Thrifting 101

I would say that the majority of comments and emails I get pertaining to specific or directed questions overwhelmingly surround thrifting.  I was at my local Goodwill a few days back and I decided to take iPhone pics of several of the items I tried on so that you could see what catches my eye, what doesn't work, and what I take home with me.  My thought process throughout the whole thing is, more than anything, to be extremely open to anything including colors, textures, material, age, basically anything goes.  So, without further adieu, let's go thrifting!

What - J.Crew Haberdashery Button Down

Price - $2

Size - M

Thoughts - these shirts are awesome, but they are expensive at J.Crew, usually running around $98.  This one was light blue with a darker blue stripe and I really don't think it's ever been worn.  The cuffs and collar were very stiff which is great for layering, all the buttons were intact, and it's a little more tailored.  The great thing about this one is that they still have it in the store.  

Verdict- Keep

What - J.Crew Perfect Shirt and vintage suede skirt

Price - $5.99 and $9.99

Size - S and ?

Thoughts - This shirt was my size (as opposed to the medium above), plus I am obsessed with the Liberty for J.Crew button downs right now, so this was a great compromise.  It will look great under a striped dress, with a cropped trench, or under a sweater.  The colors are really great.  The skirt was a great fit for me, but it was really faded on the seams. It's hard to see in these bad iPhone pics, but it was almost gray. I have a cognac colored one that I picked up last year, but it was not as worn as this one.

Verdict- Bought shirt, bailed on the skirt.

What - Theory Button Down

Price - $2

Size - S

Thoughts - I loved this shirt because it was a little longer in the back and I can wear it with leggings.  It's flannel, but it's light, so it will be great for the mild Texas winter.

Verdict- Keep

What - vintage silk dress

Price - $5.99

Size - 6

Thoughts - I'm a sucker for vintage silk dresses.  I have two in my closet that I absolutely adore and I really liked this one, too.  It fit perfect and I loved the length.  I couldn't quite get on board with the print, though.  I didn't jump on the Hawaiian print trend last spring and these just looked like hibiscus flowers.

Verdict- Pass

What - no label mint sweater and Seven For All Mankind jeans

Price - $5.99 and $9.99

Size - ? and 27

Thoughts - not all mint clothing items are created equal.  If I was going to walk around with my hand on my hip all day long, it may have worked, but it was just too boxy.  I actually loved these jeans because someone had worn the hell of them and I liked that little rip on the thigh.  I couldn't legitimize another pair of jeans.

Verdict- Pass

What - J.Crew Strapless Dress

Price - $9.99

Size - 4

Thoughts - This just wasn't a good fit for me because it was too big and I have nothing to hold it up, frankly.  I think it would look great on someone else, a bit shorter, and with some turquoise jewelry.

Verdict- Pass

What - Vintage Cucumber Blazer

Price - $5.99

Size - 6

Thoughts - A grey wool blazer is on my it list for fall and I have been trying to stay away from this one for $228.  Yikes!  This blazer is a little bit too big, so it will go to the tailor for fitting and new buttons.  Overall, I loved it and felt like Emerson Fry in this outfit.

Verdict- Keep

What - vintage shift

Price - $5.99

Size -  no label

Thoughts - I loved the fall colors, so I picked it up, but it smelled like mothballs, which you cannot get out.

Verdict- Pass

What - J.Crew Sweater

Price - $9.99

Size - S

Thoughts - I liked this but it had a little stain on the back.  I probably could have gotten it out, but it just wasn't what I wanted it to be.  When I buy a sweater, I usually fall head over heels in love with it, but I just couldn't get there with this one.  Still looking for something similar, though.

Verdict- Pass

All in all, I walked away with a few button downs and a blazer.  Although I will need to spend a few bucks at the tailor and on dry cleaning, this was a successful trip for me.  Even if I was able to get all of the items on sale in store with a coupon, I still came out on top by spending a little extra time at the thrift store.  This visit lasted about an hour and a half, and these items were about a third a what I actually tried on.  Hope this gives you guys a little insight!

What other things would you like to see on the blog?  I'd love your input!!