Takes From The Thrift: The Mega Haul

The past few weeks have been more stressful than usual, so it should come as no surprise that this period coincided with an uptick in my thrifting trips. To be perfectly honest, I have come to enjoy the (solo) drive to and from the thrift store — on warm, sunny summer evenings, with the AC and the radio cranked high — almost as much as the visit itself. Sneaking in an hour here and there? Forget therapy; it’s my cardio these days.

And yeah, I have a ton of stuff to share in this recap. Grab a drink, pull up a chair, we`re gonna be a while.

I’ve started seeing more and more designer stuff again. Coincidence? I think not. I have said it before, and will repeat myself again: the more you go, the more stuff you find. So much so that I usually don’t have time to properly photograph all of my “misses”. But here is (lazy) proof of the abundant bounty to be found.

It’s always funny to run into a piece you already own … especially one you previously thrifted. I was tempted to buy and flip this pretty frock, but I reminded myself that I don’t have time to sell my own purged pieces, much less new stuff.

Go home, Value Village, you’re drunk. Fifty dollars for a pair of Nine West flats? I mean, yes, we’re talking Canadian dollars here (so, like, a step above Monopoly money, value-wise, for any Americans in the audience) but still. And this wasn’t the only over-priced pair that I’ve seen recently. There was another $40 pair at the same location, though at least that one had both shoes out on the rack. I have no idea what VV is thinking, but it’s beyond ridiculous.

Does anyone else remember Richard Tyler? Talk about 90s flashbacks. These sandals were quite pretty, but they were too small for me, and not something I’d get much use from.

I love Fossil bags, but not the VV prices on Fossil bags. Considering the condition, $40 was way too much to be asking.

I recognized this formerly mystery label (it’s Anthro, natch), and was very proud of myself. The style didn’t work for me, though, so I passed.

These things were adorable, but I wasn’t sure what they were supposed to be used for, and I am trying to be good about (not) buying tchotchkes. I am sure that my husband appreciates my restraint.

Very cute dress. terrible condition. I do wish places like VV, which charge as much as they do, would do a better job of weeding out clothes that are basically unwearable.

Another cute dress, but I don’t do wrap dresses anymore. I’m sure it found a good home.

I think these are the Stuart Weitzman Nudist lookalikes that were quite popular last year. I tried them on, and found them super uncomfortable. Passed, because I have no need for strappy sandals in my life, especially the uncomfortable variety.

Another dress I used to own. I’m pretty sure it’s not *my* actual dress, but it’s possible, because I recently purged mine.

Stuart Weitzman is usually an auto-buy brand in my books, but these pumps/booties were not my style so I passed.

I was tempted by the cashmere, but this style of cardigan is on my no-buy list. Decent condition, very decent price, because it was Goodwill. Goodwill is my jam these days.

Vintage Aquascutum.

Cute colour, cute pleat detail, too bad this Pleione top was several sizes too big. And why so sheer?

Similar idea, and non-sheer this time. I didn`t think I`d get a ton of wear out of it, so I passed.

Also passed on these pants. I liked the colour of these BDG skinnies (left), but there was a rip at one of the belt loops, which I took as a sign. The DVFs (right) were a nice weight and very good condition, but the style — nope. Wide-legged culottes are one thing, but full-length trousers are another. I am sure they`re someone`s cup of tea, just not mine.

Talk about fancy feet — these were quite the shoes. Since I don`t have anywhere to wear these, I didn`t even check the size, but I am sure they will grace some lovely thrifterella`s grad outfit.

These flats were so gorgeous — and my size! — but sadly had too much colour transfer on the side. Once it’s settled, colour transfer is impossible to get out of patent leather. Such a shame.

Not all DVF dresses are equal. This one definitely did me no favours, and the condition was not great either. I am surprised that it wasn’t priced at something ridiculous like $70, because this was Value Village, after all.

These dresses were cute — especially the Club Monaco black shift — but I passed. The Gabby Skye was too large, and also too cutesy for my current style. I hesitated a lot over the Club Monaco dress, but it needed some small fixes to the lace part, and would have required a strapless bra, so it was a no-go in the end. As it happens, I found another dress with a similar silhouette that worked much better. More on that in a moment.

First time spotting ALC in the wild, so to speak. Sadly, this dress was terrible on me.

Holy tweed overload, Batman! A few years ago, this dress would have so been my jam. Great quality, great condition, perfect for work. I`ve mostly moved away from this aesthetic, though, so I forced myself to leave it behind. Pat on the back for me. As for the jacket … well, it did not take nearly as much willpower to leave that one behind. Definitely not something I could ever have pulled off.

Ok, let’s talk about what I did buy.

First up, a tale of two dresses. I ended up getting the yellow Joie number on the left because it was cute and breezy, and I figured I could get some wear out of it in Palm Springs. With $7 for a silk dress, you can`t go wrong. It`s a little on the short `n junior section side of things, but those are things more easily forgiven in a vacation dress, yes?

The Tibi dress on the right had its original tags attached, and it was a gorgeous colour — one of my faves. The ruffle was more architectural than twee, so I could have lived with it. Sadly, the fit was all wonky. Pass.

These Miz Mooz booties will probably turn into a regret. I dig the vibe, but I am not sure it will actually work for me. Still, at $12, I figured I could consign them and recoup my money in the fall if need be. Not an ideal situation, but a not atypical downside of shopping when stressed.

These loafers on the other hand? Perfect. They are unbelievably cushiony — they make me feel like I’m walking on clouds. Also, they are perfect for driving, which I’ve been doing a lot lately. They were in perfect condition, too. A bit pricey at $35, but they should be worth it over the long run as long as the quality holds up. I’ve never owned Coach shoes before, so we shall see.

A chunky sweater with interesting details? Sign me up.

I’ve talked about this bag before, so all I need to say here is that I. Love. It.

You’ve also seen this blazer. It’s a good one.

Chunky knit? Slouchy, oversized style? Olive colour? Done and done and done.

Every summer, I end up having a potato sack of a dress I love and wear to death (on weekends, natch), and this summer, this Plenty by Tracy Reese number is going to be that potato sack. The bottom has a cool, slightly bell-like shape to it (with a subtle hi-low hemline) that keeps things interesting. The material is a rayon spandex blend, which means it`s soft, comfy, and lightweight — perfect for summer.

Now this is, admittedly, a whole lotta look, but for the price of a latte, I figured it was worth the risk.

I know what you`re thinking. Adina, I thought tweed was not your aesthetic anymore.

True, but! This is a kind of deconstructed tweed, with a definite jolie laide vibe (that length is borderline frumpy), which intrigues me. We`ll see what I can do with it come fall.

Value Village wants $50 for Nine West flats, but this Akris wool jacket was under $10. Ooookay. Don’t mind if I do. I think it’s going to look really nice with my fall “column of black” outfit formula.