It’s the time of year when I start thinking about “best of” lists, but before I can get to that, let’s cover the last major purchases of the year … and they were pretty major. As a result of rising case counts and breakdown in contract tracing in Edmonton, I made the decision to stop thrifting (and generally limit all non-essential public trips) at the end of November. Since then, my shopping has been limited to Poshmark and, well, just limited in general. But the weeks prior to my thrift “lockdown” were a veritable bonanza which, ahem, explains this post. Buckle up, it’s gonna be a long one.

Tularosa dress

This is one of those brands I wouldn’t have known about were it not for the US thrifters I follow on Instagram. Turns out, it’s a pretty pricey brand that usually sells on Revolve. In this case, I bought the dress because pink + tiers + sequins was a combination I could not resist. Luckily, Value Village was also unfamiliar with this brand, which meant that the dress was “regular over-priced” ($18) not “we think this is a fancy brand over-priced” ($25 and up). My plan is to wear it at Christmas, to cheer up what is likely to be an otherwise subdued affair – we are still waiting to find out if we will be able to see our parents or not.

Marc Jacobs top

It’s been a while since I’ve thrift-spotted Marc Jacobs, but this cute geometric pattern stood out immediately. I love the colours, which work well with my close palette. Note to self: wear this soon.

Guy Vidal earrings & brooch set

This was one of those “if you know, you know” moments. Although I am by no means an expert in brutalist jewelry, the little research I’ve done in the past (mostly in looking up my fave designer, Rafael Alfandary) was enough for me to recognize these earrings as being (a) brutalist, and (b) most likely Guy Vidal. I poked around a bit more and found the matching brooch too. At home, closer inspection of the stamped signature on the back and some additional Googling confirmed that it is, indeed, a Guy Vidal set. Vidal is one of the best known Canadian brutalist jewelry designers. Pieces like these would typically go for $100 and up. Beyond the bargain (I paid $7 for both), I love that thrifting allows me to discover little pieces of history like this.

London Kaye sweater

I was not familiar with this brand but I loved the design so I grabbed it … originally for a friend. At home, I realized that despite the 1X size label, the sweater fit more like a generous Medium at best. So I kept it for myself, thank you very much. The material doesn’t feel like it’s been mangled/shrunk in a laundry accident, so I have no explanation for the sizing disparity. I love this sweater and it’s become one of my faves, so it was a happy accident, whatever the cause.

Lulu’s jumpsuit

We don’t have Lulu’s in Canada (as far as I know?) so I don’t know much about this brand; for some reason, I always associated it with tweens/young girls. Normally, I wouldn’t give a Lulu’s piece a second gland for that reason, but I liked the style of this jumpsuit before I saw the tag and decided to give it a chance. The quality is nothing to write home about, but from a distance, the material has an interesting shape to it – a kind of Japanese aesthetic. It’s a size Large, but the straps are adjustable so I can tighten up the bodice; the rest of it fits very well, and it’s long enough to accommodate my torso (rare for jumpsuits).

Rachel Comey top

This was a thrift first for me: first time spotting Rachel Comey at the thrifts. It’s a brand whose aesthetic I admire, but would be too pricey for me to buy at retail or even on Poshmark, so I was happy to get the chance to try it out. This is more of a summer piece, so I haven’t worn it yet.

Carven mini skirt

This was a great Goodwill score – I paid less than $4 on a colour tag sale for this fabulous wool mini skirt. I adore the blackened teal colour. I was initially a bit unsure about the length (I prefer midi or longer skirts) but it’s grown on me. Boot season is probably the best time to wear it, because I have a few knee-length or higher boots that pair well with it.

Kaliyana top + skirt

Again, I was not familiar with this brand at all but I could tell the quality was good, and I loved the aesthetic, so I got it. Turns out it’s a Canadian designed and made, mid-tier brand – think Eileen Fisher-esque. I lucked into finding both pieces, as they had been separated (top and skirt were on different racks); I am currently obsessed with matching sets, so this is really perfect for me. I love how comfortable they are, and the cool design details – like 3 pockets on the skirt.

Gemma Redux necklace (Poshmark) necklace

A random find on Poshmark, but I love this necklace. Apparently, this designer’s pieces were featured on Gossip Girl back in the day and used to sell at Sak’s. I think the brand is now defunct, sadly. I love the design of this necklace and the blue-red combo is so striking. I scored this for under $60, which is a great deal because – speaking from experience here – the stones alone would have cost more to source.

Rebels and Nomads t-shirt

Another one for my graphic tee collection, but I had to grab it because it’s so very apropos for 2020.

Iro vest

I don’t see a lot of Iro at the thrift store, so I am not too familiar with the brand and its overall quality, but I liked the texture of this vest. I think it will have a lot of layering possibilities.

Moschino dress

What a wild thrift find! This is a $1,000+ dress and if I’m being honest, I don’t think it’s worth it; while it’s silk, it’s not lined and the construction is fairly basic. But for $10? Heck, yeah. I wasn’t able to try it on at the store, and I was a bit worried about the sizing (Italian sizing is the least forgiving and I never know exactly what my size is) but it actually fits well everywhere except the bust, of all things. Luckily, with a bralette I think it will work. This is one of those pieces whose kookiness really appeals to me at the moment, but I’m not sure if it will be a long-term commitment or more of a quick fling, haha.

Wilfred dress

I normally don’t like animal prints, but something about this dress spoke to me. It wasn’t over-priced, which is rare for Wilfred at Value Village, so I took a chance on it. I’m likely going to save it for next spring/summer and hope I can still fit into it by then.

Amaryllis jacket

I know, I know. I just said that I don’t like animal prints and here we are. Honestly, I was drawn to this jacket despite myself, and I’m glad I went with it because I think it adds a bit of pizzazz to my outerwear collection.

Stella & Dot Pegasus necklace (Poshmark)

I’ve been low key watching for this necklace for a while; its current resale prices are ridiculously high in the wake of the death of Ruth Bader Ginsberg – it was one of her favourite “dissent” collars, I believe. I randomly stumbled on a fresh listing on Poshmark, and was able to scoop it up for a steal of a deal at around $70. It’s actually even more beautiful in person, I have to say. And, to my pleasant surprise, it’s not heavy at all; I hate necklaces that feel like an albatross around your neck, and this one is a beautiful statement piece that doesn’t weigh you down.

Pinko skirt (Poshmark)

File the next 2 pieces under “I don’t need more of these, but let’s buy anyway”. Stress/rage shopping has been a thing in the last few weeks, and skirts seem to be my favourite target. Midi pencil skirts, to be precise. This Pinko one appealed to my love of kitschy details; I hate camo but I couldn’t resist the odd mash-up with the classic cars. Pinko is not a super well known-brand in Canada, so I was able to score a good deal on Poshmark – cheaper than Aritzia, haha!

Carven skirt #2 (Poshmark)

I had my eye on this skirt for months, more or less since re-joining Poshmark this summer. I hemmed and hawed over it, and watched as the price came down, but still needed an extra push (aka stressful week at work/life) to pull the trigger. I’m glad I got it because it checks off all the boxes: right length, cool front slit, perfect colour palette and pattern.

Maria Cornejo dress (Poshmark)

Ok, one more for the “don’t need, can’t resist buying” camp. I had my eye on it as soon as it was listed – I love Zero+Maria Cornejo and this dress was priced attractively – but initially decided that I was going to exercise restraint and pass. Then the seller kept lowering the price … again and again. By the time the price dropped below $30, I couldn’t resist anymore. My instinct to rescue “orphan” pieces kicked in. I told myself I would adopt the “one in, one out” rule for this, and sell one of my existing Maria Cornejo dresses to make room for this one … but, to date, I haven’t been able to bring myself to do it. Sigh.

Orla Kiely dress

Okay, we are getting close to the end, I promise. I’m saving the best for last – these are all pieces I found on my very last thrift trip of the year. Starting with this Orla Kiely dress. This is another brand I rarely see at the thrift store; previously, I had only ever spotted a bag before. This style of dress was most famously worn by Carole Middleton on her first visit to the hospital after Prince George was born – thanks, Google for that information. I wish it was a longer length, but the details of the bodice are so beautiful, I had to get it. It’s going to be a great dress for summer 2021.

Ferragamo loafers

I have not thrifted shoes for a long time because, apart from casual sneakers/sandals and winter boots, I have little need of shoes right now. Still, I couldn’t resist these Ferragamo loafers – almost new condition, ten whopping dollars. Flats are where it’s at. Mine are navy, rather than black, which will come in handy.

Alexander McQueen flats

Another thrift first! And such a cool find – I am obsessed with the sequin skulls. This pair was also $10, which was a bargain considering these retailed for $600+CAD. I cannot wait for the snow to melt so I can take these puppies for a walk.

Gucci blouse

Yes, you read that correctly. It finally happened: one of the “holy grail” designers on my thrift bucket list, found. I almost couldn’t believe it. This is a collab with Kris Knight, and needless to say, I adore the quirky floral print.

Sunset Ombre

Someone mentioned that this outfit reminded them of a sunset, and I can totally see that – which makes me love it even more. This homemade skirt continues to be one of my best thrift finds, and I will not stop singing its praises; I love the colours and the muted rainbow pattern – it’s such a cool fabric. But this sweater is no slouch either in the looks department. Together, they make for one lovely silhouette. It’s the epitome of Adina 2020 Style.

Black, White and Red

I can never resist pairing a black-and-white piece of clothing with red shoes. Sooner or later, it happens. Maybe not right away; but eventually and inevitably. There is something so satisfying to me about that combination. But what really makes this outfit is that Gemma Redux necklace I scored on Poshmark. It’s a most unusual design (kinda like the dress – I tried to show the back this time but it’s still impossible to capture all the details) and the colours are perfect. Here is a close-up:

Funky Time

Is this skirt a little bit ridiculous? Of course. Camo and cars … what in the world? But I personally love its randomness, and I leaned into its slightly chaotic energy by adding yet another pattern into the mix – stripes. In the interests of full disclosure, I was influenced in that regard by the skirt waistband, which is a blue-and-orange striped band; whenever possible, I like to use the original design as a cheat sheet for pattern mixing. This is not a look I might attempt at the actual office, but it’s one that cheered me up immensely at my home office. That being said, if I ever do go back to the real office again, I would totally wear this skirt, albeit with a black sweater most likely. Talk about a conversation starter!

Set and Match

I’m obsessed with this matching top-skirt set. It’s from a Canadian brand, Kaliyana, whose general vibe is a more boho Eileen Fisher. This is very parachute-chic and I love it. The brushstroke print is cool, as are the design details – asymmetrical shirring on the top, interesting volume and draping on the skirt not to mention the three (3!) pockets. It’s also hella comfortable. Honestly, what more could I ask for? This is probably peak WFH style, and while I would miss all the creative expression that styling different pieces brings me, there is something to be said for a matching set that does all the work for you.

Different Lengths

As you guys know, I’m a ride-or-die for midi skirts. But once in a blue moon, it’s fun to try something different. In this case, a mini skirt. And not just any mini skirt, but one paired with sexy over the knee boots. Ooh la la! Too bad I had nowhere to go except a virtual brunch with friends. The boots, alas, came off as soon as the pics were taken. But a girl can dream, right? Anyway, the rest of the outfit was solid on its own. I love this darkened teal Carven skirt I lucked into thrifting not too long ago, and the colours works so well with the overall palette of this Wilfred sweater (a current fave). I’ve been slowly adding more aqua/teal back into my wardrobe — it used to be my fave colour and then I stopped wearing it at some point in my early 30s — and it’s sparking so much joy. There is something very invigorating about wearing a colour you love.

Waspish

My dresses have been terribly neglected lately so, out of guilt, I decided it was time to wear one. I wants to keep things fairly simple and somehow ended up with this waspish ensemble. I dig it. I was gonna make a joke about murder hornets but, honestly, we’ve been through enough in 2020 and I don’t want to even go there. Let’s just pretend they’re not a thing anymore.

Can you believe it’s December already? I can’t quite wrap my head around doing the usual year-end posts but … maybe? Meanwhile, if there’s a topic you’d be interested in reading a post about, let me know.