Scottish influencer visits Renfrew donation centre
Posted: 26.02.24
Wendy, best known as @Thankfifi, is a Scottish digital creator with a passion for interiors, styling and fashion, and a special eye for repurposing and DIY projects. @Thankfifi started her website twelve years ago and her social media channels followed shortly after. Today, she has a booming Instagram presence, and her followers love to see her ideas.
For the 5th edition of Restyle, we invited Wendy for a visit to one of our new donation centres in Renfrew and took the opportunity to ask her a few questions about sustainable fashion and DIY projects.
You have an amazing fashion style, what inspires you?
I would say I take inspiration from everywhere, but at the moment I'm very inspired by French style so I tend to look at French fashion brands, save the images and see how I can recreate them with pieces that I already have in my wardrobe. My style is based more on layering, adding belts and styling things up, rather than buying a specific piece. I like to re-wear the things I have many different ways at different times.
You are also very creative when it comes to home décor. How do you pick your projects?
I would say it probably begins from a necessity. For example, my son has just turned 5 and he needs to move from a toddler bed into a big bed, so I've sourced a second-hand pair of bunk beds. They are not in great shape, but they're solid wood, which is something that I find amazing about shopping second-hand. You can get items for a much more affordable price. The structure is great quality, but visually they don't look beautiful. I'm planning to build them into an alcove and create a whole new bedroom for him. I also plan to add some upcycled furniture that will be painted so hopefully it'll be really nice for him.
What advice do you give people who want to start a DIY project?
Do tonnes of research and also wait for the right piece. Don't get the first thing that you see. You need to have an idea of what you're looking for and make sure you get something that is the right dimension for your space. Do some research to find out if you're going to paint it or if you need to sand it first. Check what kind of special paint you might need to apply. Part of the fun of DIY is that you make mistakes along the way. I've been there and done that. I had a whole DIY painted patio that washed away in the rain, but I got it right the second time.
What do you think about our Renfrew donation centre? What did you enjoy about your visit?
I was really surprised when I walked in at how big it is. I also chatted to the guys that work here and discovered that they are checking that all the electricals work and the furniture that comes in flat packed is being put together to be presented. It is so organised, and I love that because there are volunteers helping to sort through the bags and organise everything. They are also preparing the furniture to go on the shop floor. I love how you can see everything laid out in sections of furniture, bric-a-brac, there's even a whole section of crystal glassware, vases, as well as all the books.
It is an easy place to shop and an easy place to donate
Follow Wendy here: www.instagram.com/thankfifi
This article has been taken from the 5th edition of our Restyle magazine.
