Short interview with Vintage shop owner Sara Louise Thomas
I interviewed Sara Lousie Thomas, a influencer and vintage shop owner from Stoke-On-Trent. She has started her blog in 2014 as a creative outlet for her personal style, where she shares her vintage inspired, but with modern twist outfits, her shopping buys and emerging designers she loves.
We talked about her beginnings of owning a vintage shop, her favourite second hand purchase, trends in sustainable fashion and much more.
I’m absolutely in love with Sara’s colourful outfits and I’m pretty sure you will love them as well. You can follow her on Instagram.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
Hi my name’s Sara and I live in Brighton with my boyfriend and my little dog, Stanny. I am a influencer and a Vintage shop owner - it’s called Waiste Vintage. I am originally from Stoke-On-Trent but I’ve lived in Brighton for six years now, i just love it by the sea.
We know you own a vintage shop - how did that happen? When and how did you first get into buying vintage clothes?
So I used to work for ASOS in the studios, it was my first ‘proper’ job and I worked there for four and half years and learnt a lot about online commerce there, and it was from that job that I started my business, I actually started out with customising vintage denim jackets and dungarees, and then by chance fell onto vintage, it was at a time when it wasn’t very ‘trendy’ and I’ve been selling vintage since 2014.
What do you like the most about your job?
I absolutely love working for myself as I get to choose my own hours, (I hate being told what to do haha) I love being creative and creating content, styling is one of my avourite things to do too. And I also love working with small businesses and discovering new brands!
What is your favourite second hand purchase?
My favourite second hand purchase is my vintage tan Chanel bag - although I didn’t technically buy it. My boyfriend got it for me as a Christmas present a few years ago. It is a treasured possession!
We are in love with your colorful outfits. What are your styling secrets?
Oh thank you! Over the years I have had many a fashion faux pas ! I feel like I have really found my style in the last couple of years, tbh in lockdown actually, it was a turning point for me. I love what I love and dress for me now, rather than following trends and that makes me feel so happy and confident. I think the trick is (well for me) to wear whatever makes you happy and just to not care what people think ! I’ve finally started to dress for myself and not anyone else.
How do you feel about trends in sustainable fashion?
I am all for sustainable fashion and feel its super important to be mindful. But tbh, within any fashion realm, there will always be trends, sustainable or not, so i think its just case when making purchases we really think before hand, it’s important we keep in mind is it a piece we will love over and over and be a staple in our wardrobes, and if you do want to buy into a trend then make sure it’s one that suits your style and you love to!
And for the end, let us know what is your favourite By Alja Horvat piece and how would you style it?
My favourite piece by Alja Horvat is the ‘Running Through The Garden - short dress’ it’s very cute! I am really into bright colourful dresses that make me feel cheered up the moment I put them on, I would style it up with my feather cuffs, floral Gucci loafers and a pair of pastel tights.
