A ‘70s-inspired spring look; Samantha accessorizes with a pop of pink!

Saturday afternoon, I saw Samantha walking by Balboa Park’s Organ Pavillion, wearing the coolest looking top I had ever seen. The blouse’s funky print reminded me of something you’d see in a ‘70s fashion magazine.

Samantha told me that she lives in Tijuana but crosses to San Diego daily for work and to hang out with friends. From 9-5, she’s a customer support specialist for a skincare company, but she spends her free time shopping at second-hand stores. “I got this top at a consignment store in Bonita called The Spare Room for only $17. My belted denim skirt is a $14 find from a local store in TJ called Matiz. It’s a small local shop owned by a cool gal that collects vintage clothes. I got the black vest at Flashbacks in Hillcrest. It was actually a trade! I bought my black leather boots at Topshop for $110, and my earrings are from Madewell and they were $22.”

Usually someone who’s really big on shopping at her local mom n’ pop thrift shop tends to stay away from stores such as Topshop and Madewell. But Samantha explained, “I do mix and match vintage and contemporary brands. I believe that you can make a simple outfit stand out by the accessories you wear. I have a lot of basics in my closet but love mixing them.”

“One day, I’ll be a girl from the ‘70s and another day from the ‘90s.”

I was interested to know if she was an online shopper or if she preferred driving to her favorite stores. With no hesitation, she answered, “Retail, for sure! I love feeling the fabrics and textures of the clothes. I enjoy trying everything on and actually buying stuff on-the-spot if I like it.”