Thrift Score!

As much fun as it is to sew, sometimes it’s really nice to have an already made outfit!  When I’ve got a bit of a shopping bug I usually go out and hit the thrift shops.

Thrifting has made a huge resurgence lately, and the second hand market has really taken off.  In the past buying second hand goods from thrift stores and charity shops was somewhat looked down upon by fashionistas, but with the growing popularity of vintage clothing you’ll find more and more style and budget conscious gals hitting these little treasure troves of second hand goods at low prices.

I personally love thrifting because I can buy good quality cute clothes within my budget, and with the vintage style clothing being so popular for the last few years in ready to wear, you can find some great deals on clothing that can fit into the vintage aesthetic.  Sometimes you strike out, and thrifting isn’t for everyone, but if you’re diligent and willing to have a bit of a hunt you can find some great clothes.

My recent find that I’m absolutely ecstatic about is the outfit above.  The shirt is a silk/cotton blend with a cute woven in polka dot and was made by Banana Republic.  I find a lot of the clothes I love and wear the most that I’ve thrifted were made by that company.  The skirt I nearly died when I found- it’s by the high-end designer Chloé, and was made in France from a pretty brown linen with fun topstitching details.  Each piece set me back a whopping $5 at the local Goodwill.  A $10 vintage inspired outfit, and one a designer piece!  Sweet!

I love that the skirt has serious “swish” factor!

Casey of Elegant Musings did a fun video a while back on thrifting tips and tricks. Check it out here if you’re interested in getting into thrifting!

17 Comments on Thrift Score!

  1. La Beene
    July 6, 2011 at 6:09 pm (13 years ago)

    Awesome find…

  2. Jill
    July 6, 2011 at 6:13 pm (13 years ago)

    SCOOORE! that’s thrifting at its finest right there…!

  3. PepperReed
    July 6, 2011 at 6:13 pm (13 years ago)

    Fabulous Find!! That skirt is great; isn’t linen wonderful? I usually keep my eye open for good quality linen and silk, but there’s a lot of junk out there from forever 21 and walmart (compared to the 80s, when you couldn’t give away a dress from the 30s/40s!). I’ve found some wonderful things over the years; 4 handsewn/embroidered silk/rayon step-ins from the 20s/30s, many vintage dresses and some Eileen Fisher linen pieces (dress and skirt). It’s so fun to go Treasure Hunting!

    • wearinghistory
      July 6, 2011 at 6:19 pm (13 years ago)

      Thanks! I love linen, too!
      So funny, I was just talking about this with my husband this weekend! I remember going to thrift stores and finding lots more quality goods- they’re still there, they’re just a bit further between than previously. Lots of knitwear and, like you said, things from Forever 21 or Target or the like.
      Ooh! Your finds sound dreamy!

  4. Dejah
    July 6, 2011 at 6:22 pm (13 years ago)

    OMG! What a SCORE indeed! Was it from our favourite place? I wish you’d create a pattern off of that fabulous skirt! I want one seriously! Way to go!!!! woohoo!

    • wearinghistory
      July 6, 2011 at 6:36 pm (13 years ago)

      Thanks! I can’t make a pattern from it for legal issues, but if you want me to show you in person we can figure out something “inspired”. :) There’s deceptively a lot of fabric in the skirt, which is why it’s so twirly! I couldn’t even get a good pic of it!

      • wearinghistory
        July 6, 2011 at 6:36 pm (13 years ago)

        Oops- forgot. I was from Goodwill :)

  5. BoPeep
    July 6, 2011 at 6:34 pm (13 years ago)

    I’ve never looked down on thrifting! Grew up doing it, and now I’ve honed it to a fine art. lol Banana Republic still has a few great things in there store, but can’t bear to pay full price.

    • wearinghistory
      July 6, 2011 at 6:38 pm (13 years ago)

      Me too! Loved it since I was in high school. I think back on what probably was in there before I was into post 30s things! *sigh*
      Banana Republic does have some nice things! When I had a good paying job I’d buy a blouse or two from them occasionally. Love their nice classic cuts.

  6. Cynthia
    July 7, 2011 at 12:12 pm (13 years ago)

    You definitely hit the mother lode finding both of those awesome pieces!

  7. Casey
    July 7, 2011 at 2:06 pm (13 years ago)

    Oh my goodness. I can’t believe you found a Chloe skirt for $5!!!!! Ultimate thrift win! :D Wow… I love the whole ensemble–it looks like it’s right out of the 40s, but brand new! That’s what I love about finding “new-vintage” pieces–it’s a great way to work a little outfit magic. :)

    Thanks for the link to my video! :) I really need to make a few more thrifting videos. I haven’t been as often the past couple months; partly because I needed to purge my closet (finally finished doing that!) and summertime tends to be very hit or miss for me. Seeing this is giving me the itch to stop by a few thrift shops this weekend though… ;)

  8. Shelly
    July 8, 2011 at 7:36 am (13 years ago)

    What a great find! I love both pieces… a 40’s vintage look on a budget. Wow! That’s what is so good about thrifting… the excitment of finding things like this :) I haven’t had a find like this in a quite a while. I think I feel a thirifting day coming on ;) I’m sure you will get a lot of wear from this outfit.

  9. Tina C.
    July 8, 2011 at 2:03 pm (13 years ago)

    Great finds!
    Do you have any tips on looking for (and recognizing) vintage (as opposed to reproduction) clothing in thrift stores?

  10. thevintagetraveler
    July 10, 2011 at 3:37 pm (13 years ago)

    Super skirt – just look at those pockets! Lucky you!

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