2ndhand Knowledge

Q&A

Why did you start this blog?
My mom owns a consignment boutique, and she requested that I start a fashion blog for it. I had considered starting one for myself many times before, but I was never really anxious to make the commitment, though I’m a huge fan of other style blogs. With the extra little motivation of having my mom’s store as a ‘sponsor,’ I’ve finally given in.

What is your ‘personal style’?
My personal style is really pretty random. When I’m shopping, I typically reach for different and artsy things. I also like classic pieces. I guess I need the simple to counterbalance the artsy and fun.

What are your top ten essential wardrobe pieces?
1) cardigans, 2) dark straight-leg blue jeans, 3) casual boots, 4) belts, 5) a hat for each season, 6) moccasins, 7) a casual dress, 8 ) a button down blouse in a fun print, 9) a striped tee, 10) a simple skirt in a flattering shape.

What is your wardrobe staple?
Cardigans! I own far more than any girl should own, but I’m always cold and they make even a simple outfit a little more exciting. I also recently noticed I own a lot of brown boots.

What is your favorite color to wear?
My favorite color is orange, but I don’t have a lot of orange clothing. The colors I like most on myself are jewel tones, like rich purples and reds. I’ve been told I look good in lavender and mint green as well.

How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
I can get ready in 15 minutes if I have to. I like to give myself an an hour and a half, though, so I can have a leisurely morning.

How do you put your outfits together?
It’s not a very complex method. I stare into my closet until I see something I feel like wearing. Sometimes I’ll try to go for something I haven’t worn in a while so all of my closet gets some love, and other times I’ll go for a color I haven’t worn in a while. I often dress based on the weather. Occasionally I’ll have an off day and spend 30 minutes trying on things until something finally works for me…but those days don’t happen often.

Do you plan your outfits the night before or the morning of?
It depends. If I know I’m going to be pressed for time the next morning, I’ll plan ahead. Normally I’m too lazy, though.

What is your favorite piece of jewelry?
My sister bought me some earrings from Etsy for my 21st birthday. They are bronze fishhook and one is a teacup and the other is a teapot. They’re really cute. My mom also has a necklace that my great grandpa made from wood on his farm in Iowa. She knows I love it and recently told me I could have it because she doesn’t really wear jewelry.

How tall are you/what size?
I’m 5’3″, size 4/6.

What are your favorite stores for clothes and accessories?
My absolute FAVORITE store is Your Stuff Consignment Boutique, of course. I enjoy selective Uptown Cheapskate and Plato’s Closet branches, but I also love exploring more upscale consignment boutiques for unique pieces. Etsy.com is a favorite website (mostly makeup, hair accessories, and jewelry). I like to window shop at Anthropologie, J. Crew, Loft, Madewell, and Gap…and then go find similar cheaper options at consignment stores. I rarely buy new, and when I do, it’s normally items that are harder to come buy in consignment/thrift stores, and I usually wait for a sale or coupon. My favorite way to shop is just to explore and find new places.

So…makeup?
I’m devoted to using non-toxic makeup products. I use Just Pure Minerals (which I highly recommend) concealer, eye shadow, eyeliner, and blush and Honeybee Gardens foundation. For lips, I use Burt’s Bees lip balm or Just Pure Minerals gloss. Often I’ll go without makeup or with just mascara. Yeah, I’m lazy sometimes. 🙂

What kind of camera do you use and who takes your pictures?
I use a Canon Rebel T2i. I take my own pictures with a tripod and a timer unless my sister is home. If a post features several completely ridiculous photos of me, it’s likely that my sister was the photographer.

What did you go to school for and what do you ultimitely want to do? Are you planning to have a career in fashion?
I went to school for media arts and design and hope to get a job in UX design, UI design, or web design. I love print design too and think it would be cool to have a job where I could do all of the above. A long-term goal I have is to own my own letterpress studio (as a hobbyist, not a full-time job). But presses and equipment are super expensive, so it’ll be a while. Right now I’m doing freelance design until I find a job. Need a website, blog design, logo, etc.? 😉
You can view my work and learn a little more about me at www.maggiejosey.com.