Have you always loved fashion?
Yes- I have loved fashion since I was a little girl in my “party shoes.” From a very early age, my mother let me dress myself. Each morning, I would put together an outfit and by the end of the day, much to my mother’s chagrin, I had changed three times. I loved mixing and matching and to this day have a ball trying to make new outfits of what is in my closet. Some of the outfits I wore as a child were interesting but my mom maintains that letting me dress myself gave me the freedom to express myself and define my personal style (she’s right).
Why did you start Thrift & Tell?
Frankly, it was an accident! I woke up one morning with the name in my head and loved the play on “kiss and tell.” For whatever reason, people seem shy to share when they get a good deal. I think perhaps they feel embarrassed to admit they cannot afford to pay retail for a Chanel bag or that they are not rich and spending money with wild abandon. I have always and will always love finding a good deal and instead think of it as a badge of honor. When someone says “I love those Manolos,” my immediate response is “thank you they were 70% off!” (My mom frequently says, ‘you know you can just say thank you…”) I started Thrift & Tell to flip the taboo of bargain shopping on its head and, instead of being embarrassed, celebrate it.
Thrift & Tell has grown organically into a fun way to share my love of the hunt and tips for consignment (both selling and buying). I absolutely love doing it and nothing makes me happier than seeing you in your T&T finds or hearing that T&T inspired you to sell your clothes and make money. #onlyfoolspayretail
What were your first pair of designer shoes?
My mother very kindly bought me the iconic Chanel cream-black cap toes ballet flats for my sweet 16. In my excitement to wear them, I did not notice that they were a bit too small for me. I then felt guilty for I am not kidding 10 years, because I could not wear them. They were just too small! When I got into consignment in my mid- twenties, I sold them on Tradesy for exactly what my mom paid, and my Irish guilt was lifted. (Related Note: They were $460 in 2003; they are now $750.)