Thrift List, Revisited: Fall Look-back, Winter Look-ahead

A new thing I’ve been doing this year is writing down seasonal wish lists at the beginning of each new season. It’s not so much about accountability – I do buy things that aren’t on the list if they are consistent with my current aesthetic – as it is about giving myself an opportunity to be intentional about where I focus my shopping energy, and later to reflect on what lessons are to be learned from how it all plays out. As we are moving into winter now, it’s time for a check-in to re-evaluate and update my shopping goals.

Here were the pieces that I had identified as “key” additions to my fall wardrobe this year.

White baby tee
I got this early on and it proved to be a great choice. I’ve worn it at least 6 or 7 times already, and can see that continuing through the winter and into next year. Next to my black turtleneck, this is one of the best layering pieces to increase the versatility of my closet.

Black floral slip dress
I haven’t quite stopped looking for this, but it has slipped lower and lower on my list of priorities. I think the 90s revival aesthetic is more of a warm-season thing for me, so I am not using it as often these days as I did during the early months of fall. I still haven’t found a dress that meets my specifications, either at the thrifts or on Poshmark, so I continue to look as I would prefer a vintage version over buying current retail.

Vintage Coach bag
This is a special success story! A blog reader saw my last post and reached out to offer a trade: one of her mom’s vintage Coach bags for one of my embroidery hoops. I love trading art but this exchange was also meaningful in its own way. I adore my new-to-me bag, and will treasure it especially because of its origin story. The bag is classic British tan, which was the colour I had most hoped to find – I didn’t already have a bag in that shade of brown, and it would go very well with my wardrobe palette.

Mary Janes
In my original post, I wrote that this was not a high priority because my platform loafers worked well with the 90s revival vibe so I didn’t really need the Mary Janes. I did see a couple of options at Winners, but didn’t love them enough to commit. And my platform loafers have, indeed, met my outfit needs. Now that we are past fall and into winter, this may be an item that I drop from the list until next year.

Ralph Lauren Polo bear sweater

Still. Looking. Still refusing to pay $250+ for one.

RL fair isle sweater vests
Still looking for this as well, but not especially hard. I have enough vests so this is not a key priority. But it’s one of those items that, if I come across it for the right price, I will always buy.

Black or grey tiered tulle skirt
I wore my pink tulle skirt quite a bit this fall, and now I REALLY want a black or grey one. I found the black version of my pink tulle skirt on Poshmark weeks ago, and the price was decent but I dithered and cheaped out, and lost it to another buyer. Now I am kicking myself for it because I’ve decided that only this specific skirt will suffice. I can find it on eBay but for a lot more money, so I am back to waiting and hoping.

Full velvet skirt
I have not found this and, truth be told, I haven’t really missed it from my wardrobe. I have so many other amazing fall skirts, I don’t have enough time to wear them all as it is. So this isn’t a key priority anymore either.

Did other key fall pieces pop up on my radar since September? Not really. Other than a few of the pieces I talked about above, my fall wardrobe felt pretty complete and I had a great time putting together outfits. If anything, the season didn’t feel long enough for me to wear all the outfits I had planned. I suppose that just means I have a lot to look forward to come spring. But, first … what about winter? Here are some key pieces I’ve been thinking about adding:

Metallic silver bag/shoes

I’ve been influenced by Trinny, who wears a lot of silver (and sequins!) and has some amazing silver bags and shoes. I am looking for a mirrored metallic finish specifically — a small bag, some kitten-heel shoes, and maybe even a pair of ankle boots. I am keeping my eye on Zara pieces on Poshmark, specifically, as I think they do a lot of metallics in their collections and these are not items I want to spend too much money on. If I find a higher quality version at the thrifts, all the better.

Sequin or rhinestone mesh layering top

This is a trend I’ve been seeing in a few places, and I am very drawn to. You guys know that I am a magpie at heart! I think a sparkly base layer would be a super fun addition to my winter wardrobe, especially around the holidays. I have seen some versions at the mall (H&M, Zara, and Simons) but was not impressed with the quality at that price point. So I am waiting for the right piece to turn up secondhand.

Heavy-duty winter parka

This is a tentative one. I don’t own a heavy parka at the moment and, generally speaking, that is a must when you live in Edmonton. But I am not sure how much I actually need it because I don’t spend a ton of time outside when it’s really cold. Like, there are probably only a handful of times when I legitimately need something substantial — such as when we take the kids skiing, and even then, I spend most of my time in the chalet. I could easily find something at the thrifts but the reason I’m not sure I will pull the trigger is storage. I have a lot of coats already and I don’t know if I have room for another bulky one. So until I decide just how necessary it is, I’ll hold off.

If you’ve been keeping a seasonal wish list, how did you fare this fall? And what are you hoping to find this winter? Tell me all in the comments.