What I Wear to go Thrifting
On Saturday, real-life BFF and I went on our first #SHOWMETHETHRIFT trip. We had hoped that this would kick start our new thrifting series and I hoped I’d be able to share some amazing second-hand finds from Southport’s charity shops. However, it wasn’t to be and I came away empty handed. So, with spring in the air, I thought I’d share what I wear to go thrifting.
What I wear to go thrifting doesn’t change too much from season to season. When I go thrifting, I like to feel comfortable but still presentable and true to my own personal style. You never know how many shops you’ll visit, or which cafe you’ll end up lunching in. There’s also the practicalities of not knowing if you’ll have to stretch up for that out of reach handbag, or bend over to see what’s hidden. So, I tend to stick to a tried and testing thrifting uniform of my wardrobe’s go-to pieces: a denim pinafore dress teamed with stripes.
Before Christmas, my collection of dresses had started to dwindle. I was encountering a lull in charity shop finds, so I turned to eBay to try my fail-safe search for ‘collared dresses’ or those with cute prints. I didn’t shun charity shops, but I was less enthusiastic. I visited my favourites and neglected those shops that had been less successful in the past while actively pursuing eBay.
Days before Christmas, I chanced upon this TOPSHOP collared pinafore style dress in the final seconds of auction. It was an impulse bid at £3.99, the opening and winning bid. Shortly after Christmas, the dress arrived and I instantly tried it on. It was snug, way too snug for comfort and I promptly disregarded it, whilst chiding myself for wasting £6.88 of my hard-earned PayPal money. Until February.
When we feel the urge to shop, it is not because we are seeking new items, but that we are simply seeking inspiration.
At the start of 2015, I challenged myself to ditch the high street for 100 days. Since this, the belief that we are seeking inspiration, not new clothes, has always stayed with me. It was a simple comment left on an Instagram post, but it taught me to try and explore what I already own before buying something new. Enter almost forgotten eBay pinafore dress. Post Christmas, post bloat, post start of Slimming World diet… the dress fits!
The best tip I could give anyone starting out on the thrifting journey is to mix old and new. Buy pieces that will stand the test of time or are true to your own personal style that you’ll be able to get your money’s worth from, whilst creating an outfit that feels new and fresh to you. This ASOS cat beret might be the most expensive beret I’ve ever bought, but it’s also the cutest.
Also new is this Flamingo pin, gifted to me by creator, Liz Harry, who I met at the Liverpool Winter Arts Market in November. Her stall was a feast of bright colours in a sea of Christmas colours which I featured on my Instagram. Since arriving through my letter box, her flamingo pin has sat waiting for a suitable outfit. I think this chambray pinafore is a worthy companion.
Outfit Details: Pinafore dress :: Topshop (via eBay) I Striped top :: Jennyfer (via eBay) I Pink coat :: Warehouse via Claire’s House charity I Cat beret :: ASOS I Flamingo pin :: c/o Liz Harry via Etsy I Lilac bag :: River Island I Polka dot tights :: F&F I Patent brogues :: F&F I
So, no bargains were found on Saturday’s thrifting trip to Southport, but next on our thrifting hit list is the wonderful Lake District town of Kendal. We can’t wait to share more of #SHOWMETHETHRIFT!
#SHOWMETHETHRIFT is a hashtag real-life BFF, Katie at Life on Vista, and I created to showcase our charity shop finds on Instagram. Our aim is to show you how being more sustainable can benefit you too, make personal style more exciting and encourage you to go out and see what you can find! Remember to #SHOWMETHETHRIFT on your posts so we can see what you found!
