Thrift Haul, Galore

Time flies – let’s recap some not-so-recent-anymore thrifting finds and some general thrifting-related musings.

Lately, I have been focusing more on shopping for others. I have started offering “curated mystery boxes” – basically, I select 4 items (3 pieces of clothing plus an accessory) based the client’s style preferences, size, etc. I wouldn’t call this a side hustle, because profit margins are very slim thanks to increasing thrift prices, but it’s a hobby that pays for itself. I love it because (a) it gives me a chance to enjoy the “hunt” for special pieces without adding to my own overstuffed closet, and (b) there is something incredibly satisfying about finding pieces that the other person loves. So far, so good! In another life, I would have loved to be a personal shopper/stylist.

Things are not looking so great in Edmonton, pandemic-wise, and while I personally feel that thrifting is a fairly low risk activity here (99% of people wear masks, and stores are large enough to accommodate a good amount of physical distance), I am not sure how much longer I will feel comfortable continuing to go. I am trying to make the most of it while I can; soon, we may have to hunker down for the winter.

Thrifting has been pretty good, in general. I have been getting frustrated at times because I can’t find exactly what I want for a client, and I’ve had to remind myself that thrifting has its own flow. Gotta trust that process. I have a story to share later which is such a good example of that. I will note, again, that prices are going up and up. At Value Village, most dresses are now $15 and up, and anything that looks nicer is $20 and up. It’s still possible to find great deals, but it takes more work. Racks are as packed as ever, at least when it comes to clothing. One random thing I’ve noticed has suddenly become scarce? Brass candle holders. I used to see tons, now I can’t remember the last time I saw even one.

Okay, let’s have a look at some recent purchases.

Gap strip sweater (Poshmark)

I finally caved and bought this version of the holiday stripe sweater (from 2014!), after I thrifted the same version for my daughter. We can match this Christmas! I can’t wait.

Barbara Bui blazer

A very cool, older (don’t think vintage, though) piece from a French designer. Bui is not as well known as, say, Isabel Marant, but her designs have a similar “effortless cool” vibe to them. I like the long line of this blazer, and the contrast detailing of the lining and collar.

& Other Stories earrings (Poshmark)

Impulse buy! But I like how unusual this design is, and it looks more luxe than it is.

Oak & Fort coat

It’s been a while since I’ve thrifted any outerwear, but I couldn’t resist this cocoon-like teddy bear coat. It’s oversized, which I love for layering, but still has an interesting line/silhouette so it doesn’t make you look like a walking mountain of clothing. I don’t plan on being out-and-about much this winter (apart from walks in the neighbourhood, which is parka time) but this coat will serve me well for the occasionally family visit or thrift jaunt.

Monica Vinader ring (Poshmark)

This was a super lucky score on Poshmark; I paid $33 all in, and her rings retail for hundreds of dollars (with relatively high resale prices). I love the aesthetic – it straddles the line between minimalist and statement piece – and the beautiful lapis stone. I am not sure if the quality will stand up; my experience with gold vermeil pieces has been so-so, and a few people have told me that their experiences with Vinader specifically was so-so as well.

Marc Cain top

I love Marc Cain; the quality is usually excellent, and the brand often does cool prints and other interesting or unique details. I adore the almost-but-not-quite-abstract city skyline print here. The colours are beautiful and it provides an interesting pairing for other prints.

Wilfred Free graphic tank (Poshmark)

I don’t usually mess with Wilfred on Poshmark because priced are stupid high. But! I loved how unusual and random this design is, so I paid up for it ($30). Graphic tees and sweatshirts are my current jam. Speaking of which…

Kenzo sweatshirt (Poshmark)

I finally managed to get my hands on an “evil eye” Kenzo sweatshirt. My first Poshmark purchase was a bust; the seller sent me the wrong item so I returned it and (eventually) got a refund. Something fishy happened there, I think. I later saw the same item I had purchase, re-listed by the same seller but at a much lower price and with a note about authenticity. I think I may have dodged a bullet. Anyway, I was eventually able to find a similar sweatshirt (this one) for a price within my budget, and I am very happy with it.

Stella & Dot necklace

Funny story: I first saw this necklace on Poshmark and made an offer on it. It was a lowball-ish offer, admittedly, but I made it assuming that the seller would negotiate me up. They didn’t. For the first and only time (so far) in my Poshmark experience, they just declined the offer – no counter. Fair enough. I moved on because I wasn’t sure I wanted the necklace badly enough to pay $50. Well, lo and behold: about a month later, guess what I find at Value Village? Yep, the necklace. And you know what, it’s gorgeous in person. And I paid $5.

Zara pleated top

This top reminded me of Issey Miyake’s stuff, so I had to get it and play around with it. I love the volume and shape, and the pleating is chef’s kiss. Quality isn’t great (it’s kinda scratchy polyester) but c’est la vie. I’m still waiting to thrift that perfect Miyake Pleats Please top.

Per Se top

Remember the leopard print Dries Van Noten skirt I thrifted a while back? I had started looking online for the matching top – because I can’t help myself – but no dice. I found some listings but they were all $200+ (before shipping). I like being matchy-matchy, but not that much. And then, twist of fate: I found this silk top from a brand called Per Se, which is a perfect match. I mean, it’s uncanny. Other than missing the chartreuse, it’s identical.

Moschino tee-shirt

Speaking of graphic tees, this one really tickled my fancy. It’s not something I would normally wear, but in this most surrealist year, it seems like a good fit. Plus, it was dirt cheap at Value Village. It has some fading, but no stains or yellowing (a real hazard with white tees) so I will happily take it.

Jean Claude Poitras wrap

This was a very cool vintage find. Poitras was a famous Quebecois designer, and this is one of those pieces that, in my opinion, is pretty timeless. I am obsessed with the silk-wool fabric – it feels so luxe.

COS cotton poplin dress

COS is one of my fave mass market brands right now, and I love the silhouette of this dress. I am not crazy about the colour. We shall see; if I don’t end up wearing it come next summer, I will look into dyeing it a different shade. Maybe purple or teal? I have no experience with dyes, so that should be a fun experiment.

Pink Tartan dress

I saved my favourite for last, mostly because it comes with one of my fave thrifting stories of all time. Long story short, I almost brought this dress at retail back in 2015. I have regretted not, in fact, buying it ever since, but have never been able to find it anywhere again. Until now. I spotted THE dress exactly at the moment when it was being pulled from the rack by another shopper. I watched her look it over, debate it … and finally place it in her cart. Honestly, I was pretty gutted. I figured I had missed my (second) chance at it. A week later, I was at the same store again (the one closest to my house). I’m mindlessly browsing the dresses again, thinking about the one who got away, when what do I spot? Yes. THE DRESS. The other person must have either put it back or returned it, and it was still there a week later. I cannot explain how unlikely and lucky of a thing that is. You best believe it that I grabbed and never let go. Here’s to third chances!

(the necklaces in the photo are also thrifted but this post is already too long so … see above, haha!)

What you found anything cool at the thrift store/Poshmark/other secondhand? Tell me all about it!