1. Where did you thrift your outfit and approx. how much was the cost?


I got the gray jeans and the purple shirt at Value Village about three years ago, and the rest of the outfit was all found at our local St Vincent de Paul thrift store. The total cost of the outfit was about $25.. Some very exciting finds!


2. What was the inspiration behind your outfit?


I wanted something that was a little bit different than what I usually wear on a daily basis. I tend to think of my style as pretty casual, which I love but I had my eyes open for something unique and special. It doesn’t hurt that you find things at a fraction of the price of what they normally would be at a special boutique or shop When I saw this purple victorian jacket I had to get it! It has this extra fancy feel to it, with the ruffled shoulders, the tiny silk pleats on the collar, and the adorable pattern, how could I pass it up? It makes me feel like a fancy, big city living girl every single time I wear it


3. What did you enjoy most about thrifiting?


The thing that I’ve always enjoyed the most about thrifting is that it truly feels like a personal little scavenger hunt every single time. You never know what your going to find, and there is always something new and exciting each time I visit my local stores. There are often so many things that catch my eye when I’m browsing the shelves and racks, that it’s hard for me to go thrifting with other people because I’m constantly stopping and admiring all the treasures I love bringing old things back to life and and adding my own style and personality to them. It’s such a fabulous hobby!


4. What advice would you give first-time thrifters?


The best piece of advice I can give is to go in with an open mind. There are truly so many different styles, colors, and types of clothing from different years and eras that you never know what you might find. It’s good to have an idea of what you might be looking for, but it’s also good to leave behind those expectations of finding specific items and just browse until you find things that you absolutely love. It’s always good to keep in mind that its okay to leave empty-handed. Stores usually re-stock their racks weekly and there will always be special finds coming through the doors waiting for you to bring home!


5. Why do you deserve the GRAND BELOT OF HONOR?


I honesty think that every finalist deserves the Grand Belt of Honor!!! Let’s find a way to distribute it into ten pieces, and make it into a trendy bracelet or something! But in all seriousness, each of the entries for this #littlefashionchallenge have been so wonderful to view and have inspired me and so many others to thrift with a whole new meaning now! It’s very exciting to know that there are so many other women out there finding special treasures in their hometowns and making them their own! It’s a thrifty family! If there is one reason that I could say why I deserve the beautiful Grand Belt of Honor, is because I’ve been thrifting for years now and it has always been a favorite past time of mine. My mother has always taught me that “a good deal is the best deal you can get.” All Halloween costume pieces, art projects, and seasonal clothing were bought at second hand stores when we grew up, and I loved knowing I was getting things for such awesome prices


6. Do you have a website that you would like to share with everyone?


A website that I really enjoy visiting is www.elsiecake.com – I found out about her from the wonderful app Instagram that we all know and love She owns a vintage/second hand boutique and is super duper crafty, not to mention adorable! She’s constantly posting thrifting tips, DIY crafts like felt coasters and lace scarves, and and constantly shows her happy, life-loving personality through her blog posts. Check it out!


If you are inspired by Erika’s interview and outfit, vote for her here!