One of the things I love most is seeing new friends adopting the thrift life! I love going thrifting with them and seeing that spark ignite! It’s not just the good deals or the sustainability of secondhand shopping that lights the fire; it’s the fun of it! So when my friend Terri asked if I’d go with her to help her thrift a formal dress for an upcoming Christmas party, I was thrilled!
We met at Goodwill since the larger thrift stores tend to have the best selection. Terri was looking for a full-on formal gown (something like what I wore to the Crazy Rich Asians party!) and didn’t have a set budget in mind. As we scanned the racks we also kept an eye out for work pieces to bolster her wardrobe. Terri is a Geologist and free spirit! She is not completely new to thrifting and already embraces sustainable practices in her life. She tends to wear her clothes out before replacing them. She was an eager participant in my clothing swap last year! Terri knows what she likes but was willing to try anything on I suggested which made it easy shopping! Here are some shots from the floor:
Now for the fitting room shots!
And for the formal wear options:
AND THE WINNER IS….
While browsing, Terri and I discussed thrifting formal wear versus doing something like Rent the Runway which is a formal wear rental service. Though Rent the Runway is better than buying new, it is still way pricier than thrifting a gown. The advantage is that you’re not left with a formal gown that you’ll never wear again BUT to that I say, spend a fraction of the price and thrift then donate it again if you don’t want to keep it around. As for Terri, she will take this gorgeous gown with her on her upcoming cruise vacation for the formal dinners! WIN WIN!
Terri plans to have the dress professional cleaned and pressed as per the tag recommendation. I would probably cheap out and wash it at home then iron it myself. It is 100% polyester so I know it is washable despite what the tag says and I’m a confident presser but if you’re not, leave your precious gown in the hands of experts! All total, Terri scored 12 pieces for $74 which works out to a cost per item of $6.17including her formal gown! Do you feel that thrifting spark when you read that?!!!
So there you have it! If you have a formal event coming up – a party, wedding or even homecoming or prom, consider secondhand shopping to thrift your formal dress. It makes so much sense and you’ll look just as fab as those who spent five times more! Have you ever thrifted formal wear? I’d love to hear about it!
xoxo Nicole
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Always love your adventures! Where is this Goodwill located? Although I’ve scored at the one on I-10 (and Lilah made out like a bandit on our excursion), I haven’t had luck in clothing. Home goods, yes.
This was at the i10 location! I have had luck at all the Goodwills but not necessarily every time I go. That’s the fun of it!
Karen
In your post you talk about cleaning/dry cleaning. Do you ever use home-dry cleaning products? Thought I’d give it a try with recent thrift purchases.
Thanks,
K
Lisa
That peachy color is perfect on Terri – the dress is very flattering on her! Beautiful! So glad your health is good, Nicole! Happy Thanksgiving, ya’ll!
Lila
I love Terri’s blazer and blue shirt. So pretty! The dress is beautiful too.
I also love the BM jewelry sandals!! I was actually thinking what a good idea, to feature them with simple, natural nails and jeans so as not to detract from their sparkle. I think there is more of a trend now for the clean, natural look for nails ..to have them purposly look minimalist, youthful and classy.
Mary
Nice score Terri!!!!! The pineapple dress!!!!and the colour of your gown is perfect for you! Beautiful.
It is gorgeous on her! She was taking it on her cruise too! Fun fun fun!
Sandy
Terri, you look beautiful in the dress! I think the colours in the floral romper suited you too but I understand rompers aren’t very practical.
Sparkly loafers are fantastic, what a good purchase.
Nicole, your feet are clean so I’m always happy to see them modelling shoes and sandals. Like Lila, I prefer the natural look too. (Plus the nail salons always smell toxic and just walking past them makes me feel ill so it is probably much healthier.)
I can’t figure out why some rompers have long sleeves! That’s calling for some pretty specific weather if you ask me! I like having my nails and toes done but it’s not that important to me in the grand scheme. I care more about the pieces themselves! Terri does look gorgeous in that dress! Thanks for reading!
9 Comments
Always love your adventures! Where is this Goodwill located? Although I’ve scored at the one on I-10 (and Lilah made out like a bandit on our excursion), I haven’t had luck in clothing. Home goods, yes.
This was at the i10 location! I have had luck at all the Goodwills but not necessarily every time I go. That’s the fun of it!
In your post you talk about cleaning/dry cleaning. Do you ever use home-dry cleaning products? Thought I’d give it a try with recent thrift purchases.
Thanks,
K
That peachy color is perfect on Terri – the dress is very flattering on her! Beautiful! So glad your health is good, Nicole! Happy Thanksgiving, ya’ll!
I love Terri’s blazer and blue shirt. So pretty! The dress is beautiful too.
I also love the BM jewelry sandals!! I was actually thinking what a good idea, to feature them with simple, natural nails and jeans so as not to detract from their sparkle. I think there is more of a trend now for the clean, natural look for nails ..to have them purposly look minimalist, youthful and classy.
Nice score Terri!!!!! The pineapple dress!!!!and the colour of your gown is perfect for you! Beautiful.
It is gorgeous on her! She was taking it on her cruise too! Fun fun fun!
Terri, you look beautiful in the dress! I think the colours in the floral romper suited you too but I understand rompers aren’t very practical.
Sparkly loafers are fantastic, what a good purchase.
Nicole, your feet are clean so I’m always happy to see them modelling shoes and sandals. Like Lila, I prefer the natural look too. (Plus the nail salons always smell toxic and just walking past them makes me feel ill so it is probably much healthier.)
I can’t figure out why some rompers have long sleeves! That’s calling for some pretty specific weather if you ask me! I like having my nails and toes done but it’s not that important to me in the grand scheme. I care more about the pieces themselves! Terri does look gorgeous in that dress! Thanks for reading!