During this first month after our website launch, I’m planning to feature items from thrift stores to show you what great deals you can find. I know not everyone is going to want to shop at these stores so in the future, I’ll feature great buys at retail stores, along with my continued finds at the thrift stores and garage sales.
When I’m shopping for clothes I look for items I can wear year round or for at least two seasons. So, even though you won’t be able to find an exact duplicate of some of the items I feature, you can use my “finds” as examples for what you might already have in your closet or as examples of what to look for.
The “Buy-of-the-Month”
This “Sacred Threads” brand dark blue/purple sleeveless dress is an example of a style that doesn’t look that great on the hanger… but it’s one of my favorite styles because there’s so many things you can do with it.
It was my “cheapest/best/most versatile” buy-of-the-month, and cost me only $0.99 at ARC! I found a similar style on eBay for $30.oo! Here’s a few ways you can change this dress up and wear it year round:
Ralph Lauren & J Crew: For Less
I found this Polo Jeans Co, Ralph Lauren long sleeve shirt at the Salvation Army for $1.99. It can be worn with jeans, black pants, black shorts, a cute black skirt, denim shorts, white shorts, white jeans, red jeans, and the list goes on. It could also be worn pretty much year round here in Colorado. EBay had a similar style listed for $20.00.
These black J Crew pants were also bought at the Salvation Army for $1.99 (they look great with the above mentioned shirt). This style can be worn so many different ways….they are cropped at the ankle and look sexy with heels for a night out, then change up the entire look with a pair of flip flops. These pants could be worn to work (depending on your dress code), out on a date, out shopping, etc. Dress them up or dress them down-for $1.99 they are a great buy! I saw this style on J Crew’s website for $88.00 (brand new of course)!
Mudd Brand Vest – A Splash of Fun Color
This burnt orange sleeveless vest (Mudd brand) was actually hanging in the men’s section when I spied it. I thought someone had put it there while looking at something else, waited a couple of minutes (to be polite) and then snagged it! I tend to wear mostly black but knew this would add that pop of color that’s been in style and continues to be in style. Love the buckles on it and the fun faux fur around the hood. Kohl’s sells this brand, went to their website and saw that it origianlly sold for $50.00, was now on clearance for $15.00 and I paid $2.50 at arc. LOVE IT!
Wilson’s Leather: A Naughty Steal
A black leather skirt for $1.99? Yes! It’s a Wilson’s brand, found the exact same style on eBay for $21.00 (used) and you can wear leather year round. Add tights and boots in the fall/winter, then slip on some cute flats or sexy sandals for spring/summer.
A Treasure of Accessories
These accessories are all leather and I had never heard of any of these brands so I didn’t know what a great deal I was actually getting. The belt is a Valerie Stevens brand that I found on eBay for $29.00 but paid 79 cents for at arc. The purse is a Stone Mountain which I couldn’t find the same exact style on their website but they mostly sell anywhere from $60 to $100.00 (and it’s as soft as butter and in mint condition), paid $2.99 for at the Salvation Army. The shoes cost me $3.50 which I also bought at Salvation Army…again, couldn’t find this exact style on their website but a similar pair retailed for $79.99. Most of my shoes are heels but lately I’ve been trying to find cute flats (have arthritis in my knees and they tend to swell after an hour of heel wearing -still wear them though because I love heels) so I was really happy with these shoes. Comfortable, stylish and in perfect condition….if you think it’s “icky” to wear used shoes, buy some inserts and stick them inside the shoes.
The Final Damage $$$
Damage done to my wallet for this month’s fashion buys? The extravagantly-large sum of $16.74 for a dress, a shirt, a pair of pants, a leather skirt, a vest, a pair of shoes, purse and belt!!!
Not impressed? You try buying just one article of clothing for less than $20.00! If I bought all these items at the retail stores, the brand’s websites and eBay I could have spent up to $342.00….and even if all these items were marked 50% off, that would still be $171.00….no wonder my husband doesn’t mind when I say I’m going shopping! Ha! ; )