Thrift, in my life, takes the form of simplicity. Not a “Get down to the bare bones and organize what’s left” kind of simple, but a “what really counts” kind of simplicity. For example, I thrift most of my clothes. Once you realize you can pay twenty five cents for a skirt instead of twenty dollars it’s hard to go back. Especially since the predominate look these days is a sort of miss matched personal style blogger look. I took a stroll through Anthropologie this past week and all the while I was thinking, “I could thrift that and…oooh…I could thrift that, too!”
Thrifting is also one of my favorite “green” activities. I don’t live in a city with a recycling center. There aren’t boutiques with sustainable fashions. But there are plenty of thrift stores. Once you realize the sheer volume of clothing available in our country, you realize that one thing you can to to minimize your footprint is to shop responsibly. For me, that’s always been buying at least a part of my wardrobe from used clothing stores.
On the other hand, there’s always going to be some items you are going to want to buy retail. I don’t believe in an all or nothing approach. Sure, I buy mostly used because it’s cheaper, it’s more of a thrill and it’s good for the environment. But there are times when you can’t find exactly what you need. For example, my body requires comfortable shoes with good support. So that’s where I usually spend my retail dollars. I also like to spring for accessories such as purses, jewelry and scarves that I can mix up with my thrifted bargains.
Or sometimes you just find something you love. For me, that’s usually a dress from Target!
All I’m saying is, “Let’s not judge.” Maybe it’s worth it to you to save up for a Louis Vuitton. Or Uggs, in my case. We can thrift and then splurge on what matters. Everyone has a different budget. Maybe you’re rolling in the dough and Madewell is a low price point for you. Or maybe Goodwill is all you’re budget will allow. My interpretation of thrift is to buy only what you love at a price that will not stress your budget. And save a little extra for the sweet things in life.
I’m wearing this dress to prove that I don’t wear “Audrey” every day of my life as some of you might suspect. Even if I am wearing her here and here. The dress is a Christmas present from my mom. She bought it from one of those newspaper inserts and I love it. It’s so basic it can be restyled over and over. The boots were bought retail at a local shoe store and are very comfortable. Buying local is also good for your community. My scarf was bought at Wet Seal on a shopping trip with my daughter. When she’s shopping for clothes in teen stores, I look for accessories. My pin and clip-on earrings are vintage from my grandma. Here’s a close-up of the earrings. Love them…they are huge.
What’s your interpretation of thrift?
I’m linking up with the fabulous ladies at Patti’s Visible Monday link party, the lovely bloggers at Tough Cookie Mommy’s Monday Mingle and Life of Meg’s Mingle Monday and the frugal thrifters at ColorBlind for Thrifters Anonymous! I just realized that I wrote a post about thrifting while wearing clothes that were gifted, handed down or bought inexpensively…everything except thrifted! But that does go along with my post. While thrifting is my favorite way to find my clothes, I believe we should keep our minds open. Good deals can come from many places!
This post is being linked up at IFB Project #91: What does sustainable style mean to you?
Until next time,
Debbie Baker Burns
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
OMG Debbie! Well said! Love this post!
http://simplysassysstyle.blogspot.com/
Dawn
Dawn recently posted…OUR MOST UNFORGETTABLE ACCESSORY!
Debbie, I love this outfit! You know why? Because it represents 4 generations of wonderful women in your family. What could be more special than that?
I am an avid thrifter. Like in the needs-a-12-step-program kind of avidness. But I have no problem with people paying retail. Why? Because someday I might be the one to find their treasures at my local thrift store. I just hope they are buying their stuff in my size!
Diane @ HauteFlashion recently posted…Urban Jungle
It is amazing what you can find thrifting, and come home with loads of new things without spending more than $20. I’m much more likely to try something different that way.
I love your dress – like you said, it’s so versatile! Belts, scarves, vests – you could do all kinds of things with it. I love the cream scarf!
Val Sparkle recently posted…Friday Day and Night
So well said, Deb. We all have our “thrifty” points, and thank goodness someone buys the really expensive stuff so I can have a go at it later : > Love your dress and scarf here, and the earrings are exquisite. Thanks for linking up – and I’m your new follower on Twitter : >
Patti @ NotDeadYet Style recently posted…Visible Monday #89: Suitably Dressed
Blog hopping from TCM Monday Mingle -thrifting is a fun treasure hunt – one woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure and I have a closet full of them!
Antionette Blake recently posted…OOTD – Mix It Monday
Hey Debbie! Wow, those earings are gorgeous and your photo is so lovely of you! I love the whimsical pose!!!x
Kezzie recently posted…The coat in the window!
beautiful earrings
amy recently posted…Shoe Lover Monday
Sweet, sophisticated and frugal all in one girl! Good ideas, all.
I always appreciate the detail in your photos.
“All I’m saying is, “Let’s not judge.” Maybe it’s worth it to you to save up for a Louis Vuitton. Or Uggs, in my case. We can thrift and then splurge on what matters. Everyone has a different budget. Maybe you’re rolling in the dough and Madewell is a low price point for you. Or maybe Goodwill is all you’re budget will allow. My interpretation of thrift is to buy only what you love at a price that will not stress your budget. And save a little extra for the sweet things in life.” — Well said!
WendyB recently posted…What Wendy Wore: Leopard-Print DVF From 2002
Thank you Debbie. You are a beautiful angel.
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SACRAMENTO recently posted…Roses & Stripes
Love this scarf and this is very true! People always think that a thrift store is dirty..I often say Costco is thrifting and so is Marshalls! haha thank you for linking up and sharing such a lovely post!
Shana
An expensive purchase is still thrifty for me if it fills a need and can be worn so many times that individual wearings are relatively cheap. I also want to feel a sense of satisfaction every time I put it on. For me, my mink coat was worth every penny. Its the only winter coat I own and I wear it at least 5 times a week. I still get a thrill every time I put it on.
Kathleen Lisson recently posted…Spring 2013 Trend – ‘Ladylike’ style – What Hat and Outfit to Wear to Church
I think variety is the spice of life- and what a treasure your grandma’s sparkles are!
Bella Q, The Citizen Rosebud recently posted…All Blossoms + Blue Sky
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