Blog the Blogger: I Spy, Thrift Eye

I think Eli of the fabulous blog I Spy, Thrift Eye‘s mathematical formula says it all:
Fashion x me – money = thrift eye. Brilliant! It doesn’t get much easier than that, dear readers, which is why I wanted her to answer the DCGF soon-to-be Famous Five (plus One) questions. Forthwith, her insightful responses…

1. What is the first article of clothing you remember that you loved to wear? As a child, I had absolutely no say whatsoever in anything I ever got to wear. My mom had three daughters back to back, she loved dressing up her little girls. She had begun learning how to make clothes herself, often to our chagrin, she would make three identical outfits (in different sizes) so we would look like triplets. But there is one particular thing that actually stands out – although we never had a pool or went to the beach much, I had a little bathing suit. A tiny one. I would wear it around the house on the hot California summers, often playing with the water hose instead.It was a multicolored one piece that has a parrot embroidered onto one of the sides, and with a multitude of bathing suit material ruffles falling over to mimic feathers. It was flamboyant, for me, just a little Mexican girl growing up in the Los Angeles suburbs in the late eighties. I still have it to this day, and it boggles me how I ever fit into such a tiny thing.

2. Where is your favorite place to shop for a fashion bargain in the DC area? It has been quite some time since I have been back to DC, I’m dying to return. My favorite place to shop was visiting the Georgetown area. The time I went, we still had no H&M‘s in California, so it was a big treat to be able to FINALLY visit one. Of course now that we have them on the west coast, the appeal has kind of worn off. But there were shops in Georgetown what seemed to be like for miles, and on both sides. It resembled much like shopping on the 3rd street Promenade at Santa Monica or Haight Ashbury now in San Francisco California.

3. Where is your favorite place to shop for a fashion bargain outside of DC? I pretty much stick to thrift stores right now, because I’ve disciplined myself to be able to find modern pieces that fit my wardrobe perfectly and are usually of great quality, good designer, for such a tiny price. Most thrift stores will do.

But the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena California is definitely a sight to see for anyone who likes thrifting or collecting vintage clothes. You can find just about anything, and people who are interested in the exact same thing. Some things will be expensive, some affordable, you will really have to dig. Most rarely come out empty handed. It’s only held once a month and they charge a fee to get in, but it’s definitely worth it. And once you’re done spending your money on clothes, if you have any money left over you can continue shopping for vintage house goods!

I’ve also frequented many swap meets in California with my mother that will sell fabric very inexpensively. Where you can buy a yard of fabric for only a dollar. So having your mom make you a whole outfit out of something that cost her a dollar or maybe two, you cant beat that bargain.
4. Who is your current favorite designer? Miuccia Prada is at the top right now, when she gets it right, everyone follows. I can’t quite afford anything from her right now, but I use her whimsical designs as inspirations. She is a trendsetter, and it trickles down into every day fashion. Nine West loves to copy her shoes, then regular women buy them not knowing the designer behind them. [the DCGF: She makes an excellent point. It took me about seventeen seconds to find these knock-offs. I knew they were big into copying, but didn't realize Nine West had such a big crush on Miuccia!]5. If you could own any single item from fashion past or present – money is no object! – what would it be? I am still a vintage nut – and my thrifting mecca is a Pucci dress. It is the only thing I have never been able to find. I would love a flowing Pucci dress in a billion colors. So I try tracking them on ebay, but they always go for way too much. I’m hoping that one day, a relative will donate an old family members’ belongings and not know what they are giving away. Since inheriting one of my own is out of the question.

Bonus Question: How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop? I have a bad sweet tooth, I always just take a big chomp and bite right into the middle. Shame on me.

Aside from feeling sorry for Eli’s dentist, I have to say I’m mad jealous of her skills at acquiring serious designer brands for low-low prices. It’s like she has a sixth sense! Methinks that if you need someone to help you navigate the big, scary world that eBay can be, she’s the perfect guide.

So let me just put it out there that I’m in the market for some vintage boots with a flat heel, preferably in leather, size 42, okay, Eli? Just sayin’…