Thrift Store Threads: Performer finds designer delights with sparkle

2023-03-08 14:48:21 By : Ms. Anna An

Alli Thresher enjoys thrifting for clothes, for a multifacted life as a career professional, a parent, and a performer.

"Most of my wardrobe is second-hand," said Thresher. "Most of my house is decorated with second-hand items."

Favorite places to shop include Savers in Worcester's Lincoln Plaza, and Abby's House Thrift Shop.The thrift shop supports Abby's House, which provides housing and resources to women in need, including low-income women, and women escaping abuse.

Thresher's performing experience includes drag shows, and drag storytime for families.

"When I started, about 12 years ago, there just weren't as many of us, so everyone was making their own things," Thresher said. "Some of the art I participate in, especially LGBTQ nightlife, it was so underground. You couldn't just go to a shop, and buy a costume."

Thresher said, "My pronouns for the past 15 years are they, and them," Thresher added. "I describe myself as nonbinary, or as my children told their kindergarten teacher, 'My mom is non bin-inary." At ages 5 and 6, Thresher said, "My two have a lot to stay, and some things, I hope they always say."

For example, referring to "newspapers" and "loose papers."

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If language is a statement of originality, so is fashion.

With drag performers gaining visibility, including through the competition show, "RuPaul's Drag Race," Thresher said, "It's really easy now to find premade clothes."

Looking for the right clothes and accessories takes Thresher to discoveries of the unexpected. "Someone in Worcester earlier this year must have cleared out their Bob Mackie," Thresher said. Mackie gained fame as designer to the stars, such as Cher,Diahann Carroll, Lucille Ball, and Carol Burnett.

In recent years, Mackie released a collection for the television shopping network, QVC. "I started finding pieces in all the thrift shops in Worcester," said Thresher.

"I remember walking into Abby's one day, because I needed a nice top for a work function. Right there, front of the rack, for $2, with the tag still on it, was a beautiful, rainbow-colored top, Bob Mackie, a dress shirt. And I was like, 'Mine, mine, mine!'"

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Thresher said, "I've worn it so many times now." The top has served Thresher in many roles. "I love wearing it to story time. I love wearing it to a kids' sing-along, because it's so bright and fun. I've worn it out with my family to dinner, because it's such a nice blouse."

At the time Thresher spoke, it was nearing time to get ready for a story-telling performance as part of a day of family events at Redemption Rock Brewing Company, organized by local musician, Giuliano.

"I will be reading as my alter ego, Allister," said Thresher. "He's got glittery eyebrows. He's got a moustache." Activities planned included making suncatchers with recycled materials, Thresher said.

One way to add to sparkle to an outfit: "I love taking broken jewelry and reusing pieces to decorate a jacket. I love seeing people smile."

She was there, and impossible to miss, at the Goodwill store in Worcester. There was no argument: She was the first-class pick for the mascot for Worcester Magazine's Thrift Store Threads.

She has it all, but she needs a name. Send your suggestions, and as always, stories of fab fashion finds, including clothes, shoes, jewelry and accessories, from thrift stores in Worcester and the surrounding area. We love photos, too, especially of you and your besties modeling for your favorite thrift store outfits.

Tell us about your thrift store finds. Send your photos and stories, including the thrift store and prices of the items, to Margaret Smith, content editor, at msmith@wickedlocal.com.