Gilroy Native Takes a Break From Her Studies But Keeps Up Appearances

Heather Saenz, a 22-year-old art history major at Mt. Holyoke University in Massachusetts, grew up in Gilroy. She plans to do a lot of relaxing and thrifting during her semester off. 

Gilroy Patch caught up with her and asked a few fashion questions.

Gilroy Patch: How would you describe your look today?

Heather Saenz: I got these pants on eBay and this shirt at Salvation Army in Massachusetts. My jewelry, including this rosary bracelet, all came from the junk drawer in my mom's room. She buys this stuff but doesn't wear it. I got these shoes at Walmart in Gilroy.  

Patch: Where do you like to shop?

Saenz: I do a lot of my shopping in Gilroy, actually. I love the Salvation Army and the antique stores. I also love shopping on eBay for things like beaded purses from the 1920s to the 1960s. 

Patch: Can you tell me more about this junk drawer?

Saenz: I sell a lot of my mom's things on eBay; she doesn't use it. It really depends on what you want to buy, but eBay can be really good for shopping. For example, my mom doesn't like antiquing, because of the immigrant thing. There is a stigma against used stuff.

Patch: Can you say a little bit about style in Massachusetts?

Saenz: People there dress similarly to you, actually. Really hip, experimental. People aren't afraid to take chances with their style over there.

Patch: And in Gilroy?

Saenz: It is more conservative in Gilroy. People don't want to be stared at because of the way they are dressed. It's just the way it is in a smaller town. And you know, the town I live in Massachusetts is a college town, so everybody is into experimenting. 

Patch: Can you tell me more about the used-clothes stigma and the fact that your parents are first-generation immigrants?

Saenz: My mom is from Mexico City, and my Dad is Asian-American. He is white and Japanese. It's hard as a multi-racial person. My parents kind of influence my values. My dad is all about saving money, and my mom comes from a wealthy Mexican family where not even the poorest people would wear used clothing. 

Patch: Who do you look up to in terms of style?

Saenz: My friends. I admire the things they can get away with. 

Patch: Do you dress differently in Gilroy than you do in Massachusetts?

Saenz: There are things I would wear there that I wouldn't wear here in Gilroy. 

Patch: What do you think of Gilroy style?

Saenz: Younger people want to experiment but have no outlet to do so here. Older people, keeping the economy in mind, don't keep up with the latest fashions. For example, my mom read Vogue one time and noticed the colors more than the labels. 

Patch: What is the best-kept secret in terms of antique shopping in Gilroy?

Saenz: Collective Past is good for shopping. If there is something you like, it will be there for awhile, because not too many people know about it. People don't expect to find nice things there.