That title is a pun! My thrift-shopping client last night, Susan, wasn’t exactly “desperate” – at least in attitude! Au contraire! She was friendly, laid back (wearing Birkenstocks because they’re comfortable not because they’re a trend), willing to try everything, and put up with a fitting room sprint at the end! However, she may have been a little desperate in the wardrobe department… till last night!
Susan is a nurse who hates shopping. She has three grown children, a great figure and a well-rounded lifestyle. She dislikes shopping regular retail, always wondering if something is worth the price… Of course, this problem is solved when you shop second-hand at VV Boutique (or any thrift shop)! Susan was looking for comfortable pieces in natural fabrics for work and home, as well as something special for upcoming events. I had no doubt that Susan and I would find many options that fit the bill and we filled two carts full of potentials! Here are some of the winners:
- a “fashion formula” that works well for most people is to layer a shorter finishing piece like the denim coat above, a blazer or cardi over a longer layer over a skinny bottom like skinny-leg pants
- the rule of 3… a top + cardi lacks pizazz, so add another layering tank or accessory to get 3 elements to your top…
- don’t let stains land your favourite pieces in the donation pile! Or for that matter, don’t let stains keep you from getting donated pieces! Instead, try my Grandma’s trick of using a Sunlight bar of soap and/or rubbing alcohol to get out almost anything! At thrifted prices, it’s often worth a try!
- yellow stains require some special attention and One Good Thing by Jillee has the best tips going!
- you can take casual pieces and mix them with dressier pieces for a winning combination
- Women like Susan with a small waist often get gaping pants. Altering is a good option for high-quality garments but my best friend for pants that are being difficult is the Flatter:Me Belt. It will stay hidden under tops or can be worn on the outside as a legit part of your ensemble!
- If you have happy pants, get rid of them. (Happy is when the crotch smiles back at ya)
- Though Susan prefers pants, she looked amazing in dresses! Dresses are so easy to wear; throw one on, add something to it, leave the house looking gorgeous. But then again, I’m #afraidofpants…
- 7 pants including jeans, work pants and casual pants. AND pajama pants. Sigh.
- 3 blazers and 2 outerwear (that could be a finishing layer in winter)
- 7 tops
- 2 dresses
- 1 scarf
My favourite piece is a floral blazer that I somehow SADLY neglected to photograph so you’ll just have to trust me that it is awesome and Susan’s coworkers are going to be jealous! I would try it with my other fave piece – that gorgeous charcoal black dress!
Susan’s total was 22 pieces at an average cost per piece including my fee of $11.27!! Well done Susan!
It was a pleasure to shop with you Susan! Hope you’re enjoying your new wardrobe!
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