Fashion | the way | Antonia Williams
to buy your school clothes and you better save some to buy food after."
This is what my mom would say to me and my sisters after finding a parking spot on the Macy’s side of Cross Creek Mall before she proceeded to hand us $100 each in our very own bank envelopes. To us, we were rich!
Because of my mom’s financial situation and having to raise three kids, my sisters and I were never afforded the luxury of wearing name brand clothes. Back then everyone who was considered anyone wore brands like; RocaWear, COOGI, Apple Bottom, and Baby Phat. With the $100 budget we were on, that really wasn’t an option for us but it could have been if we wanted to rock the same two items all school year. I for one was always focused on how I could maximize my money and get as many clothes as possible. My thought process was, if I can save $5 for food after I’m done shopping then I’ll be straight.
We always ate at Popeyes after a day of shopping and I knew $5 would at least get me a 2 piece meal. Okay my stomach is growling now, let’s get back to the shopping part.
I never really liked the mall because I thought the prices were always too high. I would always have money left over because I refused to pay $20 or more for one shirt. I would spend the bulk of my money in places like Citi Trends and Roses. Yeah my mom took us clothes shopping in Roses. I hated it but I had to make it do what it do. I had to create my own style and that meant working with what I had. I remember the first time my mom took me to a thrift store--it was love at first sight. The name of the thrift store was called Repeat Performance. This thrift store is located in Lumberton, NC and happens to still be one of my favorites. My first time there I bought a pair of Levi jeans for $1 and they made my butt look good! This is where my love of thrift started.
When I went off to college I really got into the habit of thrifting and creating my own style. I fell in love with the colorful patterns and the vintage vibes I would get from shopping at the thrift store. I don’t think I will ever fall out of love with thrift and my passion for vintage fashion. I love my style. I feel like it sets me apart. I love putting looks together. Oh it’s a thrill! If my mom were to give me $100 today for clothes I would be just as excited as I was back then and just know, the first place I’m headed is the thrift store.
Antonia Williams is an entrepreneur and a promotions assistant at Beasley Media Group. She graduated from Fayetteville State University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and later graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and Media Studies in 2021. After graduating college she has continued to chase her dreams and work towards the many goals she has set for herself. Antonia currently resides in Fayetteville, N.C. She is a mother, daughter, friend and all around motivator. Follow her on social media @_hey_toni.
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