https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-thrifting-loot-and-4-epiphanies Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:43:17 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-thrifting-loot-and-4-epiphanies/page/2#post-586527 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:21:45 +0000 Kirti 586527@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claire! Hi! Sorry I missed this post! </p> <p>I love these looks on you. And even better, I really enjoyed reading your epiphanies because they will lead to your style getting more YOU! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-thrifting-loot-and-4-epiphanies/page/2#post-586242 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:09:21 +0000 ButterflyLady 586242@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Two more lovely looks - I really enjoy your WIWs. I love reading other people's epiphanies too, as I often find myself nodding along. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-thrifting-loot-and-4-epiphanies/page/2#post-586027 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 02:51:59 +0000 Vix 586027@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look very "you" in these two looks...just colorized. [And it suits!] </p> <p>Glad you are figuring out the strategies that work for your lifestyle along with your style! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-thrifting-loot-and-4-epiphanies/page/2#post-585999 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 02:26:17 +0000 Carole 585999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You make me want to have an epiphany! Someday, hopefully. Love all your outfits, but that 2nd outfit is exceptional! The floral jacket/cardi with the stripes, brilliant. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-thrifting-loot-and-4-epiphanies/page/2#post-585932 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 01:30:16 +0000 Jaime 585932@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First off, I love your outfits and especially (but not only) the second one with the stripes and floral jacket.</p> <p>Secondly, I love thrift epiphanies. I thrift or buy second hand most of my wardrobe and it is because I can often find better quality and better selection this way. Part of it is that I have expensive tastes but not a huge budget and I am far more likely to find something exciting second hand than in the mall. I am also fortunate because there are several excellent charity shops in my area and most of the other patrons are not looking for the same sorts of things that I am. At least not yet.</p> <p>Thirdly, I hate to iron and wash and hang dry most of my clothes and then hope for the best. Just thought I would throw that in!</p> <p>Great read as always Claire! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-thrifting-loot-and-4-epiphanies/page/2#post-585855 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 23:54:11 +0000 kellygirl 585855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great epiphanies and fab outfits! You really have an eye for what suits you, Claire! I love how fearless you are combining outfits. So much color, pattern and fun. You are a thrifting inspriation--I finally took the plunge. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-thrifting-loot-and-4-epiphanies/page/2#post-585842 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 23:38:07 +0000 Isis 585842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So many insights on this thread!</p> <p>Claire, it is SO FUN to watch your style increase exponentially!!!!!!! Love your outfits and your finds! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-thrifting-loot-and-4-epiphanies/page/2#post-585831 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 23:25:00 +0000 DonnaF 585831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Forget the iron! Let a spray bottle mister be your friend! Just mist and gently stretch! This is assuming you don't want a starched look and works best with 100% cotton. I suppose this is the same principle as a steamer only cheaper. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-thrifting-loot-and-4-epiphanies#post-585807 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 22:31:57 +0000 CocoLion 585807@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats on the thrifting scores! Looking forward to seeing them styled.</p> <p>In the first outfit I like the colorblocking. The second outfit with the pattern mixing is so fab! One of your best, Claire. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-thrifting-loot-and-4-epiphanies#post-585787 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 22:09:50 +0000 Anonymous 585787@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You said it girl! (and you looked great too!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-thrifting-loot-and-4-epiphanies#post-585773 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 21:47:17 +0000 FoolOfATook 585773@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claire, I am a reader (I don't like the term lurker!) more than a commenter, but I just felt like your epiphanies really hit the nail on the head. I am always slightly disappointed my summer wardrobe is not as "quality" as my winter wardrobe, but, you know what? It gets so junky between all the sweating and all the washings -- I just can't justify spending a lot of money on items when they are only going to last a season or two. Thrifting is so fun, you never know what you're going to find! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-thrifting-loot-and-4-epiphanies#post-585771 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 21:42:02 +0000 celia 585771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claire, first of all let me say that these outfits look fabulous.Everyone can tell how much fun you are having with fashion, your outfits just glow.<br /> About your epiphanies , I enjoy reading everyone's epiphanies and always find that some of them resonate with me.<br /> I used to purge a lot and mainly because I associated certain items with events.Probably it was cathartic my purse being the only one tat didn't appreciated.But there was many a good item that should have staied put in my wardrobe.<br /> And your idea to have more items for summer also makes perfect sense to me. Although we do have 4 seasons, summer can be hot and sticky and if there is no variety in my wardrobe it can be demotivating. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-thrifting-loot-and-4-epiphanies#post-585767 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 21:29:17 +0000 Beth Ann 585767@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Epiphanies! I LOVE epiphanies! Your outfits are terrific and your thoughts well-considered. I, too, operate on a budget. I'm trying to learn when to spend on a well-made classic garment, and when to pinch my pennies. I'm not, at least yet, an expert thrifter. As for "make-do" items? I call them "placeholders," since they occupy the niche of a more fabulous version that will be more permanent. I've been wearing "placeholder" jeans all year! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-thrifting-loot-and-4-epiphanies#post-585761 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 21:22:59 +0000 Mona 585761@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claire, I haven't read all your epiphanies as I dont have time right now but it is so thrilling to see having so much fun with colours and fashion. I am all for colours and you are so creative with your colour combinations. THis post is going into my favourites that I will actually sit down and enjoy reading after I finish my assignment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-thrifting-loot-and-4-epiphanies#post-585756 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 21:15:27 +0000 Anonymous 585756@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Heather, a doppelganger! I had to google that one, even though I suspected it meant a look-alike. Of course "Facconable" was also an unfamiliar name for me too, so I thought you had lapsed into another tongue, lol! I'm glad my twin gave you good service!</p> <p>Sarah, I'm already thinking two of these shirts have to go back (for store credit). The black and white one is super tight around the arms, and there is no way to alter the smock-like elastic stitching. The plaid blue and green one (after ironing to get a better look at the cut) seems like it dates back to the 1980s and I'm not loving the color as much as I did in the store. Luckily I left the tags on, and will enjoy shopping with my credit just as much. Still, it's a bit of a let down. On the subject of ironing, it's a chore I don't mind in the winter, but in the summer, we have really expensive electric rates and try to leave our thermostat at 86 degrees! Anything that heats up the house is a bad thing, and has to be done early in the morning or late at night, when the rates go down a little bit. I can only get a certain number of these tasks done each day, as there is a race to do as much as possible early in the morning (exercising, shopping, vacuuming, cooking, showering and drying my hair, even sewing, since I need an iron for that too. I have been known to iron outside on the back porch in a wet bathing suit so as not to heat up the house, or die of heatstroke! Luckily we have a walled back yard, lest the neighbors witness my insanity!</p> <p>Lisa, I'm not surprised you favor woven shirts, since your work persona is so fab. Do you wear them for weekends/casual too? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-thrifting-loot-and-4-epiphanies#post-585718 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 20:11:30 +0000 Heather 585718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Brilliant, Claire. Just Briliant.</p> <p>BTW: I felt like I met you this weekend. How? Your doppelganger works at Faconnable in Atlanta. I swear I almost called her Claire four times. She was lovely, classically dressed AND was super helpful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-thrifting-loot-and-4-epiphanies#post-585698 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 19:23:06 +0000 Sarah A 585698@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claire, you continue to amaze me with these awesome outfits and epiphanies! The blue is just incredible with the purple and the proportions are just right! And the floral with the stripe and the monty bag to-die-for! I was just talking to DH a few days ago about how i like thrifting so much more b/c the brands i get (mainly BR, JCrew, Talbots) seem to do so much better than what i can get at TJMaxx or Target and often have very little evidence wear to boot! It also helps me feel like I can explore a bit more with a color or profile if i have just spent $4 or so dollars on it if it doesnt work out it isnt a huge deal and i dont feel bad putting it back in the donate pile for someone else to enjoy! All your new shirts are super though and I doubt they will be making their way back to the store... cant wait to see how you style them!</p> <p>ETA: Ironing doesnt take long after you get back in practice you will get pretty fast. Or what I consider fast for myself... about 5 minutes for a shirt. Especially if you drip dry first there wont be set in wrinkles from the dryer to remove first. If you decide to starch any collars, iron first to get out the wrinkles then starch then iron again is the easiest way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-thrifting-loot-and-4-epiphanies#post-585685 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:58:57 +0000 Lisa 585685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great epiphanies here Claire! Especially about woven tops to replace t-shirts, I prefer to do this too. And it is true, sometimes thrifting has more options because you aren't limited to the "in" color or silouette. You are looking fab too, certainly hitting your style groove. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-thrifting-loot-and-4-epiphanies#post-585680 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:44:56 +0000 Anonymous 585680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Right you are Joy! You've been able to find some quality designer pieces in a thrift store (Calvin Klein dresses come to mind) and you always look well turned out! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-thrifting-loot-and-4-epiphanies#post-585676 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:43:18 +0000 Anonymous 585676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Jayne! It really has to be about dollar-cost-averaging for me, but who knows, I could be singing a different tune in a few months. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-thrifting-loot-and-4-epiphanies#post-585675 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:43:05 +0000 Anonymous 585675@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What wonderful epiphanies and thank you for sharing them. You look adorable in both outfits and found some great summer tops. That second one is one of my favorites that you've posted. I find thrifting is a way to experiment with the things Angie blogs about and helps in deciding if a more expensive version is something I'd use. Thrifting does not mean lower quality, often the opposite. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-thrifting-loot-and-4-epiphanies#post-585641 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:11:00 +0000 jayne 585641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey and you snuck in another epiphany at the end here...much easier and less distracting with a list.</p> <p>I love these outfits and am so marking yet another of your WIW with favorite so I can copy later. only after months so you have forgotten about it of course!</p> <p>And these were great thoughts. I really agree with all of them but find it a relief to have others out there thinking sometimes a 10 is not needed, a 7 will do and especially if it is for fun. I actually liked Queen mums idea that a thing would only stay in her closet for 3 years max so why spend a fortune to make every purchase high cost. It is a balancing act though because we don't want to be cheap and your purchases are certainly looking top of the line. </p> <p>Love your posts claire! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-thrifting-loot-and-4-epiphanies#post-585582 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 17:20:58 +0000 Anonymous 585582@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Manidipa, thank you! Your replies are always SUCH a treat to read. I really don't know what I'm doing, but I like where I am at the moment. I really had to stay focused on tops and sandals only yesterday. After living in a winter dominant climate most of my life, I *still* have to tell myself, "Step AWAY from the winter clothes, Claire!" It was also so much easier and faster to race through the stores with only two things on my list, and less distracting. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-thrifting-loot-and-4-epiphanies#post-585570 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 17:08:10 +0000 ManidipaM 585570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claire, what clever epiphanies! </p> <p>Having just muddled through half the ironing pile (pile-up) this afternoon, I've realized I even have clean clothes in the laundry all the time --- so the 3-per-category I was talking about on Suz's four-season thread needs to be more like 6-per-category! Ergo, I'm with you on epiphany 4: "I need more... pieces with my clothing dollars." Otherwise, I won't be bored; I'll be mismatched in the worst way.</p> <p>SO, so, so agree with Suz, when she says: "And also, if we are working on a tight budget, sometimes we really DO need to 'make do' for a while with items that aren't quite our perfect 10s, otherwise we won't have any variety at all in the closet...I am almost thinking along the lines of, "Okay, Susan, you can buy X number of higher quality items per season (or X dollars worth), and then either make do or buy inexpensive for the rest of your needs. Slowly weed out the lower quality items in favour of higher quality. And voila!"</p> <p>I recall being so glad to see recognition of and support for budget constraints on YLF when I first came here, because too many fashion forums simply do not know what to do with the thrifty, or make a style statement out of thrift alone. So hard to find mainstream middle-ground, and you'd imagine there would be a larger contingency of you/us! (Well, strictly speaking, I buy on a low budget, rather than thrift.)</p> <p>Now that I've gotten on board with YLF, I feel like rushing out and changing my whole wardrobe. So tempting, that idea of a fresh and a small start. So impossible as well.</p> <p>And like you, I've finally managed to stop purging too fast, after several bouts of regret and style switching. Maybe some personalities just need more variety than average? (ETA: Corrected typo. Bedtime for someone!)</p> <p>Also, I think the changing colour palettes of each season are bound to result in different contrast levels and silhouettes etc too. How can they not? The amount of texture you can do even in all-black and all-white varies, and adding other colours in the mix means the same textures and patterns feel more ALGO than in monochrome. </p> <p>Speaking of mix, HUGE LOVE for the floral cardi and stripes up there! One of my favourites among your outfits. And I can entirely see the attraction of the purple cardi with that vivid blue you wear so well and the denim. The tops seem SO you, actually, seasonal style slant or no --- white, bright pink, blue-green plaid, black-and-white print... I think you're headed into Closet: Cohesive!! Congratulations! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-thrifting-loot-and-4-epiphanies#post-585569 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 17:07:35 +0000 Jewell 585569@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claire, these looks read as classy, colorful, and carefree- perfect for spring! Enjoyed reading your epiphanies. #2 rings true for me as well. I'm now trying Angie's hidden holding area to prevent premature purging. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-thrifting-loot-and-4-epiphanies#post-585536 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:28:45 +0000 Tina 585536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claire, you are such an articulate writer. I always enjoy your posts immensely. Your outfits are totally fab and your were right to be excited about yesterdays outfit, I love the look on you!<br /> Great style epiphanies. I am learning so much from all the ladies here:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-thrifting-loot-and-4-epiphanies#post-585534 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:24:23 +0000 rachylou 585534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claire, you just look so great in strong color. The color-on-color outfit is just AWESOME. I'm pretty jealous of your floral cardigan and 8 tops for $40.</p> <p>I want a fuschia button down... I see you found one... !! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-thrifting-loot-and-4-epiphanies#post-585532 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:22:38 +0000 Anonymous 585532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, you are doing so well with your purchases and I can't wait to see how your summer wardrobe is shaping up! FWIW I went on a thrifting moratorium for a few months last winter and I learned a LOT. </p> <p>And Una, I really did set out to buy new "on trend" things but I just didn't LOVE anything I saw. Maybe if I found the perfect softly structured boxy blouse in a print I loved, I'd be willing to spend about $40 on it. But it would have to be LOVE. KWIM? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-thrifting-loot-and-4-epiphanies#post-585530 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:20:54 +0000 HelenInCanada 585530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow - epiphanies galore, Claire! Your wardrobe building is happening at an amazing pace - and how awesome that you are having fun while you're at it! I must say you are one of the Queen Bees of wardrobe analysis - thanks for thinking aloud for us! Very helpful. :)</p> <p>The blue + purple is such a bold combo - and it works! Fun experimentation. Your well-hunted scores are truly an inspiration, btw! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-thrifting-loot-and-4-epiphanies#post-585527 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:17:22 +0000 Anonymous 585527@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, I was thinking more like you last winter. Maybe I need to think *that* way during my non-dominant season, ie. being more strict and disciplined and thrifting less. I will have my winter investment pieces a lot longer (I won't wear them out easily) than "disposable" summer tops so buying new and spending more makes more sense. You and are headed into your non-dominant season, so your *opposite* epiphanies make perfect sense to me. </p>