Fashion blogger Rashon Carroway loves trolling thrift stores for fashionable finds. "The Nate Berkus" show has taken notice of his blog and had him on several times. LASHAWNDA K. BECOATS
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By Lashawnda Becoats

Rashon Carroway enjoys searching through racks of old clothes or looking at secondhand furniture in thrift stores to find hidden treasures.

The Rock Hill resident turned his passion for finding clothes and furniture into a successful blog, Mr. Goodwill Hunting ( rashoncarraway .com ). On his blog, Carroway teaches people how to score great pieces on a budget.

The 27 year-old started shopping in thrift stores in high school because his parents couldn't afford to buy the latest fashions. "I was inspired by items that were out of my budget," he said. "But I knew I could find similar items in thrift shops and with a little elbow grease I could make it look good for a fraction of the cost."

This year, Carroway's blog, which he says averages about 60,000 to 70,000 page views per month, got the attention of "The Nate Berkus Show" in New York. The producers invited him on to share his budget-friendly interior design on the show. Since then he's appeared six times. The show airs in Charlotte on WAXN-TV.

"Style doesn't have a price attached to it. You can look as good as someone that has on a $2,000 outfit. It's how you carry it off." Lashawnda K. Becoats

Q. Your personal style is inspired by?

Gentlemen of the 1940s. The '40s were a time when gentlemen took pride in their appearance. If they were going out for the evening, it was more than a pair of jeans pulled out of the hamper and a polo shirt out of the dryer. It was a thought-out process. Our image is one of the most important things that we have. I try to make sure my image is one people will remember.

Q. Where do you like to shop?

For furniture I love the Salvation Army. It has the best selection of furniture at affordable prices. For clothing I like Value Village. Outside of those I'm a huge lover of Polo by Ralph Lauren.

Q. What are some basic rules for thrifting?

Be patient. I didn't acquire the things that I have in one swoop. Be consistent and go to the store today, tomorrow or as often as you can. You can find things at the most inopportune time. And remember people are always bringing in new items. Also, don't look for labels first. Go for what your heart tells you.

Q. What's the best clothing item to look for?

You can always find an excellent vintage blazer in a thrift store. As long as the shoulders fit you can take that bad boy to your tailor and have it altered. You can also find a good pair of jeans.

Q. What three items in your closet would you never give away?

My navy blue pinstriped double-breasted suit. It's a power suit and it's so versatile. My vintage Sergio Rossi monk strap shoes. They were crafted in Italy and purchased from eBay. I wouldn't turn loose any of my number of lapel pins. Some call them brooches, but I just like them. They aren't anything ostentatious, just an accessory that I've grown to appreciate.

Q. You'd never be caught wearing?

An entire outfit that was displayed on a mannequin in a store window.

Q. What's your biggest fashion pet peeve?

The thing that makes me cringe the most is to see a gentleman who thinks he's well put together and his garments haven't been tailored to fit him properly. The baggy look was never and is never in style.

Q. What does every stylish man know?

Every stylish man knows he is the one that brings style to the room. Not a label. It's about the uncontrived confidence he exudes.

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