Tuesday
Aug312010
Tue, August 31, 2010 at 12:00PM Pick of the Day: THE FIND by Stan Williams

We adore your blog—especially its name, The Elegant Thrifter. How did it all begin?
It really all started with The Find. I was the Editorial Fashion Director for Maxim magazine for nine years, and have always loved vintage and thrift. I approached Housing Works about working together and they signed on, then went to Clarkson Potter with a proposal and they bought it. It all happened fast; in May 2007, I quit my job to concentrate on the book. The Elegant Thrifter moniker, however, didn't develop until I was chatting with someone one day about how to create a brand around what I do, and all of a sudden the name popped up. I love it because even though we're all cutting corners these days, there's always room for elegance and fabulous-ness.
How do you define a deal?
A deal is something that you absolutely love, and that you happen to have enough cash in your wallet for (or for which you can easily hop over to an ATM). When putting something on a credit card, unless you always have a zero balance (and these days I don't know anyone who does), then you defeat the thriftiness of your shopping.
What inspires you?
I'm inspired by people who are self-made. Creatively, I'm drawn to those who make or refashion things with their hands. I love traditional crafts that take on a new twist, like Nathan Vincent who makes masculine crochet art. You have to see it to believe it. And then the contemporary artist, Kehinde Wiley, who paints contemporary personalities in settings made legendary by other great artists. I'm also inspired by people who create their own happiness, like Dolly Parton. She is who she is; her fans expect none other, and Dolly never fails to deliver. Yet, she's an incredibly smart and wealthy woman who makes quite a nice living doing exactly what she enjoys. And then, of course, I love vintage decorating, entertaining, and cookbooks, especially ones with "Technicolor" photos and handy entertaining tips.
What is the most treasured item in your home?
I have two. The first is a bejeweled and framed Christmas tree that I found at the flea market at the Santa Monica Airport. The tree is formed out of 1940s costume jewelry, and it has working lights. I love it so much that I keep it up year-round. The second is a bean pot that was given to my Mom and Dad on July 1, 1962 - their wedding date.
What is the most treasured item in your closet?
My Grandpa Williams' striped overalls. He always wore overalls to work in the garden and then hung them on the back porch. After he died, I found them hanging there, and my grandmother said I could take them. They're both gone, but I have beautiful memories of those Arkansas red-clay-grown tomatoes that my grandfather so lovingly cared for. I wore the overalls a couple of times a long time ago, but now they just live on a shelf in my closet.
What is your favorite design era?
That is really hard, because I like mixing styles, colors and textures. I really like the clean lines of midcentury modern furniture and architecture, but am also drawn to Louis XIV and French Empire (A trip to Malmaison near Versailles, the house Josephine lived in when she separated from Napoleon, is staggering.) even though they are about 150 years apart. And then of course, I love all that old Hollywood glamour decor!
Do you have any fashion, home décor, or do-it-yourself heroes?
I love Yves Saint Laurent's personal style and the legacy he left for the rest of fashion to copy! In home decor, I admire so many people and would hesitate to name them because I am influenced by so many. Pick any designer in my book, and I can honestly say that he or she is a hero to me. However, when it comes to DIY, Alex Bandon of This Old House is my DIY hero. She's featured in the book, and I have learned so many things from her. I swear, some day I'm going to paint my kitchen cabinets just like she did.
What do you think is the must have item for every home?
Rugs...even if you have carpeted floors. They add texture, interest, and comfort.
Famous Last Words:
Above anything else - over provenance and perceived value - only buy what you love. If you truly love something, you'll discover a way to work it into your home. You may have to replace an item you already have, but that's a good exercise to go through when shopping. Ask yourself the question,"Do I love X enough to get rid of Y?"













