A case for thrifting.

The evolution of this blog post is a bit long winded, but here it goes...it all started with a jacket. Not just any jacket, an adorable cropped denim, moto jacket that I scored for $15 at a local consignment store, Unika. I styled a cute look (see below) around the jacket, and it turned out even better than I had hoped. I was so happy I had pulled the trigger and bought the jacket, and that got me thinking about the reasons why I bought it and what helps me decide when to get pieces when I am thrift shopping. Sometimes thrifting can be overwhelming, there are so many clothes..how do you choose what will actually benefit your wardrobe? I have a few go to tips that help me find and decide what pieces to buy, and I thought I would share them with you guys :) But first, the outfit! I paired the cropped jacket with a high waisted white lace skirt, and it begged for this graphic striped cropped sweater. Something about the sweater made me crave a bold pink lip - such an easy way to make a statement with your makeup. The white, perforated purse had the same cute summer vibe, so it was a perfect addition and then I went for casual comfort in my shoe choice with a neutral leather flat sandal. I loved the result, it's fun and fresh and easy to wear.

Classic Pieces: not a necessity, but I think you get the most bang for your buck with classic pieces, simply because they could be in your wardrobe forever. A blazer, denim jacket, a trench coat - these sort of things will stand the test of time. The denim moto jacket I am wearing in this post, the inspiration for this whole idea, is a perfect example. A moto jacket will always have some place in fashion. It’s iconic. The fact that this one was in denim just gave it a little twist that I loved. And it was 15 dollars, people. Hello.

See with your hands: That sounds totally cheese, but what I am trying to say is…quality clothes will be made with quality fabric and I believe that you can feel the difference. I will touch the clothes on the rack as I scan through. It’s like a little game - when I feel like an item is quality, I check the tag and if it’s a more expensive brand…I win :p This very technique picked me out a gorgeous grey Aritzia wool sweater for $3 and a silk Alice + Olivia dress for $7. 

Shop outside your “size”: Never, I repeat, never shop only in your known size section! For me personally this is most obvious in the jean section. In different brands, my size can fluctuate wildly, from 25-28. In my experience, vintage clothing is usually a size larger than what I would wear currently (ie. I am usually a dress size 2, in something vintage…maybe a 6?)

Patience, my friend, patience. Thrifting is not quite as easy as strolling into a store at the mall: there isn’t multiple sizes in the same piece, not every piece is on trend, you might not find anything you like. Thrifting does involve extra effort - extra time and patience, but when you find that great piece…it’s like winning an exciting treasure hunt!

Do your homework: know the trends before you head out shopping. Unlike stores at the mall, the stuff coming into the thrift store isn't all the latest and greatest and you will need to know what you're looking for as you sort through the masses.

Value Village has a great page on tips for all different aspects of thrifting, from furniture thrifting to how to clean vintage clothing. 

Hope these tips help! Happy thrifting!!

Denim moto jacket: American Eagle (thrifted from Unika) (similar). Striped cropped sweater: Forever 21 (old) (cute). White midi skirt: Forever21 (old) (cute). Tan sandals: Aldo (old) (similar). Purse: Indigo Chapters (on sale!). Sunglasses: Winners (old) (cute). Lips: Wet 'n' Wild in Dollhouse Pink.

Vested Interests

The sun is peaking out here and there in my part of the world, but it's still pretty chilly out. Not only were all these light layers weather appropriate but they were super comfy and cute...obviously. I love finding new ways of wearing this trench vest. Seriously, it's one of my favourite items of clothing. To any ladies looking to mix up their wardrobe, I highly suggest something along this line. It's only one piece and it will change up your entire wardrobe - such a great return for a little investment. It'll be a great layering piece as we come into spring. Oh man, I am so excited for spring. I've been reading all the spring issues of the style magazines and I feel so inspired! I am ready to wear dresses and sandals again, who's with me?!

Trench vest: Forever21 (old) (cute). Turtleneck: Forever21 (old) (similar). Pants: Forever21 (old)  (cute). Shoes: Converse All-stars. Bag: Indigo (old) (similar). Necklace: Joe Fresh (old) (similar)

Art of the mix.

Nothing makes me happier than mixing prints, and really pulling them off. I know I pulled this one off when my husband looked at me and said, in shock, "That weirdly works". I feel like I earned a real fashionista badge of honour when I mixed plaid with leopard and stripes! This may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I sure love it. Another thing I am in love with...my new hair! I've never been this blonde before, it's fun. I love it with the dark root, and also with the darker brows. It looks great with a red lip - my fave!

Jacket: J.Crew (old) (also cute). Dress: Alfred Sung (omg soooooo old, we're talking 8 years) (similar). Striped mock neck: H&M (similar + similar). Shoes: Forever21 (old) (very cute). Purse: Kate Spade (similar). Faux fur keychain: Dynamite (similar).

Vest Versatility

This is a fun, easy look I put together for a weekend date day and I really love how it turned out! That's not surprising since it's made up of some things I've been really into lately: crop tops, high waists, 70's vibes and this vest. I didn't realize until I picked up this vest, that it was an article of clothing sorely under represented in my closet - and what a tragedy! It is such a versatile layering piece! Maybe because I have been unconsciously connecting them with the over-worn puffer vests of my small town youth, but they have never really held any appeal to me...that is until now. I have seen the vest in a new, modern light and my closet is all the better for it. I have also invested in a sleeveless trench and I am equally in love with it. Follow me on insta-g if you want to see other ways to style these pieces :)

Vest: Sirens (similar here + here). Crop top: Forever21. Shorts: Opening Ceremony (thrifted) (similar). Bag: Indigo. Shoes: GoJane. Sunglasses: Steve Madden (similar + similar)

Flared + Fabulous

I have a very distinct memory of receiving my first pair of Levi flared jeans when I was a girl. 20-something years later, and I am still loving them. Especially in a light wash and paired with a sky-high wedges for summer. I usually rock them with a flowy, summer-y top but, I decided to switch it up and do something a little more structured on top. The light blue striped button down and white blazer keep with the light, fresh colour palette. A tan bag and shoes are universal warm neutrals for summer. Actually, this whole outfit was based around the necklace. The necklace was a gift from the loveliest of friends. Shout out to Dom! Haha. Love my necklace, and I am wearing it with everythang. I wanted to wear the necklace with the striped button down, and everything else just followed from there. Hope you are all having a wonderful, stylish summer!

                

 

Blazer: Aritzia (old, similar here). Striped top: Smart Set (similar here)(last seen here). Hat: Ardene's (similar here). Necklace: Dynamite . Jeans: Mavi (old, similar here and here). Wedges: Vianna (super old, love these)(last seen here). Purse: Old Navy. 

Thanks for reading!