With everything going on last month, I have no idea how I managed to do any thrifting … but I must have, because the proof is in the pudding. Or, rather, all the things that I bought. This, and that, and everything. No, seriously.
Ok, I didn’t buy this. Consider this a PSA: counterfeit goods end up at thrift stores all the time, and the staff is not qualified to tell the difference so don’t be fooled by price tags. This was tagged for something like $30. The “leather” was so cheap and nasty, I didn’t even need to look at the hardware (which is usually a giveaway with fake designer stuff — it never feels as substantial as the real thing).
Another fake. Again, the leather was a dead giveaway. A real designer bag of this caliber, no matter how old, will never fray and crack in this manner.
I also didn’t get this, but I wish I had. It was only, like, $5-6. Bah!
I went back and forth on this bag, but ultimately passed due to the price relative to its condition. After the fact, I thought I might have been able to do some conditioning on the leather (although there wasn’t much I could have done about the tear in the strap), and went back to look for it. Of course, it was gone. C’est la vie.
I bought this on a whim, because it’s yellow and only $5. I’m having a bit of a yellow moment. Go figure.
Cute, cheap skirt? Pretty green colour? Anthro brand? Twist my rubber arm.
Super soft, super cheap, will be fab with jeans in the summer. Sold.
Yellow love strikes again.
I actually needed these! Can you believe it? It never happens that I find something I actually NEED (as opposed to just fancy) at the thrift store. This pair of leopard pumps was practically brand new, down to the soles, so it was a double great score.
Impulse buy time. I’ll probably regret it, but it was new with tags (hence the price) and I liked the cropped length.
Very cute summer dress. I suddenly seem to have a lot of navy in my wardrobe. Good thing it goes well with yellow 😉
Totally random find, but I couldn’t resist that gorgeous peacock print. And silk for $7? No brainer.
When I went back to look for that Coach bag, I found this little gem instead. I’m going to need to figure out how to wear fancy scarves, stat.
Doesn’t this look so very Anthro-esque? I love the details like the lace hem finish, and contrast lining. Very unique.
This was cute, and reminded my husband of orange creamsicle (which he loves), so I thought “why not”. For $9, why not, indeed? That’s why I love to thrift.
Great thrift finds!! Love the Liberty scarves. I would make a simple top using the two scarves as the front and back. I have made a few of these from vintage scarves and they are a great way to show off the beautiful fabric and pattern of the scarf. Have a lovely day, Cheers, Michele
I never thought to make a top from scarves, but come to think of it, I think I read somewhere that Hermes scarves can be worn as a top. Of course, there is no Hermes in my future … unless I hit the all-time thrifting jackpot, LOL!
Those shoes!!! I do like a good scarf but I like them long and blanket-like because the shorter ones I find, are harder to style. I have to learn how to wear it but then I hate the kerchief look.. too restrictive around the neck.
Seriously, though – those shoes! I want amazing stores like this!
Our thrift stores here are pretty great, hehe! Don’t know what I’d do without them 🙂
I have never commented, but I read your blog and LOVE your styling. You are always so well put together – you look like a perfect little treasure box! (I mean this as a compliment) Anyway, when you have a chance, can you tell us what kind of thrift stores you frequent? The thrift stores around me have prices WAY above those you find. Thank you!
Hahaha! Thank you — that’s def a unique way of putting it 😉
I usually go to Value Village (Saver’s in the US) and Goodwill — they’re the closest stores to me. I’ll check in with smaller thrifts when I get the chance. Are you in Edmonton? If so, I can let you know which specific stores I go to.
Also, keep in mind that I usually have a 30% off coupon for VV, so I rarely pay full price. It’s fairly easy to get the coupons if you shop there lots (guilty as charged) or donate stuff. Also, VV has 50% off sales every so often. They’re madness but worth checking out.
thanks! I’m in the US, near Seattle, and I think we *might* have a Value Village. We definitely have a Goodwill, but I’ve never found things like the great things you find there!
That’s actually funny … hear me out, one of the eBay sellers I follow is the … wait for it … Seattle Goodwill. I got a GREAT deal on a Mulberry bag from them (not, like, a $5 kind of deal, but considerably below market value).
It may be that your Goodwills are “saving” all the “good stuff” to sell online, which would suck. But judging from what they list online, they are definitely getting good stuff donated. Maybe try checking out a few different places? I will say this: even here, not every Value Village and GW is the same (we have lots). Some are DEFINITELY better than others, on a consistent basis.
The other thing to keep in mind is that thrifting is a hobby for me, so I tend to go more frequently than the average person (like, um, once a week). So I tend to find more things because of that as well.
I just discovered your blog and I LOVE it! I’m also an avid thrifter, but I’m always scared of buying shoes for some reason haha. How do you usually clean them? These J. Crew heels are seriously perfection.
Welcome! Cleaning shoes is pretty easy, as long as they are leather (including the lining). I put rubbing alcohol and/or Lysol on cotton pads, and wipe down the inside of the shoe throrougly. Leave to air dry, then repeat (once or twice). The alcohol shouldn’t affect the leather — I’m not sure if synthetic materials react the same way, however, so be forewarned. I stay away from shoes lined with fabric or suede-like material because those tend to absorb dirt, etc. and are very difficult to clean (I’m not even sure how you would go about it).
In terms of cleaning scuffs on the outside, things get trickier. I usually Google cleaning tips for the type of leather I’m working with, and give it a go. However, I have found that 90% of the time, marks on patent leather are impossible to get out, usually because the mark has “sunk” or absorbed under the patent surface. For the most part, I avoid buying shoes that have external scuff marks because of the extra hassle.
Hope this helps!