What I Bought Lately: Thrifting & Poshmark

Thrifting has been mostly unremarkable over the past month, with a few major exceptions. I don’t know if I can call it a trend; thrifting is unpredictably cyclical by nature. I think a contributing factor is my Poshmark use; it has made me pickier about what I thrift, if that makes sense. But as much as I’ve been getting some great deals on the app, I need to rein it in – it’s too easy to find cool things I “need”, and browsing late at night is not conducive to good impulse-control. With thrifting, at least, the impact on my wallet is a little, ahem, softer.

Let’s have a look at what’s new in my closet.

Dries Van Noten skirt

This was a once-in-a-blue-moon kind of find. A “start the car” kind of find. A “universe is smiling on me” kind of find. Well, you get the idea. Finding a piece from my favourite designer — for SEVEN WHOLE CANADIAN DOLLARS — is a rare and special treat. This skirt is from a 2009 collection, but it still feels fresh over a decade on. The chartreuse green is one of my favourite colours, and I enjoy this more abstract take on animal print (not usually something I’m into).

Etro paisley skirt

This skirt was actually right next to the DVN one on the rack. Can you believe it? Again, I got unbelievably lucky on that occasion. Etro can be borderline for me – sometimes its prints are too much for me, sometimes they’re just enough. I feel like this falls into the latter category, and I am excited to play around with it. I do wish it was a longer hemline, but I’m in a midi-maxi season of life at the moment.

Shirin Guild jacket

This piece is an example of what I love about thrifting. I had no clue about this designer when I picked up the jacket. But it felt lovely to the touch (it’s a silk-wool blend) and felt like great quality. I also was intrigued by the design/cut. A quick Google search told me that this was, indeed, a special piece.

Theory knit vest

I am a sucker for sleeveless turtlenecks – they’re great for days when I want to be warm, but I don’t want to feel sweaty. Is that weird? Arms out = less sweaty. Anyway, I am also a fan of beige, though I know that’s a somewhat controversial opinion, hah. This was a steal of a deal because Value Village hasn’t caught on to Theory yet.

Wilfred Cataphore dress

[Worn in photo above] I absolutely love this dress on the hanger. It checks off all my boxes – style, length, colour. Except, as has been the case lately with a few Wilfred pieces, it fits a little oddly. Because fitting rooms are still closed, I’ve been taking calculated risks with my purchases; I thought I was safe with this one because it’s a size 8 and I’m usually more like a 4/6. Well, yes and no. It’s fine everywhere except across my stomach. I’ve actually lost some weight recently, so Pandemic Pooch isn’t to blame. It looks fine under sweaters (like here), but this may not end up being a keeper.

And here’s what I got on Poshmark:

Zara purple skirt

Impulse buy but I love it. I have been obsessed with this style of skirt lately (loose, long, with tiers) and have been hunting for a dress equivalent. I love the comfort factor plus the drama of the silhouette.

Maeve striped sequin skirt

Another impulse buy but how could I resist rainbow stripes AND sequins?

Gap star sweater

I am also obsessed with stars. I could have waited to find this at the thrift store (some day, maybe) … or just go ahead and satisfy the whim. [Note: my sweater is the dark grey colour way not navy as shown.]

Zara green velvet dress

Impulse buy again (seeing a trend here?) but it’s a style I have admired for a long time. The neckline is somewhat adjustable so it can be a little scandalous or not at all. I love this dark shade of green, especially in velvet. It feels so lush and rich.

And then there was a bunch of accessories (all Posh):

Paloma Spills earrings

These are handmade by an Australian artist and they are perfect for me – I love the natural stones and the stars. Just beautiful.

Anne Marie Chagnon necklace

Anne Marie Chagnon is a contemporary Canadian jewelry designer who does really interesting brutalist/modernist pieces. The photos of this piece on Posh weren’t great but I took a risk. I got it because I was drawn to the blue side of the pendant – it looked like it might be a stone, but it’s actually resin – and was pleasantly surprised to realize it is reversible. I absolutely adore the reverse side, which looks like an “evil eye” (one of my current obsessions).

Birkenstock Madrid sandals

I got this as a back-up for my current pair, which I have worn non-stop this summer.

Stella & Dot labradorite ring / Mango cactus earrings / Moonstone ring

These pieces were part of my first-ever bundle on Posh. I think I paid about $40 for all three. Which is a steal of a deal, IMO. I’ve been on a huge jewelry kick lately, probably because in times of stress, my magpie instincts kick in extra double hard.

What has been on your shopping radar lately?