WORN: Vintage Levi's 501s + ThredUp

Two phrases I never thought would ever escape my lips: I love mom jeans and ...oh, these jeans? I picked them up in Paris. But here we are. In the words of the Beibs, never say never, baby. (Also, the irony isn't lost on me that I had to go overseas to finally find the perfect pair of American-made vintage jeans.) Fashion and your own tastes can surprise you, and while these jeans would have been (and very much were) the bane of my existence as a pre-teen, I love them now.

Like any good closet staples, these vintage Levi's 501s and sweet ballet flats from Repetto have been on heavy rotation lately. The shoes were a score from ThredUp. Arrived brand new in their box, which still had the original price tag on it... but I'll get to that in a second. If you're unfamiliar with ThredUp, it's an online destination for gently used women's clothing. ThredUp is chock full of great pieces at prices similar to that of a higher end thrift store or consignment shop. You can buy and sell, which makes it a nice option for offloading pieces from your closet you no longer need or want, and there are often discount codes available and free shipping at certain thresholds... phew! Which means these gorgeous little leather flats ended up being just over $50. A very far cry from their original price from Bergdorf's, which was marked with the original sticker on the box at $350. Seriously... This is why I love thrift shopping, guys.

I learned early on in life that taking the time to scour the racks at thrift and secondhand stores will often reward you with pieces that you might not typically be able to afford, along with giving you complete creative control of your wardrobe. I have a collection of classic Coach and Dooney & Bourke bags as proof (all priced under $20, thank you very much). And one-of-a-kind vintage. And multiple items crafted from high end fabrics that would normally be laughably out of my price range. Plus, the satisfaction that comes with saying "oh, this old thing? I thrifted it for $6 bucks" really can't be beat. The time taken to comb through racks and drive to far-off Salvation Armies is far more rewarding to me than just popping into the mall to get exactly the thing I'm looking for. I like a challenge. I like to let the universe help me out a bit. And this year, I'm taking control of my closet and rediscovering my love for thrifting and secondhand in all its iterations, both online and IRL. It took awhile to comb through ThredUp to find a piece that fit my criteria (a piece my closet is currently lacking, well made, good condition, could work with multiple outfits and more than one season), but I approached it as I would any other secondhand shopping trip. You're not always going to find something, but eventually you will. And it'll be great. And sure enough, on my third site visit, there they were. The pair of walkable, go-with-just-about-everything shoes I've been looking for. And for a fraction of the cost of buying new. Resolution realized. Control taken. Secondhand forever.

Get the look: Schott NYC 'Ex-Boyfriend' Jacket // H&M Sweater // Vintage Levi's 501 jeans // Repetto "Camille" ballet flats via ThredUp // Zodiac 'Aquarius' ring via Moorea Seal

Note: A portion of the cost of shoes + shipping was provided by ThredUp. All opinions are my own.

WORN: Goldenrod Vintage Coat

It's funny how clothing can transport you to another time and place. Calling to mind memories both mundane and important. This coat was one of the first vintage pieces I thrifted in Pittsburgh. Before I really got to know many people there -- and even afterwards, if we're being honest -- I spent most weekends alone and would fill the time basically wandering and trying see what I could see, all while hunting out thrift stores. An odd hobby, and maybe not the best use of time, but it garnered some pretty spectacular pieces. Like this coat. Which I believe goes with everything, and is deceptively warm. Perfect for those days when winter decides to show up. Paired with a vintage sweater -- also thrifted in PGH, as a matter of fact -- and the perfect pair of Levi's 501's, I was toasty for a trip to Honey's for breakfast and a wander through Rittenhouse for some window shopping.

Also, those buttons. I'll never turn down a good sparkly 1960s button.

I like to keep things relatively simple on the weekends -- you know, if I'm not in yoga leggings and a sweatshirt (honestly, I think this is what I wear 80% of the time). Usually a casual outfit I wore earlier that week, and simple, comfortable jewelry. I'm loving this little sterling midi ring from The Bluebeard these days, a little piece of texture and a simple compliment to my other jewels.

Get the look: Vintage coat // Vintage sweater  // Levi's 501 CT jeans // Similar black chelsea boots // Vintage Coach bag (same / similar) // 'Pitayaha' midi ring from The Bluebeard //

WORN: Vintage Velvet

Get the look: Vintage jacket (similar - on sale) // Choies top // J. Brand Jeans (styles here) // Madewell boots (similar) // Moorea Seal Poncho (worn as scarf) // Vintage Hat (similar)

Finding a gorgeous vintage piece for under $10 is just so satisfying. I learned to savor that satisfaction from a young age from my mother and her friends, who to this day are always good to offer up an 'ohh' and 'ahh' when presented with a particularly choice Salvation Army find. Admittedly, for a variety of reasons I've been light in the thrifting department over the past year and a half. Back in Pittsburgh it was a weekend staple, a chance to explore beyond city limits when I didn't have any other reason or purpose for doing so. The special pieces I've found over the years have rounded out my wardrobe in a way that new items just can't compare to. Vintage is a compliment. It's always been my way of setting my wardrobe apart.

So this year a big goal of mine has been to shift my focus back to vintage and thrifted styles. I'll still buy new, sure, when I need a staple here and there. But after an epically fruitful thrift trip with Ashley over the holidays where I basically just bought a bunch of jackets, I've fallen back in love. And this particular jacket was my tipping point. Quilted silk velvet, lined with Chinese brocade and adorned with intricate frog buttons. It's unlike anything I own and the perfect way to take an otherwise classic look to the next level.

A Little Glitter

What I wore:

Jacket: Estate Sale (similar)
Sweatshirt: Cheap Monday/ Gabriel Brothers (similar)
Skirt: Thrifted (similar)
Hat: Thrifted
Heels c/o Lulu's

I wore this to change things up

Sequined. Hat. Of course it came home with me from Texas, where I found it, languishing on a thrift store rack. Just asking for a home. I basically turned into that little heart-eyed cat emoji -- as I often do while thrifting -- when I saw it. Seduced by the irresistible combination of sequins, animal print, and lots of beads. Three dollars later, it was mine forever.

To, know you, highlight the majesty sitting atop my head, I kept the rest of my look super simple color-wise.

To the Tropics

What I wore:
Dress: Thrifted ($3)
Belt: American Apparel
Sandals: Saltwater
Bag c/o Ruche
Bracelets: Thrifted (all around $2 each)
Necklace: Brimfield flea ($1)
Snake ring: ModCloth (2011)
Midi ring c/o Lulu's
Sunglasses: a store in Austin, TX ($12 - similar)

I wore this to: keep cool

This outfit smacks a bit of 80's-mom-on-vacation (sorry moms), and I'm completely OK with that. I felt like I was on vacation! It was 90 degrees! But I was at work, definitely not on vacation.

Something I really appreciate about thrift shopping is how democratic it is (I think democratic is the right word, if it's not, tell me), there's no brand loyalty: if you like an item, and it's cheap enough, you buy it. Regardless- for the most part- of what's on the tag. While I do avoid brands like Target, F21, and H&M in thrift stores (for quality purposes), I've amassed a surprising collection of 'vintage' Fredrick's of Hollywood, Victoria's Secret, and Liz Claiborne. This little number is from VS, and while I would probably never think to order it from the catalog new, for three bucks I was willing to take a chance. And I'm happy I did!

Nine to Five

What I wore:
Tee: Ralph Lauren/ Thrifted ($2)
Skirt: Vintage/ Thrifted ($1)
Belt: Vintage Dior/ Thrifted ($2)
Bag: Vintage Coach/ Thrifted ($20)
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell (ModCloth 2011)

Where I wore it: To the office

This time of year is truly my favorite, when getting dressed is easy again. Warm weather takes much of the guesswork out of my daily outfits, no more worrying about tights, layers, and which coat to wear. Spring and summer, to me, are much more fun to shop for than cold-weather months and I've been hoarding thrifted and vintage finds for balmy days since January.

I bought this vintage 70's skirt on the same day as the top, and I knew they'd go together perfectly. Stripes and dark denim will always be a go-to for me, a combination to keep in my back pocket for late-rising days and mornings when I just don't want to think.

Red Velvet

In this outfit:

Cape: American Apparel

Stole: Vintage / Estate Sale ($5)

Blazer: Vintage / Thrifted ($4)

Jeans: Vintage / Avalon ($11)

Top: American Apparel

Gloves: Vintage / Estate Sale ($2)

Bag: Vintage / Flea Market ($30)
Belt: Vintage Dior / Thrifted ($2)

Boots c/o Lulu's

Where I wore it: To the office and to an after-work networking hour

As much as I love thrifting and second-hand shopping, I've never really delved into estate sales, until this past weekend, that is. A friend was planning to hit up some local estate sales, and I graciously invited myself along. Somehow, walking into a deceased strangers house with a friend sounds a whole lot easier to me than going alone (it's not so much that it's a deceased stranger's house, as much as it's the possibility of having to make small talk with the people running it). Anyway, the first one we went to was amazing, lots of vintage gloves (I bought a few pairs), hats, vintage fur, and silly knick-knacks bought in Atlantic City. We had the good fortune to get there right as everything went to half-price, so we ended up getting away like bandits! This was one stylish lady, can you believe these gloves? I only wish my feet were two and a half sizes smaller because her shoe collection was incredible.

I bought this blazer on the same day, and immediately knew how I would wear it. I love when outfits come together so easily.

A note about fur: As I've mentioned in previous posts, I do not condone the purchase of *new* fur. However, I personally do not have a problem with fur that has been bought second-hand that is very old, such as the stole I'm wearing here- I would rather see it put to use than tossed away. I understand that everyone has different opinions on this. If you are looking to purchase a fur, please purchase it second hand- check out estate sales, thrift stores, and charity shops, have a little patience, and eventually you'll find something that will be in your wardrobe for years to come.

Tips for Successful Thrift Shopping

Thrift shopping has always been a big part of this blog, because it's always been a big part of me. Whether I was looking for a more interesting alternative to the neighbor's hand-me-downs in middle school or searching for vintage dresses to alter in college, I've been thrift shopping for one reason or another for most of my life. So you could say that at this point it's become second nature. When I was asked by Propelle to speak at the recent Style Summit, I immediately knew what I would be speaking about- thrift shopping and shopping second hand. Second hand items take up about 85% of my closet- these are items bought on consignment, at thrift stores, or swapped- and more often than not, these second hand items stick around far longer than items bought new, I still wear thrifted clothing that I bought in high school (not so, for the baggy jeans and skate tee's that I preferred new as a teen)! Thrift shopping is budget friendly, environmentally friendly, and a good time in my opinion.

This is a post that I've been meaning to write for a long time per many, many requests, and to be honest the task of putting it all into words was daunting. Or maybe I just made it daunting. Whatever the case, I finally sat down and wrote it, so, without further ado, my tips for thrifting. Please feel free to add your own tips in the comments section!

When?
To me, the ideal days of the week to go to a thrift store are Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. If you think about it, people are usually spending their weekends cleaning out their attics, basements, closets, and garages and dropping off their donations on Saturdays or Sundays. So, midweek you're not only competing with fewer people, but the selection will usually be better. Obviously, if you work a regular 9 to 5 job, it can be difficult- or near impossible- to make it to a store mid-week, so I also recommend going early in the mornings. I'm not big on late nights, so I'm usually up and out the door super early on Saturday mornings.

Where? Get Outta Town!
If you live in the city, chances are you've visited many a picked-over Goodwill or Salvation Army within city limits. While these thrift stores aren't completely without reward- they're great if you don't have a lot of free time to devote to thrifting- but you're also competing with college students and high school kids looking for that perfect 80's Night or Halloween costume.

So, where to go? Get out of the city. Rural church and charity shops are not only great places to find actual vintage, but they're typically much cheaper than stores within city limits. You're competing with far fewer people, and those that do shop at these stores most likely won't be looking at that insane 1970's maxi dress.

One of my favorite things to do if I have a little free time while traveling is to find a local thrift store. I did this all the time as an Admissions Counselor, and it always paid off. Plus, you get to meet interesting people! Sometimes.

Size *Doesn't* Matter!
Because women's (and men's) sizing has changed so drastically over the years, sticking to your sizing section alone is pretty pointless. I have thrifted items that span a range of sizes- from size 1 to size 16- and each one fits differently. Look beyond your size and you'll most likely find things you would normally pass right over.

Additionally, look everywhere else too: The men's section is great for vintage Levi's, flannels, button-ups, oversized coats, and grandpa sweaters. Check out the children's section for shrunken jackets, denim vests, school uniform separates (think solid sweaters and pleated skirts), and I've found many an early-nineties mini-dress hiding amid all those pastel Easter frocks.

The same goes for shoes. How many times have you tried on a pair of shoes only to set them back down in the wrong sizing section? Look at them all.

Learn to Recognize Quality!
This goes for quality leather, quality dyes, quality fabrics, and quality cuts. A vintage/ second-hand sweater from Saks is going to have better quality dyes than the same style from Target from five years ago, compare and contrast, and eventually you'll be able to discern a quality piece without even picking it up off the rack. While I'm not necessarily opposed to purchasing Big Box brands new, I skip over them in thrift stores because the shelf life of the garment has usually already expired. But that's just me.

Do you love a specific brand? Learn to recognize the markings of that brand. I personally love vintage Coach and Dooney & Bourke bags, and I know now to look for a specific type of strap and style of clasp when scanning the purses section, which makes it easier to pick out any gems that may be hiding within the chaos.

Thrift shopping is a great way to add higher priced fabrics to your closet that you may not be able to justify purchasing new. Keep an eye out for silk, cashmere, linen, and good quality leather.

Steer Clear of "The Challenge"...
So, I used to have a big problem. I used to buy ridiculous things. I would find something that could be totally awesome (!!!), if only the hem was shorter, the bust was taken in, the sleeves were cut off, and the collar replaced. Yeah, one giant basket of "to be altered" clothing later and I've learned that all that stuff is never going to happen. Let me be clear that I do fully support altering clothing, and I would love to think that I had the extra time or patience to actually alter all those things. But I don't. If you do, more power to you. But I guess what I'm trying to say is: be honest with yourself. If you're not going to alter it, don't buy it. Same goes for reselling things. And for things that are Just-So-Crazy-Wouldn't-It-Be-Funny-If-I-Wore-This-To...

Yeah.

Ask Yourself...
Can you wash it?
Can you fix it?
Will you actually bring it to the dry cleaners?
Is that a surface stain?

Keep a Shopping List...
Keep a running list of items you're hoping to add to your closet. An inspiration folder works great too. Take this list or folder with you when you're out shopping, and keep an eye out for those items. I know it sounds crazy, but there's nothing wrong with putting it out into the universe that your looking for something specific. If anything it will make you more focused when you're shopping.

It Takes Time, Baby.
The perfect, untouched thrift store chock full of vintage bags and dresses doesn't exist. Remember that building up a thrifted wardrobe takes lots of time and patience. I usually go to a thrift store or two every other week or so, and come away with two or three things. If you stick to it and have patience, thrift shopping will pay off.

Thrift shopping is an amazing resource for building up your wardrobe, trying new trends (oxblood, anyone?), and sticking to a reasonable clothing budget. If you stick with quality pieces, your thrifted items will be with you for years to come. Also, it feels pretty great to say whatever amazing article of clothing you're wearing cost a whopping three dollars.

Do you enjoy thrift shopping? Any tips of your own?

ps- East Coast friends, I hope everyone stayed safe throughout Sandy!