Darlene Fadem has made thrifted fashion synonymous with chic styling. Not only does she make thrifting for high-end, covetable pieces look easy, her welcoming and cheeky view of life is refreshing. We had an opportunity to interview the thrift guru. Enjoy!
Can you tell us a little bit more about yourself?
I’m a high-end thrifted fashion blogger who recently moved to an active adult community in fabulous Las Vegas!!
As a point of reference, which age group do you belong to or perhaps you are willing to share your age?
I JUST had a birthday and am now 54 years old. I’m one year shy of qualifying for the senior discount at the thrift store. Needless to say, I’m REALLY looking forward to turning 55!
Can you tell us a bit more about your blog whosaprettygirl and why you created it?
I noticed that the majority of fashion bloggers out there were in their 20’s. I loved their style but it wasn’t appropriate for someone in their 50’s. I’ve always loved fashion and had a closet full of clothes, so when my husband bought me a computer for Christmas three years ago, my blog was born! The name? Well, that’s what I say to my rescue dog, Miss Oreo. Who’s a pretty girl? She is!
How would you describe your own personal style?
Thrifted! At least one component of my outfit each day comes from the thrift store.
What would you consider the most important components of your style?
That all the clothes I thrift are high-end.
How does living in Nevada influence your style?
Oh…my gosh! I am missing out on wearing all the cute chunky knit sweaters and blanket scarves that all the other bloggers are wearing right now because it’s too warm here! I can’t believe I just said that because I really don’t like cold weather…lol. My MIL saw all the cold weather boots that I brought with me and said “You won’t need any of those. We have maybe two cold days the entire winter.” She’s right! On the other hand, It is extremely hot here in the summer, so it’s sleeveless tops and golf skorts for me 24/7…and no, I’m not a golfer. lol
Do you feel you have a signature style?
I would say that my style is very classic…and thrifted, of course!
What inspires your outfit choices the most?
My latest find at the thrift store. I’m always on the hunt for something unique to style for my readers.
Do you take things like color profiling or body type into account when you dress?
I’m always trying to find ways to conceal my dreaded muffin top. Sigh…
Has your style changed at all after turning 40?
In my 40’s I discovered the boutique: White House Black Market. I love their clothes! Just the right amount of sparkle. Then, in my 50’s I discovered thrift stores and all the amazing high-end designer clothing they have. Dolce and Gabbana, Escada, Versace…the list goes on and on.
Do you believe in dressing “age appropriately” and what does it mean to you?
Yes, for the most part. I just got rid of all of the shorter skirts in my closet. Well, ALMOST all of them. 😉
Would you say that at this stage of your life you are now more, or less interested in fashion, style and the way you look?
Definitely more interested, especially since I became a fashion blogger.
Why is the way you look important to you?
When I take the time to look my best, I have more confidence. It’s as simple as that.
Do you follow trends? And if yes, which trends excite you at the moment?
Yes. I did a whole thrifted series on Spring/Summer trends in 2015. Currently, I’m OBSESSED with plaid!
Do you have any fashion and style tips for women over 40?
Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone and try something new whether it’s a new style, or just a color you’ve never worn before!
What are your plans for your blog and how do you see it developing over the coming years?
I’m not very ‘tech savvy’, so I need to work on those skills to help grow my blog. I would like to start using periscope and do live feeds from the thrift store!
Anything further you would like to add?
If you’re ever in Vegas and would like to go thrifting, I’m your girl!!!
Ready to get inspired by Darlene’s incredible thrift finds? Follow her thrifted fashion adventures on her instagram. Thanks, Darlene!
Which of Darlene’s outfits is your favorite?
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Loved all of the pictures!! You always look beautiful. We really miss you and Mitch.
We miss you guys SO much!! Come to Vegas for a visit!!
LOL…my type of lady! TeamTHRIFT!! Very nice style indeed 🙂
Thanks Latrenia! 🙂
Darlene we love the article and shared it on twitter for you! So excited to see you on here! Keep up the awesome work!
Thanks so much for sharing!!! XOXO
I love this new blog that I have discovered, style is very pleasing to my eye and I am impressed with the items she is able to thrift, sadly I have never found anything to get excited about in thrift shops in Sydney.
I’m so glad you like my blog! I’m sorry to hear the thrifting is not good in Sydney. 🙁
Great article! I liked all these looks. My favorite is the purple dress with the scarf. So unique looking and lovely colors! I also really love the last photo for its exuberant shot. And I love the photo where Mr. Darlene shows up in the reflection. That’s a nice touch. Darlene, your thrifting eye is amazing!
Thank you so much Diane! 🙂
Go Darlene go! Already a big fan of her style and shopping strategy. Thanks Sylvia for featuring her.
Thank you so much Kay!!
Really enjoyed reading your article Darlene. What great style you have, every outfit was fab. Wish I had the confidence & know how to dress like that. I am an apple shape so not easy!
Thank you so much for the kind words Anna! Knowledge is power…all you need to do is read about your body shape, check out fashion magazines and then head to your nearest thrift store! You can do it!!! 🙂
Love it!
Thank you so much Wendy!
Great looks!
Thank you! 🙂
Love the blue and white dress. I like all the outfits!! Need her to style me!!!
Anytime!!!!
I “met” Darlene on your 40+ style blogger community. Nice to get to know her a bit better. She is not afraid to make some bold choices and I like that. They turn out fine. Like the leopard on the plaid. And she has an amazing collection of flat heeled sandals, really lovely ones. The fact that she thrift shops is something I can envy her for. The thrift shops in The Netherlands are nothing to write home about.
Thank you so much Greetje! I love your blog!
Darlene is so photogenic…how could one choose a single outfit as the favorite? I am surprised to see her in the horse tunic, as I didn’t expect that to be her style. I agree with her thoughts about stretching one’s fashion comfort zone by purchasing previously unworn styles at thrift store prices. Darlene’s blog is awesome and inspirational 🙂
Remember that Mother Deer when we meet next week to go thrifting and I push YOU out of your comfort zone! 😉
So glad you featured Darlene! I’ve been enjoying her blog and thrifting style for a while now and its great to see her here!!
Aww, thanks Hallie! xoxo
Love Darlene’s style and that the clothes are thrifted is icing on the cake. I’ve frequented thrift and consignment stores most of my life allowing me to stretch my shopping budget and experiment with different styles. It’s a great way to go. Looking forward to reading Darlene’s blog!
Thank you so much Elaine! 🙂
Thank you for introducing me to Darlene….a girl after my own heart!
I love a charity shop bargain, although I don’t buy “high end” just whatever catches my eye and is in good condition.
I like the way that these outfits look ageless, which is a real skill.
I can’t decide between the horse-shirt outfit or the tartan and leopard…I would happily wear both!
A great interview.
XXX
Samantha
Thanks for the kind words! I recently discovered your blog…LOVE your style!!
Darlene
Thank you Darlene…. I am glad to have discovered yours too. With so many blogs out there, it is hard to filter out what I don’t need and find the good stuff!! XXX
Thanks so much for the feature! Last week I scored my best thrift find to date…an Italian made Brioni wool and leather cuff blazer. It retailed originally in the thousands. What did I pay for it at the Salvation Army? Only $8.30!!!
Darlene
Let’s see that bad boy!
All in due time, my friend!
I love Darlene! So happy you featured her here : )
bisous
Suzanne
I love you too!! 🙂 xoxo
Darlene
Like all her outfits and love the idea of a webcast from the thrift store!
Thanks Karen! Hope I can make that webcast happen! Technology…ugh. 🙁
Darlene