Today we’d like to introduce you to Jo Nicole Terry.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jo Nicole. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started thrifting my freshman year of college because I couldn’t afford to shop at retail stores all the time but I still wanted to stay up to date on trends. I started modifying the clothes I bought with just a pair of scissors, and have perfected the craft over the last few years. I always got complimented on my style and my friends are constantly bringing me articles of clothing that I can cut up and make into something new. My best friend, Sara, suggested that I make an Instagram dedicated to thrifting, styling, and DIY clothes and she’s really helped me with making it into what it is now. I still don’t have a lot of followers, but it’s opened up so many doors for me and helped me meet so many people already. Thrifting and DIYing clothes/home decor have been my saving grace a lot of the time, especially when I’m stressed and need a creative outlet. I think my generation is one that is very nostalgic and you can see that in how we dress. A lot of my style is influenced by the music and shows I grew up listening to and watching. I love mixing trends from when I was growing up with what’s trending now to create a unique wardrobe, and hopefully, one that others will like as well. I hope to inspire more people to buy sustainable clothes and to create a wardrobe that doesn’t fit in a specific genre.
Has it been a smooth road?
It’s crazy because I started thrifting when I was in a tough spot with money, not because it was the “cool” or “trendy” thing to do. It’s easier now because it is more widely accepted among people my age, and even preferred for a lot of them. Marketing myself on my Instagram and finding outfits that photograph well, and aren’t just slightly different versions of what I’ve done before has been a fun challenge for me. I’ve started being more creative within my own wardrobe and taking more risks. I’ve had photographers and people reach out to me to help style them, which has been a learning experience because I’ve only dressed myself my whole life so learning how to style someone with a different body type and fashion style has been a trying, but enjoyable task.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with But Make It Fashion – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I focus on thrifted fashion and DIY fashion. It’s not uncommon for me to buy a pair of jeans or a shirt and alter them, whether that’s cutting them, bleaching them or finding another creative way to make them stand out. I’m most proud of the networking I’ve been able to do and the opportunities I’ve had the pleasure to be a part of. Without my Instagram, I wouldn’t have met other stylists and photographers, now I feel like I’m a part of a community. I think what makes me stand out is the fact that 99% of my wardrobe is completely thrifted or discounted. A lot of fashion or thrift bloggers will have one or two thrifted items and they haven’t been altered at all. I’ll find things that other people would skip over and create it into something else. I don’t really focus on name brands, but rather the longevity of the piece. I try and find items that are timeless or can be made into something that isn’t going to go out of style in a month or two.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I’m from a small town in East Texas where I stand out because of my style, likes and hobbies so what I love most about Dallas is the diversity and the number of creative people. The worst part about Dallas is honestly the traffic and I-35, the people and the city itself are great.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @_butmakeitfashion_
Image Credit:
Photographer – Sara Hangtagool (@sara_eats_texas)
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
