Corridor40

Amanda O’Connor is not your average Nashville musician; she lives in the outskirts of the city, and is a member of a rock band, Plex Plex. Forget country music and cowboy hats; Amanda’s passions are for one-of-a-kind vintage finds, ’80s rock and being the quintessential ’50s housewife. Amanda has parlayed her love for vintage clothing into her blog, on which she features some exceptional vintage pieces; She Tiger Vintage showcases her latest vintage finds, beautiful photography and, of course, Plex Plex’s latest riffs. If searching through vintage shops to get Amanda’s look seems overwhelming, you can instead purchase pieces from her via her eBay store, where you’re sure to score beautiful, quality garments. Recently, Amanda rocked our world with a quick Q&A, opening up about everything from life in Nashville to her biggest vice.

C40. Why did you start your blog?

AO. I’m a musician, and went to art school for photography. I was looking for a job that would combine music and art, and I needed a job that would support my rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle. I like freedom and change; as a blogger, you never know what you’ll find each week.

C40. What are you currently loving?

AO. It changes every week. This week, it’s my little, slouchy, free-fitting late ’80s/early ’90s mini-dresses with a tie-dye vibe, and my new corset/lace-up black wedges from MIA; they‘re pretty special! But, if we are talking just plain-old coveting, as in fantasies, I love this killer gold skull-and-cross-bone ring, these amazing leather pants and this gorgeous Rodarte dress, all from Colette in Paris.

C40. Tell me about your love of vintage clothing. What drew you to it?

AO. When I was 12, I started thrift shopping. Each piece has a history; you get tired of carbon-copied mall clothes. It’s green and unique, and you can guarantee nobody else will have on what you have on.

C40. What’s your biggest vice?

AO. Trying to be a rock star. I keep trying and, even though I should probably grow up, I probably never will. I love Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix.

C40. What do you look for when shopping for vintage clothing? Do you have any tips for finding good vintage pieces?

AO. I definitely look the clothes over for quality; you have to inspect them. I think a lot of modern designers mimic vintage fashion; when you’re familiar with the eras in fashion, you definitely notice it. Get familiar with the eras, and interpret them with modern style.

C40. If you could pick your favorite era of fashion what would it be and why?

AO. I probably have a soft spot for the ’80s; I love ’80s music, both underground and pop. My love of rock came about at the same time as my love of fashion. It was free and bold, and I love pop art. It was probably the most rock ‘n’ roll of any era so far.

C40. When you’re not blogging, what are you doing?

AO. Playing music with my band, Plex Plex. We’ve been recording an album that’s going to be released this year. I also enjoy spending time with my family. I like to put on a 1940s apron and bake biscuits and other goodies from scratch; I do “normal people” stuff, too! I live on a farm by the river, and it’s great because there are no distractions; it’s very peaceful. But we also live close to Nashville, a larger city, so we get to experience the best of both worlds.

C40. How does photography play into your blog?

AO. I like to explore photography with my work; I’m always exploring new lighting. I want people to wonder, “How did she shoot that photo?” I want people to see things they haven’t seen before.