by Amani (Contributor)
Content with her daily school regimen, Samantha Clark says she likes to keep it casual on the days she must spend long hours at school. Keeping herself out of a scrub state, she chooses to throw her sheet-like scarf into the mix with the usual cami, jeans, and cardigan. The subtle but not overpowering color and shine of her scarf gave her outfit a little more depth.
Adding different textures is something that shouldn’t be forgotten – though it often is – when quickly throwing on an outfit in the morning. Having different textures allows you to actually have authority in the room, without being too loud. No, I’m not saying that if you don’t add volume to your outfit you will look like a dull Swedish Berry. I’d simply rather you have the presence of a vibrant Skittle.
Texture isn’t hard to do either, and we’ve all had the summer to adapt and partake in the idea of wearing fringe all over. But apart than fringe this season, shake things up a bit; add a little shag or faux fur to your wardrobe. Try anything faux, really, or even real fur if that’s your thing. Or why not have a go at velvets or knits while you’re at it? 10 points if you manage to wear it all in one day. Faux is fun, and the added layering of different fabrics will help you stay warm for the predicted chill ahead.
I caught Danielle Nadeau at the parking machine short a dime for her ticket; she was very open when I approached her. What drew me to her the most was her perfectly weathered, leather, woven sandals. Danielle stated that she opts for comfort when dressing in the morning. She also said that she tends to favor off-the-shoulder pieces; interestingly enough, she was sporting one with some graphic detail that afternoon.
Off-the-shoulder tops are quite practical because they are not only comfortable, but seductive. Danielle also told me that recently, during rebranding, Bootlegger changed some of its looks from the ones most of us were more familiar with at a younger age. The retailer adapted styles similar to ones sold in Aritiza, (our homegrown, always trendy but overpriced boutique) at a more student-savvy price.
Of course, I couldn’t help but gush about her shoes, since at that moment they had become my sole purpose. I was fixated on knowing everything about them. But when she told me that they were thrifted, I knew the story was over. I can’t say how many times I’ve approached people, determined to find out just where they picked up their vibrant, perfectly aged pieces, only to be let down by those two words: thrift store, Mecca of all that is interesting and surprisingly fashionable. Many people will tell you that they can never find anything in a thrift store, or that they couldn’t stand to wear anyone else’s clothing, but it is those people who are missing out.
Thrifting is simply about getting in that rack – and army crawling, if you really have to – to find that ultimate treasure that someone will always rave about. It’s not like certain people are blessed with a psychic thrift store power, knowing exactly what they’ll find that day; the point is that you never know. It’s almost like being a child at Christmas or discovering a band that will alter your very existence during your teen years. Absolutely magical, I tell you. Get out of the mall and find something original, something for you to completely adore and keep for years to help complete the thrift store cycle. One old treasure is the new regular, at least until it gets old.
