It’s been a while since I updated my “thrift hit list”, aka the list of things that I am actively looking to add to my closet. As you know, thrifting is not an exact science; you can’t predict what you’re going to find, so you have to be flexible – sometimes what finds you is what you’ll only later realize you need, or what you never knew you needed but now badly want. That being said, I do like to have a ‘loose’ list in mind when I thrift, if only to possibly better my odds of finding those specific items. I’m agnostic when it comes to the idea of manifesting: it probably doesn’t work, but it can’t hurt to try.
I also keep this list in mind when I’m scrolling Poshmark, because sometimes fate thrifting needs a helping hand, you know?
Here’s what’s on my thrift hit list for spring 2023:
Granny boots
I’ve been wanting a pair of these for a while. I have a pretty clear image in my mind of what I’m looking for: either black or brown, low heel, just above ankle height, laced up. A little bit Baba Yaga, a little bit Edwardian school marm. These would work really well with my various prairie / romantic / southwestern / witchy lewks.
Colourful tights (and socks)
Full disclosure: I’m not against buying tights and socks secondhand (they’re easy enough to wash) as long as they’re in good condition, but this is more of a Poshmark or even Amazon hunt, because I never see interesting ones at the thrifts. Colourful opaque tights are unicorns. I have built up a decent collection over the years, but I would love to add more colours and especially patterns – plaid, tartan, argyle, or anything graphic would be amazing.
Palazzo jeans
Yep, still on the hunt for these jeans. I did recently thrift a pair of Gap wide leg jeans that is a decent placeholder in this category, but it isn’t 100% what I want so I am on the lookout for an upgrade. I think the style is becoming more popular, so hopefully there will be more secondhand options available soon.
Sunglasses
My current pairs of sunglasses are pretty scratched up and need replacing. I only ever buy cheap sunglasses because I’m rough on them. I usually buy them at Winners, but I’ve started looking at the thrifts too. I’m super picky about the shape, though, so this will take a while. I don’t have a specific shape in mind, per se: I’ll just know it when I see it (and try it on).
Pendleton blanket coat
This is a Holy Grail type of item – rarer than hen’s teeth. There are some options on Poshmark but they are $$$. A dream version would be anything from Lindsey Thornburg, but considering those cost thousands of dollars, it probably won’t be happening. I’ll be very happy with a regular Pendleton version, either current or vintage.
Club Monaco crest sweatshirt
These have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, which means (a) they’re picked clean at the thrifts, and (b) prices on Poshmark are ridiculous. Of course, I want one of the vintages one, not the current version that CM sells now. I wish I had bought one years ago, when finding them at the thrifts was easier. But I am determined to succeed! I refuse to pay $120+ for an old sweatshirt.
Ralph Lauren knits and vintage pieces
This is pretty self-explanatory. I love all things RL, especially vintage, so I am picking up nice pieces wherever I can find them since secondhand prices have been steadily ticking up in the last few years. I would love a teddy bear sweater or any other similar “novelty” sweaters (they’ve done a bunch of fun ones over the years). Also any wool blazers, vests (of course), and wool or silk (midi or maxi) skirts.
Patterned co-ord set
I’ve been influenced by @mystyleismybrand on IG, who often wears the most beautiful coordinating pant suits (and skirt suits) in the most fun patterns. I’m not sure if it’s something *I* would also wear a lot, so I am not ready to put a lot of money into it, but I would love to try it. A patterned velvet pant suit, or a patchwork tweed one, would be my top choices.
Paco Rabanne-inspired silver disc skirt
This is a hyper specific item and one that would be a “fashion not function” piece. It’s basically a chainmail-like skirt made up of large silver discs (much much larger than regular sequins or paillettes). Anthropologie recently had a skirt that answered to this description, but it was $200+ which is too steep for my budget for impractical items. I’m hoping I’ll be able to find it secondhand at some point, or perhaps even find a vintage version. The chances of it being Paco Rabanne (the original designer) are slim to none, but a girl can dream.
What’s on your shopping list this spring?
Florals, as always! But tweed this year as well – seems like there are lots of cute little tweedy jackets all over the place. Maybe a casual skirt for weekends but that might be more of a summer find – either long and swishy or short and more of a skort.
Oh yes – obsessed with tweed too!