Category: Letters from the Editor

Letter From the Editor: Meeting Amanda Valentine

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Phew…thank goodness it is Friday! This week has been super hectic; however, some pretty amazing things have come from it *wink* For example…I met fashion designer Amanda Valentine from Project Runway whose brother just so happens to be the lead guitarist for Maroon 5! I am fan-girling right now on SO MANY LEVELS *scream*

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If you were looking for the VIP yesterday, I was attending an empowering women dinner at Portico in downtown Johnson City with the Bank of Tennessee where Amanda Valentine spoke on the importance of looking at your success differently, embracing your inner weirdo, and how we should all aspire to “work hard and be nice.”

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Amanda also talked about being a teenager in the 90s, and how she will forever be a little grunge at heart–I can completely relate *wink* After her speech, we chatted about how much we both love leopard, studded shoes, rock n’ roll, Project Runway, and even my interviews with fashion designer Ken Laurence. Amanda Valentine is such a down-to-Earth, strong, go-getter of a woman, and I am so honored to have gotten to meet her + hear her story.

“I am all about a wearable style because fashion is an art everyone should enjoy,” explained Valentine.  

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Now…I am off to work on the blogs for next week + a script for a video package I am doing for my broadcasting class on the Warrior’s Canvas in downtown Johnson City. Stay tuned to social media for some fun updates of my crazy weekend *wink* 

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Letter From the Editor: Winsome Easel Calligraphy Workshop

Abby Hathorn1 Comment

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Last weekend, I attended my first ever calligraphy class at Reclaimed Inspired Goods in downtown Johnson City with Winsome Workshop by Winsome Easel owner Kristin Hornstein. It was so much fun, and I have practiced almost everyday since! Oh–y’all! Kristin has given me the technique + confidence to better my calligraphy while also developing my own unique style. I cannot wait until Winsome Workshop comes back to Johnson City because I will definitely be checking my calendar to attend *wink*

Day 1 of calligraphy. I wrote one of my favorite Hemingway quotes--"Write hard and clear about what hurts."
Day 1 of calligraphy. I wrote one of my favorite Hemingway quotes–“Write hard and clear about what hurts.”
Day 2--I played around with this quote I found on Pinterest. Still a little shaky in technique but practice makes perfect *wink*
Day 2–I played around with this quote I found on Pinterest. Still a little shaky in technique, but practice makes perfect *wink*
Day 3--Playing around with different fonts and decorative ideas.
Day 3–Playing around with different fonts and decorative ideas.
Day 4--I quite like the way this doodle worked out! Such a simple quote with great meaning! Still have a little work to do on my writing though *wink*
Day 4–I quite like the way this doodle worked out! Such a simple quote with great meaning! Still have a little work to do on my writing though *wink*

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Check out all the awesome things Kristin does on Winsome Easel. Y’all, her work is breathtaking! Also, look to see if she has a workshop coming up near you *wink* Click here.

Also over the weekend…

I created and listed some new handmade goodies in my Etsy shop. Check out some of my favorites below!

You won’t have to look beyond this upcycled 1970s necklace for the perfect gift for the VIP in your life *wink*. Click the photo to view the listing photos + learn more about the one-of-a-kind vintage dream.
Hello, color! Think of the looks you’ll get when wearing these eye-catching, handmade beauties! Buy NOW by clicking the image.
Don’t miss out on this OOAK bracelet with vintage fabric fringe. To avoid disappointment, be sure to order NOW! :) Click the image to shop.

Now…the VIP needs YOUR help!

As I am looking to expand and better my Etsy shop, I want to know what YOU want to see! More upcycled/vintage necklaces, specific colors, different stones, etc etc. Please comment on blog post or email here.

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

4 Things I’ve Learned in 4 Years of Blogging | What Blogging Has Taught Me About Life

Abby HathornLeave a comment

4 things I've learned

Yesterday marked the fourth year of my blogging career. Goodness…it is so hard to believe that it has been four years since I started the very thing that has changed my life forever–Vintage Inspired Passionista.

Styling outfits for the Outlet Shops of Grand River Grand Haul video series at J.Crew.
Styling outfits for the Outlet Shops of Grand River Grand Haul video series at J.Crew.

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Since starting VIP in 2012, I have written over 1,000 blog posts, over 300 newspaper articles, styled multiple fashion magazine spreads (including a high-fashion advertisement that appeared in B-Metro Magazine), and interviewed celebrities and fashion designers like Ty Pennington, Mark Muenster, Donald J. Pliner, Betsey Johnson and Rebecca Minkoff–just to name a few.

Interviewing Ty Pennington backstage at the Birmingham Home & Garden Show.
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One of the first photos on the blogs, 2012. Look at those long locks! Phew…hard to believe I’ve had a bob for 3-ish years now *wink*
One of the first blog posts on VIP, 2012.
One of the first blog posts on VIP, 2012.

In the beginning, I was a 16-year old newbie who knew absolutely nothing about blogging, social media, brand-building, or interviewing. But through trial and error, research and some amazing patrons and believers, I was able to grow a blog while growing up myself. Looking back, the past four years have changed my life greatly–from a career and personal standpoint. So, for this week’s Letter From the Editor in celebration of the VIP blog turning the big four *wink*, I want to share with y’all four things I have learned in my four years of blogging.

Now, without further ado, let’s take a look at the four things blogging has taught me about life in the past four years: Don't give up Don't give up (1) Don't give up (2) Don't give up (3)

Styling outfits for the grand opening of DSW in Birmingham, Alabama with B-Metro Magazine.
Styling outfits for the grand opening of DSW in Birmingham, Alabama with B-Metro Magazine.
Working a live social media event for B-Metro Magazine.
Working a live social media event for B-Metro Magazine.
"Rain"--artistic photoshoot.
“Rain”–artistic photoshoot.

To see some of the other things I have done in the past 4 years, click here to visit my press page.

Did you miss this lovely ensemble on yesterday's Weekly Whistle? No need to fear! Click here to read all about it :)Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Letter From the Editor: Where I Get My 80s Inspiration

Abby HathornLeave a comment

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Over the past few weeks, I have gotten several emails about my 80’s style outfits + where I get my inspiration for creating such ensembles. So, for this week’s Letter From the Editor, I am going simply show y’all, VIP readers, where I get my vintage vibes *wink* So, let’s hop in our time machine and take a blast to the past! Hit it DJ!

SAVED BY THE BELL! Ahh–I cannot express enough how much the wardrobe, especially that of Lisa, has inspired me not only with my blog, but also my everyday outfits!

AHHH! MADONNA! One of the major queens of the 1980s! Such a style and music icon! Nothing beats getting dressed in the mornings to the Madonna Pandora station *wink*
Oh…my goodness!–Joan Jett is like my spirit animal! One day…I hope I can meet such a fabulous rock n’ roll and fashion inspiration!
Pretty in Pink was one of the first 80s movies I saw, and it still has a special place in my heart…and closet *wink*
And…Molly Ringwald inspires me again in Sixteen Candles. I meen…who wouldn’t want to sit on a table wearing an ugly bridesmaid dress with a hot guy like Jake Ryan! *faints*
Music and movies aside, I am also inspired by magazine covers from the 1980s. I mean–come on! Look at Brooke Shields and her killer brow game!

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Now, I am off to jam out to some Joan Jett on vinyl while dancing around my room in neon pink heels using my hairbrush as a microphone *wink* I’ll probably binge watch 80s movies on Netflix later…all night long…gonna rock the movies all night long *cue Lionel Richie*

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Letter From the Editor: Why I Love Thrifting

Abby HathornLeave a comment

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Growing up, I was not exactly a “fashionable” kid *wink* BUT over the years, I began to develop my personal style by shopping at thrift stores and vintage shops. I loved the fact I could go into those stores and find unique fashions to which I could also add my own personal twist. Since I started my blog almost 4 years ago, I have been to countless thrift stores and DIYed lots of items to fit my funky wardrobe. Ah…I have missed thrifting *wink*

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In recent months, I have felt like I have drifted a smidgen away from my thrifty roots (thank you life and college stresses); however, in 2016, I am making it a blog mission to revive the very things that helped me find my style–thrifting, DIYs, and, of course, vintage. So, for this week’s Letter From the Letter, I want to take a look back at some of the best VIP thrifted outfits of the past in celebration of bringing thrifty elements back to the blog *happy dance* 

Check out that funky top! Click the image to visit the blog + see the details.
Almost 4 years later, and I am still totally obsessed with blue-on-blue *wink* Click the image to check out this epic Henry David Thoreau artistic blog + get outfit details.
Ah–I forgot all about this cute outfit! Click the image to read the blog + get outfit details.
Apparently I really liked this thrifted denim shirt *wink* Click the image to check out this post!
This is absolutely one of my favorite funky outfits ever! Click the image to read all about it!
Remember the trend of dip dye shorts?! Well…the VIP made some from thrifted shorts *wink* Click the image to see it!

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Do you LOVE thrifting? Show off your awesome thrifty outfits with the VIP on Twitter @AbbyHathorn

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn