It’s true, I went thrifting with a pretty girl named Penny but she did not spend a pretty penny! In fact, she scored 28 pretty pieces for an average cost per piece of $10.77 including my fee AND a hall of fame thrift score worth more than double her total at the till! Penny saved a pretty penny! True story.
Penny is busy mom of two who enjoys an active lifestyle with her family. They enjoy coffee dates with friends, hiking and taking in the parks and festivals. Penny was looking to up her style quotient on the tight budget of a single-income family and was looking for pieces that will last a few seasons since clothes shopping isn’t a budget priority. She also wanted fun pieces for the often-mythical “date night” – I say, if you have the dress, the date will come!! (and in the meantime, you still have a nice dress!) Well, Penny scored in the dress department and also went home with 3 capris, 1 skirt, 6 tops, 3 blazers, 2 shoes, 1 necklace, 1 belt and 2 scarves! But I’m getting ahead of myself…
I like to start a thrift shopping adventure in the shoe section for a couple of reasons. Firstly, many people have the misunderstanding that you can’t or shouldn’t thrift footwear – not so!! Most thrift stores have a great selection of great quality shoes in a range of sizes. They aren’t worn out or outdated and if concerned, you can always spray them with deodorizer. Secondly, once you find a few shoe options, you can wear them around the store while you continue shopping to ensure comfort! Penny found three great options and eventually settled on the t-strap brown wedges for every day and the patent pumps for fun! Good choices!
I would have bought every one of these dresses! We used a practical approach to dress selection: if you have to ask if it’s a dress or a top, it’s a top. All of these ARE dresses but can easily be worn in cooler weather with leggings or tights.
Thrift shopping is a great way to find unique pieces like this mixed print top – looks great on its own, as a finishing layer or spicing up a basic black dress!
A three-quarter sleeve chambray is just what Penny needed – can be worn with any of her capris, with shorts or leggings, over a dress or with a scarf to style-up a basic tee!
Soft jersey that defines your waist but still covers your bum?!! Yes please! And green?!! My fave!!
Penny ended up leaving the green v-neck tee behind, but she could try tucking the Nicole Miller into this gorgeous light cotton skirt, or her purple tee…with a knotted chambray!!! I’m getting excited! We ran out of time to try everything, but it was nice to see how adding the belt changed the look!
Penny scored on the prints this thrift trip! This tank top is quality Eddie Bauer and is substantial enough to wear on its own or with the AMAZING mustard jacket!! Can you say THRIFT ENVY?!! I advised Penny to take the mustard jacket and wear it whenever she might reach for a denim jacket because it will look amazing with everything!
For that matter, Penny could wear the navy blazer in place of a denim jacket too! Her dresses can stand alone or be finished with a scarf or jacket and her other pieces can be mixed and matched a la the 10-item wardrobe challenge. I’m confident she has enough options to take her right through summer into fall! If that isn’t amazing enough, Penny found an incredible piece… drum roll please…
What you’re looking at is a 100% silk jersey Kian dress by Diane von Furstenberg in perfect condition for $11.90! This dress likely retailed for around $450!!! There are not enough exclamation points for a find like this!! As tempting though it may be, don’t “save” this dress for a special occasion – instead, let it make an ordinary day special! That’s what thrifting can do!
Penny, I had so much fun shopping with a kindred colour-lover! I hope you enjoy all your new pieces and, every now and then, give that DVF a hug from me!
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