FA S H I O N
I S S U E
THRIFTY HUNTER W I N T E R
2 0 1 6
NEW YEAR NEW BEDROOM How To Makeover Your Room Like A Pro
9
Top Tips for Thrift Shopping
A FRESH
COAT
shop your winter coat on your budget
C O U T U R E & C U LT U R E
M A G A Z I N E
T H E
ZOE
Timeless Pieces For A Modern World
SEEO
Empowerment with a Woman’s Touch
Inside
79 9 E XPE R T TI PS TO FI ND I NG
THRIFTY HUNTER 10
E TS Y S P OT L IG H T
TR E A S U R E S WHI LE THR I FT S HOPPI NG
WINTER 2016
By Gabrielle Lewis
66 DECOR
FASHION
RISE AND SHINE LET’S RING IN THE NEW YEAR IN STYLE... THRIFTY STYLE By Denny Fernandez
12 SEEO B y Loving The Ledfords
48 THRASH: THE ST YLISH GENT By 40.Khal
22 A FRESH COAT B y Tr o k o n G e o r g e
38 RUDE GIRL By Michela Riva
PROFILES & FEATURES
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72 7 YE A R O L D SH O E PRIN C E SS T X U N AM Y B y G a b r i e l l e G a ge
74 YO U N G AN D E D G Y FO RE V E R J A I P I TRE JR B y G a b r i e l l e G a ge
75 MI N I S T YL E BLO G G E R O F T H E YE AR ZA H A R A B y G a b r i e l l e G a ge
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COVER STORY Zoe’s Vintque Bring Vintage To A Modern World By Gabrielle Gage Photographer Chi Lee Photography
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THRIFTY HUNTER Couture & Culture WINTER 2016
w w w. t h r i f t y h u n t e r. c o m Publisher / President / Founder G A BR I EL L E L E W I S Editor-in-Chief DENNY FERNANDEZ Creative Director G A BR I EL L E L E W I S ____________ Senior Fashion & Style Director G A BR I EL L E L E W I S Fashion Editor G A B R I EL L E G AG E ____________
Features & Profiles Editor S H ER I S S E’ D. W O O D L E Y Decor Editor D ENNY F ER NA ND EZ Food Editor K I M H UYNH Digital Editor – www.ThriftyHunter.com AM Y DA L E Contributing Photographers LOVING THE LEDFORDS, 40.KHAL, TROKON GEORGE, CHI LEE PHOTOGRAPHY, MICHELA RIVA Advertising & Marketing Inquiries Contact: Info@ThriftyHunter.com Editorial Submissions: Info@ThriftyHunter.com
©2015 THRIFT Y HUNTER MAGAZINE. ALL RIGHTS RESER VED. REPRODUC TION IN ANY FORM WITHOUT WRIT TEN PERMISSION FROM THE PUBLISHER IS PROHIBITED. T H R I F T Y H U N T E R M A G A Z I N E I S A FA S H I O N A N D L I F E S T Y L E P U B L I C AT I O N P U B L I S H E D Q U A R T E R LY. P L E A S E S E N D C O M M E N T S T O T H E AT T E N T I O N O F T H E P U B L I S H E R .
A Thrift
y Winter
ETSY SPOTLIGHT |Clutch Mi By Michelle
Handmade Sensation Meet Michelle Dean! A resident of Little Rock, Arkansas, Michelle is the owner and chief creative designer of Clutch Mi by Michelle. Clutch Mi by Michelle is a premier, up and coming line of unique clutch purses. Her creative vision found an outlet through her Etsy store, where each individual clutch is handcrafted with a striking design that will make any outfit pop! Michelle describes her clutches purses as geometric, asymmetrical “HANDart.� She loves odd shapes and mixes of different patterns and color that reflect in all of her clutch designs. Check out her store and contact her today for the must-have accessory of the year! www.etsy.com/shop/ClutchMi
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F E AT U R E
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Sisters Empow
Photography by Loving The Ledfords lovingtheledfords.com 1 2 W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 / / F E AT U R E
EEO
wering Each Other
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EXPANDING OUR VILLAGE: THE DIGITAL COMMUNITY MOVEMENT of SEEO Sisters Empowering Each Other “SEEO” (pronounced SE-E-O) was founded in 2015 by entrepreneur Gia Neil Sneed. The organization serves to act as a “Think Tank of Women Entrepreneurs”, a creative space where women of all interests and stages of life can share information, experiences, and encouragement. The group provides a forum for seasoned entrepreneurs to lend guidance to the new and/ or aspiring business owner, and is the space to develop dreams into tangible results. SEEO is where all success is celebrated, all experience is valuable, and every woman counts.
Andrea Aesthetics & Bodycare
Gia Neil Sneed is the owner and chief designer of The Mahogany Box, a jewelry design company that mixes timeless elegance with practicality, a fusion that coalesces into wearable art. While her foray into the world of jewelry design began in 2011, Gia has always had an artist’s spirit, previously owning a Color Me Mine franchise before starting The Mahogany Box. Noticing the potential for entrepreneurship in many of her friends, she saw the lack of information and resources as common barriers preventing them from venturing into business ownership. Her owning multiple businesses gave her a unique vantage point into what helps and hurts women entrepreneurs. Gia recognized the need for a place where information could be freely given and received, and SEEO was created. The hub of SEEO is the Facebook group located at www.facebook.com/SEEO, with the number of members rapidly growing.
Shonté Fuller BluNoir Interiors
Tanisha ‘Tanay’ Johnson 3 Designing Divas
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W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 / / F E AT U R E
Tonya McKenzie Real Estate Agent Magazine
C. Renee Metoyer Jassy’s Sweets & Eats
Michele Dean Clutch Mi by Michelle
April Ray Introvert Mogul Studios
Thurmisha Bromell KayJa Creations
Jamie West LovelySoul Photography
Gabrielle Lewis Thrifty Hunter Magazine
Misty Stills Whatever I Want! Creative Collective Trinece Levias Levia Real Estate
Gia Sneed The Mahogany Box
FA S H I O N
FA S H I O N
THRIFTY HUNTER is your haute couture guide to dressing in style without breaking the bank. The world of fashion is more than what you see on the r u n w a y s . I t ’s a b o u t t h e p e o p l e i n t h e c l o t h e s , s t y l i n g t h e m . T h e p e o p l e w h o stay looking through racks of clothes for something that defines them and t h e i r p e r s o n a l i t y. F a s h i o n i s a h u s t l e o f i d e n t i t y.” T h r i f t y H u n t e r w i l l i n s p i r e you to be stylish and thrifty while defining who you are. Thrifty shopping m a y l o o k d i f f e r e n t f o r e a c h r e a d e r, b u t w e c a n a l l l o o k c h i c a n d s t i l l s t a y within our own budget!
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A FRESH COAT Photographer Trokon George Makeup Ashley Carole Campbell Stylist Gabrielle Gage Models Ebonique Wool Kassidy Lynn
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Jacket $12.00 www.thriftyhunter.com
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Grey Peacoat $15.00 www.thriftyhunter.com
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Black Peaco www.thriftyh
oat$15.00 hunter.com
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Faux Fur Coat $24.00 www.thriftyhunter.com
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Faux Fur Trench Coat $30.00 www.thriftyhunter.com
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2 8 FA L L 2 0 1 5 / / FA S H I O N
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$58.00 www.shophandpickedla.com
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$65.00 www.shophandpickedla.com
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$72.00 www.shophandpickedla.com
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$150.00 www.shophandpickedla.com
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$54.00 www.shophandpickedla.com
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FA S H I O N
TELLY
T H R I F T Y B LO G G E R S P OT L I G H T | T E L LY
Thrift on the Ave
www.thriftontheave.com
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RU GIR
Photogr Michela www.michel Stylin Alessia Ales Make Cecilia Car Mod Isabell Giardin Clothes & Ac Boogaloo Vinta Location: GRIP, T
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DE RL
raphy a Riva lariva.com ng ssio-VernĂŹ e up rbonelli del ni @ Be Nice ccessories: age and more Trieste (Italy)
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The Stylish Gent Photographer 40.Khal Stylist Quentin Thrash
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“I pull inspiration from everything. Assortment of colors I see, different cultures I learn about, even styles from other genders opens my mind up to recreate it in my own way.”
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FA S H I O N FA S H I O N
PHOTOGRAPHY DEMANN CRAWFORD 3 4 FA L L 2 0 1 5 / / FA S H I O N 50 W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 / / FA S H I O N
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“Never be afraid to push the envelop because the world can’t be changed by doing what’s already been done.”
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“Find a good tailor and keep him close.”
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AIKO THRIFTY BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT | AIKO
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PHOTOGRAPHY DEMANN CRAWFORD
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COVER STORY
ZOE’S VINT
Bringing Vintage to a Mo B y G a bri el l e G a ge
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WINTER 2015 // COVER STORY
TIQUE
odern World
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Zoe opened the doors to her shop 10 years ago, and every year has been even better than the last. Her lifelong passion has been to own her own store, surrounded by beautiful vintage clothing that she can pass along to other vintage lovers. Her shop, located in Los Angeles, Calif. inspires all who walk through her door that any dream you have, you can accomplish.
1) What inspired you to start Zoe’s Vintique? Zoe's Vintique opened 10 years ago but it's been a lifelong process. I've been passionate about fashion, especially vintage fashion, for as long as I can remember. I used to play with my mothers and great grandmothers dresses while knowing that one day, I would open my own boutique. Before I opened Zoe's Vintique, I began selling clothing from my home and at the Melrose Trading Post flea market in Los Angeles "what a great experience" and I learned so much. 2) What about your store gives you the best feeling every time you walk inside? Pure Joy is the feeling when I open the door everyday. I remain humble and grateful to see what God has done for me. I’m a country girl who came from a very small town with a big dream to one day be a entrepreneur, and here I am living that dream. I’m always excited when customers come in the store and leave out very happy, that always puts a small on my face. Every piece in Zoe’s Vintique has been hand pick by me. It’s very important to me that I pay it forward and encourage every- one who comes in to never give up on their dreams. 3) Out of all the clothing you supply, what are your favorite items that you display? I’d have to say it’s the vintage dresses, hats, and fur coats. From glamour to professional, these pieces while lovingly used are about to make amazing memories for their new owner.
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4) Tell us about your most recent fashion show, was there a theme? My last fashion show was last year; for my fourth year anniversary. The theme of the fashion show was “Winter in Wonderland”. We showcased winter looks that can be mixed into spring fashion. I receive pieces from all over and winter in Los Angeles really gave me an opportunity to be very experimental and forward thinking. I mixed and matched to create modern looks from vintage pieces. 5) How do you decide on what items to sell and which ones to keep for yourself? Honestly, this is a very hard question to answer! There are so many pieces that I love, but as a curvy girl all of them just can’t fit me, and trust when I find a very special piece that I can wear, I absolutely must keep them! 6) What is the most valuable lesson you have learned when it comes to owning your own business? I will tell anyone to do their research on what type of business they’re trying to opening up. You must have a business plan and a clear mind to make the right decision. 7) What future do you have planned for your store? I would love for Zoe’s Vintique to be international. Opening a boutique in another country is a goal and looking for vintage pieces on an international level -well that wouldn’t feel like work at all. I’d also like to offer a concierge service to our current roster. Styling more photo shoots and ultimately be the go to boutique with one of a kind fashion.
Photographer Chi Lee Photography
Wardrobe Stylist Zoe’s Vintique
Makeup Teresa Miranda (Red Lipstick Makeup Studio)
Model Janna Poole (Aston Models)
Hairstylist Nicole Bellows
Robert Grana
Photo Assistant
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STUDIO
THRIFT Samantha $111.00 | North $55.00
www.studiothrift.com
LAUREN
THRIFTY BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT | LAUREN
RISE AN
DECOR
Let’s Ring in the New Ye
Lush Décor
by Denny
18x18 Feather-Filled Decorative Pillows Price: $16.99 (per pillow) *price will vary per shape/size*
J. Hunt & Company Hammered Metal Table Lamps Price: $39.99 (per lamp) Tip: Always invest in lighting. Makes a world of difference!
Venus Suite 300 Thread Count 4-piece Sheet Set Price: $29.99 (per set) Set includes: Flat sheet, fitted sheet and (2) standard pillow cases.
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DECOR
Domain
Thro Studio
(1) Queen Duvet Cover and (2) Shams Price: $29.99 (per set) Tip: Some brands offer a reversible option. It’s like getting two looks for the price of one!
50x60 Decorative Throw Price: $19.99
DECOR
D SHINE
ear in Style... Thrifty Style
Kelvin
y Fernandez
Set of (2) room darkening grommet panels Price: $29.99 (per set) Tip: Common lengths for standard curtain or drapery panels are 63 inches, 84 inches, 95 inches, 108 inches and 120 inches.
5x7 Area Rug Made in Turkey Machine/Polypropylene Price: $129.99 Tip: Polypropylene is a synthetic material. If you want to splurge you can also go for a wool rug. It will cost more but will last much longer!
Books and knick-knacks can be purchased at your local thrift shop!
Silk Road by Style Craft
**Based on a queen size bed Photograph courtesy of www.simonedesignblog.com
Price: $49.99 (per ottoman) Tip: If you do not want your ottoman(s) to take up too much space go for some with legs instead of one solid piece. Too bulky can make a small space feel even smaller! DECOR
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WE SHOP HERE. SO SHOULD YOU. Goodwill
F E AT U R E
What I WHEN MOMMY SAYS, “ DON’T F
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FA L L 2 0 1 5 / / F E AT U R E
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I We a r ORGET YOUR HAT AND GLOVES.”
F E AT U R E / / T H R I F T Y H U N T E R
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7 Ye a r O l d S h o e P r i n c e s s
TXUNAMY B y G abr ie lle G age
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SAMI DRASIN PHOTOGRAPHY
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1) Because the weather is getting colder, do you have a favorite jacket or sweater that you like to wear? And why is this your favorite jacket/sweater? My favorite jacket would be a leather jacket, because it makes any outfit look amazing with it. 2) If you had to go visit Santa for a special Christmas party what would you wear? I would wear a red, green, and white long dress that doesn’t show my feet because it’s the Christmas colors. F E AT U R E
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F E AT U R E
Yo u ng a n d Ed g y Fo rever
Jai Pitre Jr By Gabrielle Gage
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1. Since the weather is changing now, and beacuse you are so fashionable, would you rather grab a leather jacket or a long coat to stay warm? A leather jacket beacuse it has fur in it. The fur makes you warm and makes you feel like you are sitting on compy pillows or a bear. 2. When you are picking out an outfit to wear, do you pick out something based on your favorite color or on the style of the clothing? The style of the clothing! If you see very nice clothes and some pants and you look and you see that it really cool and stylish then you would pick it! I think the clothes I wear are very fashionable and cool!
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F E AT U R E
M i n i S t y l e B l o g g e r o f t h e Ye a r
ZAHARA By Gabrielle Gage
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1) Being the young fashionista that you are, do you find winter to be the best or worst season to dress up for? I love all seasons. Every season allows me to express myself differently. Winter colors, boots, coats, and cozy sweaters are all some of my favorites for winter season. The changing of seasons gives me an opportunity to express myself in different ways. For example, during spring and summer I can dress a lot more girly with sandals and dresses while in the winter I can wear edgy clothes such as leather jackets, jeans, and boots. One of my favorites during winter is layering. Layering is always fun because you can add your favorite jacket and scarf to top off a look versus in the summer you can’t do any layering where I live because it gets way too hot. 2) We know that you like to sketch your own designs, have you made any christmas sweaters yet or do you plan to? What would it look like? Most people describe Christmas sweaters as “ugly” and even have ugly Christmas sweater parties. I would go in a different direction for a Christmas sweater. I haven’t designed any Christmas sweaters but if I did I would describe the perfect Christmas sweater as an oversized hooded knit sweater. I would want it to be comfortable and fashionable. It would be in made in different colors such as forest green, a deep red, and beige. I love Christmas and the traditional Christmas colors used. 3) If you got invited to a Winter Wonderland ice skating party, what would you wear and why? If I were invited to a winter wonderland skating party I would wear something edgy such as shorts with sparkles, tights, button up blouse, and a statement necklace or a chunky scarf.
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LET TER FROM — THE PUBLISHER
Thrifty Hunter is all about uniting individuals from all walks of life. At the heart of this endeavor there is an inspirational message through a unique sense of integrity that combats the materialism of modern society. Whether it’s recreating up-to-the-minute styles easily and affordably for moms to be; cooking a gourmet meal for the entire family on a budget; or traveling to fun and friendly destinations at a fraction of the cost; our publication reflects true worth. We are dedicated to providing readers with a comprehensive guide to living a thrifty lifestyle without compromising comfort, elegance or style. I hope you enjoyed our Winter issue, “A Thrifty Winter” which featured many amazing jackets and coats from various thrift stores. This issue was our Fashion Issue, and with winter already in full effect we wanted to give out readers more than beautiful images, but give them the opportunity to purchase as they read. We hope we made your winter more stylish and warm.
To our readers: I want to thank you all so much for your support. Thrifty Hunter magazine wouldn’t be where is it without you. I invite you to take this journey and grow with us. I know God has nothing, but great things in store and no matter where my life goes, my mind, my heart, and soul will always stay the same. Humble, grateful, and thankful! Always remember with God ALL things are POSSIBLE.
Gabrielle Lewis
9 Expert Tips to Finding Treasures While Thrift Shopping Want to Thrift Shop Know the current trends for the season! That way you already know exactly what you are looking for before you enter the store. Most people who try to shop thrifty go right into it without having any idea of what they are looking for. They become immediately overwhelmed and walk out! With all the aisles and racks of clothing it's always best to have an idea in mind of what you want! Have An Open Mind Learn to appreciate everything and don’t limit yourself. Being closed minded makes it impossible to learn and grow. When to Thrift Once you find a store you like, stay loyal to it. Frequent visits will help learn the thrift cycle, meaning how often does the staff replenish the merchandise and on what days. Each season start fresh! Always pay attention to next seasons street styles and runways. Look at designers new collections, then hunt for similar styles, but within your budget! Always remember get inspiration and ideas, but never copy, make it your own! That is what’s amazing about thrift shopping - most of the time there is ONLY ONE, which gives you the creative drive and upper hand to be able to make a style your own. Go In With A Plan Know ahead of time what you need. Sometimes they can be a bit overwhelming, and each location has its own organizing system, making it a bit challenging to find what you need. So if you go knowing you’re looking for 12-24 month-old boy’s khakis, and size 8 black dress shoes, it can be a lot less stressful. Check Clothes Carefully, Check clothes for stains, loose threading, missing buttons and other potential problems. Be sure to turn items inside out, too, for a full assessment. If you’re considering an electronic purchase, plug it in to be sure it works. Even books should be scanned for missing or damaged pages. Any and all damage should be noted before making a purchase. Can you fix it? Will it be worth the cost? Watch for Special Sales and Discounts Some thrift stores have markdowns and special promotions several times a year, which can save you even more money. Ask a store clerk if and when the store has special sales. Try On Before You Buy A lot of thrift stores have dressing rooms where you can try on clothes. Unless you know your size very well, We would urge you to try on a garment in the store to see how it looks on you before you go to the checkout line. Don’t Stay Stuck In One Section Just because you're a woman, don't be a afraid to go through the men's section. You never know what you'll find if you don't look through the entire store. Take Your Time Digging for treasure takes time. Make sure you take your time while going thrifting because being in a rush takes all the fun out of the process. F E AT U R E
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Thrifty Hunter Presents
GABBY on BUDGET W IT H H OST
GABRIELLE GAGE w w w. t h r i f t y h u n te r. c o m
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I’M A THRIFTY HUNTER W W W. T H R I F T Y H U N T E R . C O M