Hi Zoe! !For those of us who aren’t familiar with you, can you tell us about Grand Theft Thrift & what you do?
Grand Theft Thrift is a blog that I created about 2 years ago now? Mainly it is a personal style blog, and I started modeling about 8 months prior so I would post the things I was in, and the shoots I would style, and It just gradually gained momentum. I think I offer a fresh look on thrifted clothing, its not all “vintage” I mean it’s recycled…I just believe in being more resourceful with your money and the way you spend it. I never wanted to blog about designers and how great they were and blah blah blah because everyone else did that, and I thought it was pretty tiresome. I wanted to make a blog that appealed to people who don’t have rich parents or don’t make tons and tons of money, but still want to be stylish.
What first motivated you to start blogging?
I wanted to sort of be a role model to young girls, to let them know it was ok to buy second hand and to brag about it. That you could be stylish and unique, and you dont have to shop at Forever 21 or H&M to feel “trendy”. You don’t have to be all designer-ed out to look fancy or nice. I think that alot of people have adopted this way of thinking since then. And it’s only getting better 
How do you describe your style?
My style is best described as being a mix of vintage fashion from the mid 60′s to the early 80′s, as well as Japanese contemporary wear. Being super inspired by classic film and classic anime gives me, I think, a really diffrent approach to fashion.
Your a model, fashion designer, hairstylist, artist, thrifter…right now in this very moment which one do you identify with the most?
I guess model? I was really into making art/ creating this comic book of mine for the whole summer, and I stopped modeling. But after a few things happened in my life, now I’m modeling again and really happy doing it! but I always tend to wander depending on what I get inspired by.
Your day job is modeling, what’s that like?
Difficult, being scrutinized, rejected, and all that jazz is not pretty. But on the other hand, when you get to test or do editorials its alot of fun, meeting people and networking and knowing you all are working on something together to make this beautiful work of art is so inspiring and makes it worth it. When you are a non represented working model, the business side of things are pretty dull, but the creative part is exciting and all worth it.
You live in the heart of the LA Fashion District. Hows life downtown?
I really do love it, I walk all the time! Everything is so easily accessible and mostly all of my work is centralized around there so it makes life really easy. I really love architecture and the way the city looks as well, I could just walk around all day and admire it. Needless to say I really love it!
Do you think coming in to blogging from a modeling background changed the way you approached it? How do you feel your path compares to other style bloggers?
I think it has, I’m more dedicated to posting more quality over quanity. Some bloggers post about twice a day or more, and I never really understood the appeal, I mean I understand giving people lots of content and keeping them intrested. But giving them two to three good posts a week I think leaves a better lasting impression, like people remember that post! So most of my posts are of shoots I set up specifically for outfits I put together and stuff, which I understand, is not avalible to most bloggers. But I think it sets me apart from the standard “camera on tripod/all vertical shots” format.
If you could collaborate with another blogger who would it be and why?
I don’t really know, I’ve never done that before… if I could though I would love to collaborate with this girl Come Wander With Me/. Her style is super cool, she has such a great marrige of vintage and contemporary, and the things she likes and that alphaville poster she has and the music she puts on her blog make her really my most favorite blogger of the moment, I think she is sort of new because has hardly any followers, but she totally deserves more!
Whose photography are you loving at the moment?
Fabrice Mabillot. Ive really loved his work forever and ever, It’s so soft and delicate and consistent.
Tips for beginning thrifters?
Go to local swapmeets, you will find alot of stuff for a dollar or less! You just have to rummage like crazy. Limit yourself, if you find yourself with a ton of things at a thrift store, step back for a moment and think, why you want something, how would you use it, is it ok to wear with the weather? How long would you wear it, does it really fit you or do you have to alter it a ton? Is it classic or trendy? And lastly, donate old clothes! It creates good karma.
Any exciting projects coming up?
A few personal things that are art and fashion oriented coming up very soon, that I can’t talk about yet… and then a few shoots with local brands/vintage stores downtown, and a few big shoots with my boyfriend (Scott Laytart). But nothing really specific… oh! I’m going to be in this japanese magazine for blogging? I guess that is pretty big.
Visit Zoe’s blog Grand Theft Thrift for thrifting inspiration and beautiful photos.
*Photos & Interview by Angela Joy Dietz
