Q. Did you know you could grow up to have the job you do? How have your goals changed over the years?
A. I have always had a passion for clothing and loved the idea of getting dressed and creating outfits since I can remember! Up until I was getting ready to graduate high school, I had no idea I could build my career around fashion. I went to FIDM in Los Angeles and fell in love with the concept of a professional fashion career. Since then I have worked as a fashion buyer for startups like Nasty Gal and large corporations like Urban Outfitters. Two years ago I dove into the role of sourcing and buying vintage for different fashion companies, and have used my knowledge of traditional buying and my love for vintage to carve out this unique position for myself.
Q. I imagine people sometimes ask you, "So Tori- what does that mean? You source and curate vintage?" How do you explain your unusual and interesting career?
A. I love vintage and I think everyone in my nearby orbit knows that. On the weekends you can find me up early at the flea market with my rolling cart or at estate sales in old neighborhoods, and thrift stores out in the middle of nowhere. I am always on the hunt! But I love it and it is just a part of me and my everyday life.
Q. Which project are you most proud of so far?
A. For Holiday 2017 I sourced a collection of vintage jewelry for my good friend Lisa at Lisa Says Gah and the images were photographed by Lucia Zoleo in Italy. A lot of those pieces I sourced while on a trip to Vermont in the winter; it was a combination of chunky pearls, delicate gold, and modern sterling silver jewelry. I still dream about some of those pieces and secretly wish I kept a couple for myself.
Q. Tips to always looking effortlessly chic? (which I would assert that you do).
A. I pride myself on mixing high and low pieces in my every day. Staple vintage denim and investment pieces from designers like MNZ I think is the perfect combination for looking chic!
Q. What advice would you give to someone who wants to do what you do?
A. No job is too small, put yourself out there, and be persistent.
Q. Which job or project has helped shape who you are the most?
A. Working at Urban Outfitters really pushed and shaped me to develop my best practices and really learn how to be a strong buyer. I learned the importance of having both right and left brain, and that you need to have a little of both to be successful and to be taken seriously.
Q. East coast or west coast?
A. West coast and sunshine always! BUT I loved my 4 years on the east coast, surprisingly amazing thrifting over there. I am also very proud that I can say I dug my car out of snow on multiple occasions.
Q. What would your tagline be in the fictional series, "Real Fashion Babes of Vintage"?
A. “Thanks, it’s vintage”
© 2024 Sidway.
