Thrift Shopping: Vintage and New

I have been going through a bit of withdrawal since my favorite Goodwill store is closed for remodeling.  Thankfully, we have a good variety of other thrift stores within an hour drive of my home.  Here are a few of my recent AWESOME finds!!  I can hardly wait to wear them and/or use them for a shoot!!

Fabulous vintage sequined evening jacket with fur trim

Beautifully draping long skirt  - Great this Fall paired with a chunky sweater and boots

New Antonio Melani open toe pumps with studded bows in a wear-with-everything camel color

  

Thrifted Sequins

Sequined garments are hot again this fall.  Whether you choose to go with a little or a lot, sequins add a touch of glamour to any outfit...especially casual looks.  Here are two examples of how to integrate sequined items into your wardrobe for a trendy, up-to-date (and affordable) look.

 

The fabulous black embroidered and sequined bolero was thrifted from my favorite Goodwill.  A magnificent find if I do say so myself!  I have paired it with a gray lace embellished tunic, skinny jeans, open toe booties, and a vintage belt.

The off-white cropped military jacket was $2 at a liquidation store and the stunning blue-gray sequined crocheted top was thrifted.  Paired with skinny jeans, multicolor flats, and a silver and abalone cuff.  Photos by Dominic Van Horn.

Tips for Shopping Thrift Stores

I shop at thrift stores several times a week if I can.  I love it...I love the hunt!  Yes, thrifting is addictive.  But, since becoming a stylist I've become very picky about what I actually buy.  I study fashion magazines regularly and interpret the styles to suit my personality and body shape.  A garment may be a fabulous designer piece and it might be a great buy, but if it doesn't flatter me, I don't buy it.  Below are a few of my recent finds. 

I see lots of women checking out at thrift stores with baskets full of clothes.  Yes, they are inexpensive, but what do they do with all of those clothes?  Do they donate them back to Goodwill when their closet is full?  They can't possibly wear them all.  Most of us only wear a small amount of the clothes we own. 

Here are a few tips to consider when thrift shopping:
Buy only what you love, what fits and flatters, what is stylish, and what is in excellent condition.  And make sure you have other things in your closet to wear with whatever you buy. 

Follow these simple rules and your addiction can be well under control.

   

Look Great for Less

As I have mentioned before, almost every outfit I wear includes something thrifted.  The other day, as I was heading out, I threw on a thrifted skirt ($4.59 at Goodwill), a tee, and flip flops.  The temperature was 101!  I wasn't too concerned about my looks.  I mentioned to my husband that I often got compliments on my skirt.  He looked at me kind of strange.  As you can see below, it's nothing special.  I've had it for years.  It can be worn year around with sandals in the summer and a sweater and boots in the winter.  Well, that morning as we were shopping, I got three compliments on the skirt.  My husband turned to me and said, "You weren't kidding; people REALLY like that skirt!"  Then as we got in the car a lady yelled from across the street, "I love your purse!"   It's also thrifted.  The point is...you can look great for less.