People often ask me how often I go thrift shopping. The answer to that isn’t exactly straight forward because it’s not exactly about shopping. Thrifting for me is more than shopping; it’s self-regulatory, therapeutic stress relief that costs a whole lot less than $170 per hour therapy (which I also find beneficial, BTW). But no matter how over budget I go, I’m nowhere near one hour of regular therapy! So really, thrifting is a very economical coping strategy. Not everyone finds it relaxing and no problem – you do what you works for you. As for me, I had a particularly stressful week so I went to not one, not two but THREE thrift shops this weekend before I finally started to feel better. The weekend thrift trifecta did not let me down! First stop…
Salvation Army Thrift Store
I only had about half an hour between clients Friday morning, so I grabbed pieces that caught my eye and gave them a quick try…
I love green but the hem was all stretched out. No.Too tight, too bad. I like the colours and I am considering doing Dressember again…I like Flying Tomato pieces but I’m starting to realize that empire waists…are not for girls with poor posture and a muffin top. #notpregnantdontask
I had no luck with clothing but I had a strong sense of thrifting mojo, like there was a reason I was there. So I quickly browsed the shoe section and found a pair in the men’s shelves…
Flat patent loafers, in my size for $10…Cool velcro closure, the sole a little worn but otherwise in great condition…PRADA!!!! PRADA!!!! I finally found PRADA at the thrift store!!!!!!!!!! (there are not enough exclamation points) Prada loafers retail for around $1000. There is no way this girl would ever own Prada if not for thrifting. And the fact that they are in a style that I can actually wear is just a treat from God. Thanks!
For starters, I stumbled upon these green Fly London boots in perfect condition – they looked unworn. I figure they were donated because they barely fit my skinny calves. Usually boots gape on me but finally, this is an advantage!! This same pair in brown is currently selling for $365 and I paid $14 with a 30% off coupon. SCORE!And then, just after telling Adina I always watch out for a Tory Burch bag, she found me a pair of Tory Burch slides! They need a little cleaning but otherwise are in great shape! $13.30 is a small price to pay for my first thrifted Tory Burch!These retail in the vicinity of $300. #mamascoresalltheshoes
I tried on a few things in the fitting rooms…
I’m looking for a plum/burgundy cardi and liked the retro style but the sleeves were a bit poofy for my taste. (I did get the coral layering tank though!)Adina was pressuring me to get this tweed blazer with elbow patches. As soon as YOU wear a pretty-in-pink dress, I’ll get a blazer like this. Deal?!Also looking for a puffy coat but this one didn’t have an inside pocket and felt like a lot of purple. With my pink snow pants, I’d be right back in grade 6 class photos with alternating pink and purple clothing from socks to earrings…Right colour, right print, WRONG shape. #notpregnantdontaskI did score this $9.10 dress/tunic though – my friend Randa has the same one and she has amazing style so naturally I had to get it so I could be just like her.
Goodwill
Saturday morning, I dropped my son off at his activity and headed straight to Goodwill. Found a gorgeous Mackage leather jacket in XS and thought to myself, I wish Adina was here to try this. And boom, there she was in the next aisle (#greatthriftersthinkalike OR #bothofusarestressedtothemax OR both) and of course it fit her perfectly! #MFEO #destiny
And Adina found this wool J Crew blazer for me! $7 of my favourite comfort colour!Also found these Stuart Weitzman patent round toy platform slingbacks for $10! Another pair of shoes in perfect condition that would retail for $300+! How could I leave them behind?!! #ineedmorepartiesAnd just to round-up the shoes, I also found these leather Neosens lace-ups for $6 – exactly what I was looking for! I hadn’t heard of this brand but could tell they were great quality in great condition – turns out they too run about $300!!Basic Gap tee, so soft and such a pretty colour so I snagged it for $6, right in time to replace a few that I purged today for the Closet Minimalism Game!Did NOT however get this floral print top with unfortunate flower placement…hmmmmm….NOPE.Free People teal pants made me look like a 90’s cowgirl.I’ve been looking for some black jogger pants. These do up in the back… Or they’re *supposed* to. So. So. Bad.I did find this Talula light weight unstructured blazer for $7. Does anyone else inadvertently find pieces that match what they’re wearing?
That’s “it”!!!! I spent just under $90 on my weekend thrift trifecta for some very effective stress relief that would have cost me thousands had I done regular retail therapy! #justified And after such a good dose of thrifting, I might just have a better week ahead!
Best use of paisley I’ve seen in awhile, sorry it didn’t fit! Empire waists are never, ever my friend. Great shoe scores! Yeah that blazer is VERY Adina, no wonder she wanted someone to get it. I am sad about those flowers, I would have snapped that sucker up otherwise. And the back pants shot – I can’t even. Thanks for making me smile at the end of a rough week for this American. 🙂
6 Comments
Amazing finds!
Great finds. Yes, what is it with flower placements?
Thank you for making me laugh out loud.
Best use of paisley I’ve seen in awhile, sorry it didn’t fit! Empire waists are never, ever my friend. Great shoe scores! Yeah that blazer is VERY Adina, no wonder she wanted someone to get it. I am sad about those flowers, I would have snapped that sucker up otherwise. And the back pants shot – I can’t even. Thanks for making me smile at the end of a rough week for this American. 🙂
I’m so glad. Sending my love from Canada…
You have MAD thrifting skills!!