Often times at work, someone will compliment what I’m wearing and ask where I got it. Nearly 95% of the time, my answer is the thrift store. The conversation sounds something like this:
Them: That dress is so awesome, where did you get it?
Me: Goodwill (or the like)
Them: Which one?
Me: *gives directions*
Them (invariably): Oh I never find anything there
Me: How often do you go?
Them: Well I went to this one place a few years ago…
Me: You should hit it up now, I saw lots of cute stuff
Them: Well I’m not as lucky as you, I never find anything
Seriously, I’ve had this conversation at least 700 times in my adult life. I probably only shop at a Goodwill, or a Salvation Army, or some other local thrift store maybe once every month or two, and yet I almost always find something I can either refashion or wash and wear. I am not lucky, I just go in with an open mind and try to see the potential in things. It also helps that I have a quirky style that lets me experiment with different cuts, materials, and patterns, so as long as you don’t limit yourself, I can almost guarantee you’ll find something you like. Just be brave! It’s only clothing, and people’s judgment of what you cover your own body with literally does. not. matter. That goes for most things. Really. People are not thinking about you as much as you think they are. And even if they are, what matters most is what you think of you. And you’re awesome!
So with that in mind, I try to always see things for what they could be, rather than as they currently are. I like making unique pieces that literally no one else on earth has. I really do enjoy sewing and refashioning ugly clothes into something new and wearable, but sometimes, I find things that are perfect as they are. Below are some of my favorites that I have recently acquired for Summer 2020:
*You can see the pictures in more detail by clicking on them! You can even scroll through them this way ;)*
This first dress was found at a Goodwill in New Orleans for $4.99. It’s got the bright, mod vibes reminiscent of my favorite fashion decade, the 1960’s. It also has lovely gold embroidery detailing around the neckline, so bonus!
Love the colors, the patterns, the embroidery, ALL of it!
🎶Let’s get together and feel alright🎶
Public art #1, found on the corner of Leonidas and Willow St. in New Orleans
This next dress is just a simple denim halter dress, but it fits LIKE A GLOVE and you can accessorize it so many ways. I know denim dresses instantly conjure memories of kindergarten teachers from the 1990’s (shout-out to Ms. Beamish), but I will defend them to the hilt. They’re just classically American and timeless in my book. It was hanging out in a Goodwill in Rockaway, New Jersey for around $8 (because prices are higher in NJ *eye roll*). I paired it with a thrifted bag from Funky Monkey vintage shop in New Orleans. It was originally made by Maria Victoria, of https://www.mymariavictoria.com/
It’s stretchy!
Look at that beautiful mural by New Orleans artist Nicole L. Bowe. I tried to find her on Instagram, but was unsuccessful 
My Maria Victoria bag!
I’m cheesy
This rust/terracotta dress was found at Buffalo Exchange, a thrift store chain that’s all across the country and has a cooler, more modern vibe for the young bloods. You can see if there’s one in your area here: https://www.buffaloexchange.com/locations/ . I think I paid $12 for this dress because there was a 25% sale going on the day I went. Since New Orleans is only in phase one of reopening shops, we weren’t allowed to try anything on in the fitting rooms. I’m not sure if that makes sense, but it is what it is. Anyway, usually I pick things I think will fit, try them on, and they end up being way too small for me (I have no clue what I look like apparently). This time I took a gamble and was pleasantly surprised! I also found the shoes and fanny pack there, which were $15 and $12, respectively.
My sister/photographer and I couldn’t get right up to the mural behind me because the parking lot was locked, so we made do and I climbed onto the fence. Later when we got home, we saw that these pictures were not as clear as the others, so we also took a picture in her bedroom. Again, make do.
Mural outside the Hartwig Moss Insurance Agency building on Canal St. in New Orleans
Precariously balanced
Entire outfit brought to you by Buffalo Exchange NOLA
The last dress is a Holy Grail-level find. I saw it at Goodwill and did not even try it on, just immediately paid for it because I knew it would be amazing and I needed ownership ASAP. This polka dot halter dress is me all over. I wore it with my beaded purse, also from Goodwill, and some wedges bought at Udelco Vintage in Hawthorn, New Jersey. It’s a giant warehouse of giant cardboard boxes and you need to DIG. It’s an adventure, so if you’re in there area, check it out: http://www.udelcoinc.com/
I love everything about this dress
✶✷★ I feel like a movie stahhh ★✷✶
It was so hard to keep from blinking
It was 95 degrees in the Crescent City Auto parking lot where this mural is🌡😰
Check out that purse!
Usually I stay away from white because I am already so pale, but this one just works! Although this one is my favorite, the thing I like most about all of these finds is that they are some really durable pieces. The movement to lower your carbon footprint and save money by thrifting is one I am very enthusiastic to be a part of. If you like sewing/refashioning blogs, you should also check out https://refashionista.net/ . It’s been a favorite of mine for the past 10 years.
So these are my current fave finds! Don’t give up on thrifting, y’all. Yes it’s a crapshoot, but think of it as a treasure hunt! My advice is to look for quality pieces (no Forever 21 garbage) and alter them or get them altered to work for you. You never know what you might walk out with.
Let me know what you’ve found, and any Holy Grail items you’ve discovered in your thrifting travels! Bye for now!
*** To learn more about and find over 140 New Orleans murals, check out this article by Will Coviello for the NOLA Gambit: https://www.nola.com/gambit/events/art_previews_reviews/article_76fcf8ec-8332-11ea-95d9-37689cc6dcf5.html
#thrifting #refashion #lowercarbonfootprint #sewing #DIY #alterations #clothing
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