with $20 in hand and walk out some hidden treasures. This exotic beauty takes all of her vintage pieces and transforms them to fit her own modern, fun and effortless personal style.
Name: Maggie Hutton
Year: Senior
Major: Global Development Studies
CollegeFashionista: What do you enjoy most about shopping in vintage stores?
Maggie Hutton: I really enjoy the thrill of the hunt. I love picturing what I would be able to do with it, whether its cutting it up or pairing it with something else that I own.
CF: What are some of the best pieces you’ve found ?
MH: The Dior purse ($12.99), a black Herve Leger skirt ($7.99) and a black Chanel tank top ($5.99)… I can’t believe I found that.
CF: Sometimes it’s a little overwhelming shopping at Value Village. How would you suggest going about shopping so that other Fashionistas can have the same success as you?
MH: Multiple trips up and down the aisle — even if you've skimmed it once or twice go back a third time and look at each item. Often times your eyes wonder before you've gotten a good look at the one that you have in your hands.
CF: As a university student do you find these “treasure hunts” provide a good release/stress reliever from school?
MH: Yeah, not only is it a good break from having your head in the books, but it also makes you feel a lot better that your studying in the library in a kick a*s outfit.
How To: Don’t get discouraged when you enter a vintage store. Look at every piece individually and ask yourself: how can I alter this to make it my own? What do I already have in my closet would make this a killer outfit? Every piece is a diamond in the rough and it’s up to you to bring it home and make it all your own.
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