I spoke with Tara Muscarella (above left), manager of the Soho consignment shop Second Time Around and one of the fashionistas featured in the new Bravo series, Fashion Hunters. Tara talked a bit about the success of the show, and a lot about hunting down some killer fashion.

How’s life been since the show’s premiere?

It’s holding steady. It’s just been a trip. It’s really still quite surreal. It’s doing well, ratings are strong. It definitely has picked up in the store with foot traffic and more with phone calls. Inquiring minds want to know!

Do you feel that the show accurately portrays your job at Second Time Around?

Absolutely. It really just shows you the range of characters that come in, how different they can be with the range of items that are brought in.

How long have you been interested in fashion?

I would say since I was a little girl. I would always go thrift shopping with my Nana. My grandmother always sewed and hand made clothing for me. I came from a really creative family. I was always really interested in how to creatively piece things together, and trying to get the most bang for your buck.

What fabrics are you drawn to?

I like fabric with texture, whether it be a tweed or a brocade or a more raised fabric. But it really always has to come down to comfort. If it doesn’t feel good on the skin, if it’s too structured or too rough, you’re going to express that in how you’re feeling.

How would you define your everyday look?

It’s kind of mood or weather directed, but it’s also “boy-chic” in a way. Of course there’s dresses and fishnets and whatever but I always have to feel really comfortable with my feet on the ground, kind of like I can kick a little ass! I wouldn’t want to wobble around on these really thin stilettos; I like a strong heel and some wedges. I have a pair of Michael Kors wedged rain boots on right now and I have so many women stopping me asking, “Where did you find a wedged rain boot?!”…I got them at Second Time Around!

What styles and brands do you feel have the most longevity?

Generally, our criteria [at Second Time Around] is less than 2 years old. We do have our classic contemporary looks but I’d have to say the basics. Whether it’s your blazer, your slacks, your pencil skirt, or a really good denim. I scored on a pair of Chloe denim that I think I’ll keep forever. It’s funny because people bring in things and I’m like “Why are you getting rid of this?! I would have this forever!” When it comes to accessories like a Chanel handbag, that is a forever piece; it is gonna have a long life. Definitely the designers who are very well known that are really mindful with their construction, they are just the best of the best, and they are going to have the most longevity.

What eras have the most longevity for you, personally?

We keep it contemporary at the store but I myself do love vintage. I like to really mix it up. I’ve always been quite eclectic. I always go to the twenties because I love that kind of flirty, really romantic look. They had this summer, and previous summers, over on Governors Island basically like a throwback to the twenties party (Jazz Age Dance Party). It was beyond the tassel dress; really, really smart people in terms of putting together a look that was just hands-down from the twenties era. And then there’s always the sixties and seventies and especially this past summer with the wide-leg being in and the high-waist; I was born in ‘74 so I’m definitely a flower child at heart. I love clothing, and it’s all about expressing yourself…but truth be told I’d like to just be naked rolling around in some daisy field.

Can you give me an example of a vintage piece that you were able to modernize?

I had to go to an event at MOMA. I went to the Lower East Side and got this really gorgeous vintage white dress with no label and I modernized it with a pair of shoes. These shoes, I kid you not, I wanted to put them in a window box and shelve them. They’re wedged with a little beetle on them. They are just adorable…sparkly gold with peach toes. So I modernized the vintage dress with the shoes, and also I worked with a hat designer to design a little hat to go with it. It kept with the look of the vintage piece but I modernized it with the accessories.

Tell me about some designers that have caught your attention.

I really celebrate more of the “green designers”, the sustainable fashion. I developed a relationship with Samantha Pleet. She’s a local Brooklyn based designer. She’s just ever adorable and her designs are just really smart. On the show I host a sustainable green fashion event. We got in touch with some great designers, Samantha being one of them. Another designer that I was introduced to as a consequence of this show is this really spirited downtown New Yorker. Her name is Maya Gorgoni. Her emerging line is called Royal Jelly Harlem. I just fell in love with her. I loved her dresses and they’re based on these really bold spirited African prints. Like most New Yorkers, I gravitate towards black and grey, but I’m all about just, ‘be bold!’ Really just celebrate who you are! Let it out!

Where are some great places to find bargains in New York?

I really can’t say enough about the Brooklyn Flea, both in Fort Green and Williamsburg. You can eat well and shop well both for your body and your home and just everything. The food trucks alone, that’s just another topic! And around the corner, The Flying A on Spring St. If I’m home and I’m like “Oh shit, my outfit would be complete if I just had this one thing,” I’m so lucky that I can pop around the corner. It’s like my go-to store.

What about outside the city?

One of my favorite places to buy is in Austin, Texas. I mean, it’s like Rockabilly to a T first of all, but the stores there, I can’t even say enough! I scored there a lot. Austin, Texas: If one has not been they must make it a go-to place!

I read you’d like to open your own boutique someday. If so, what would it be like?

I’m all for the underdog, always. It’s just my way. It would have to be keeping consistent with finding those emerging artists. I think it could also be interesting to combine fashion with art. You know, it could be like a boutique with a curation of art on the walls, and some playing of vinyl records; just creating an atmosphere.

Fashion Hunters airs Tuesdays at 1030p ET/PT on Bravo.

Photos courtesy of Bravo/NBC Universal