https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-life-changing-magic-of-thrifting-up Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:03:39 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-life-changing-magic-of-thrifting-up/page/2#post-2036193 Mon, 17 Jun 2019 12:45:52 +0000 Glory 2036193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What an inspiring post. Your sense of style is so top notch and what success you've had finding your dream items. I have never thrifted but I love the idea of having such a specific goal - I may have to put that into action. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-life-changing-magic-of-thrifting-up/page/2#post-2036068 Sun, 16 Jun 2019 22:32:22 +0000 nuancedream 2036068@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Most of the clothes I wear are from thrift or consignment stores. I can typically find items that stoke my creativity and play well with other items I already own. Consignment and thrift shopping allows me to create a very personal and unique style vision for myself. Some of my recent best puchases have been an Etro shirt for $12 (!), a silk Trina Turk dress for $20 (retail $395) and&nbsp; nearly new Cydwoq shoes for $28.&nbsp; &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-life-changing-magic-of-thrifting-up/page/2#post-2033593 Sat, 08 Jun 2019 15:15:18 +0000 Roxanna 2033593@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm loving hearing everyone's perspectives and stories on this. Honestly, i have so much I want to say that I wish I could you all over for a cup of tea and talk thrifting!</p> <p>Firecracker - I think the same of your style and love seeing the way you put things together. I think your solution to getting higher quality is to make it yourself - which I am in awe of!</p> <p>Column - I have often thought the same thing! If we all start engaging in thrifting, maybe the tides will turn at retail.</p> <p>Irina - try the suburbs - I find they are less picked over. I have some great stores in East York and Scarborough that I go too that consistently deliver.</p> <p>Finally - I LOVE hearing everyone's thrifting scores! A silk DVF shirt! Chanel ballet flats! A cable cashmere sweater!! A blouse from THE ROW for $1!! I can't even. keep 'em coming! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-life-changing-magic-of-thrifting-up/page/2#post-2033587 Sat, 08 Jun 2019 14:28:59 +0000 kkards 2033587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>hmmmm....so many fabber have posted so many wonderful finds that i feel compelled to give a try... i can honestly say i think i've found 3 real gems, which works out to about 1 find every other year....maybe if i lived in a bigger city.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-life-changing-magic-of-thrifting-up/page/2#post-2033552 Sat, 08 Jun 2019 10:46:09 +0000 Mainelady 2033552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Incredible! YLF at a fraction of the price! I was very happy to read of your high end thrifting success. Each item you found looks gorgeous. Well made items often endure across decades.<br /> There are several thrifting opportunities near me, but sadly clothing is rarely the quality I am seeking. Household items, especially table linens are a different story. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-life-changing-magic-of-thrifting-up/page/2#post-2033542 Sat, 08 Jun 2019 07:54:46 +0000 Mel 2033542@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another super thrifter here!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>You look gorgeous in that herringbone sweater, Roxanna. I love all your pieces.</p> <p>I've been designer thrifting since I was a kid and unfortunately once you start you can't go back: you get so used to high quality items that shopping in cheaper stores is unsatisfactory, and so accustumed to low prices that paying more than 20 dollars for anything feels like a waste of money. It can really put you in a shopping bind.</p> <p>My latest score was a brand new shirt from The Row for 1 dollar at a rummage sale. It's worth at least 300 or 400 dollars. Still debating whether to take the tags off and wear it or sell it online, haha. It's a lovely cashmere/modal top with impeccable tailoring, made in USA. Sometimes I take it out just to admire the workmanship!&nbsp;</p> <p>You are really smart to go for the Italian made clothing. When I lived in Italy I picked up several vintage pieces in the thrift markets and years later they are still going strong and look beautiful.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think thrifting is certainly a lifestyle thing, and you have to enjoy it to do it well.&nbsp; There are also some skills you develop on the way: how to spot the good stores and sales, how to check used clothing for defects, how to recognize good brands and fabrics, how to buy on the internet and not get cheated, etc. It's personally very rewarding, though. Most of my friends don't like thrifting, but whenever I go thrifting, they beg me to take their wishlists and pick things out for them. It's double fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-life-changing-magic-of-thrifting-up/page/2#post-2033374 Fri, 07 Jun 2019 15:06:24 +0000 nemosmom 2033374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>You have some really amazing pieces, Roxanna! I LOVE the grey topper on you - STUNNING with your hair!</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't target designers when thrifting, but have been lucky to pick up a couple of treasures. My favorite is a pair of Sergio Rossi pumps I picked up for $12 at an estate sale. They looked like they had never been worn, other than a couple of very minor scuffs on the bottoms, and one broken cap thingy on the heel - it was a $6 repair at the cobbler. <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-life-changing-magic-of-thrifting-up/page/2#post-2033257 Thu, 06 Jun 2019 23:49:58 +0000 Anonymous 2033257@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are inspiring me to try designer thrifting again. In the past I lived in an area devoid of most designer outfits. I did buy a heavy silk DVF skirt that is a favorite. I wanted a red suit and saw a Chanel one in my size at a resale shop but it was thread bare looking and too blue a red so I did not buy it. Your finds are elegant and look stunning. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-life-changing-magic-of-thrifting-up/page/2#post-2033252 Thu, 06 Jun 2019 23:28:28 +0000 Irina 2033252@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amazing pieces! You are in my hometown, in Toronto, are you? I always complain that the thrift stores in Toronto are awful! I must try again! Thanks for the inspiration. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-life-changing-magic-of-thrifting-up/page/2#post-2033233 Thu, 06 Jun 2019 22:57:16 +0000 Column 2033233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! You look great, Roxanna, and I have learned a lot! I wonder what retailers would do if all of us took up your philosophy. Would we start getting better-made clothing at more reasonable prices? I guess shopping end-of-season sales at higher end stores has been my answer so far. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-life-changing-magic-of-thrifting-up/page/2#post-2033220 Thu, 06 Jun 2019 22:10:09 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2033220@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your style is so beautiful and artfully put together. I love the pieces you've found and the outfits you create with them. Shevia is an inspiration, too. I often settle for middle-of-the-road quality because I don't have the patience for thrift-shopping. And I've been discouraged by the prices of the higher quality second-hand shops. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-life-changing-magic-of-thrifting-up#post-2033195 Thu, 06 Jun 2019 21:01:54 +0000 Sal 2033195@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sensational pieces Roxanna!! They look wonderful on you. </p> <p>I have three designer/ high end pieces in my closet from thrifting/ resale. </p> <p>I think for classic smart dressers thrifting is excellent - maybe harder for casual dressers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-life-changing-magic-of-thrifting-up#post-2033192 Thu, 06 Jun 2019 20:58:02 +0000 karen13 2033192@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow - inspirational! I love all your pieces and definitely need to see you in that gorgeous dress! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-life-changing-magic-of-thrifting-up#post-2033186 Thu, 06 Jun 2019 20:35:03 +0000 mamiesgirl 2033186@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have had a bit of luck at resale shops but am no expert. Also I think where you lives makes a difference. My best finds are at a shop in DC. We don't have great thrift shops in my hometown.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-life-changing-magic-of-thrifting-up#post-2033181 Thu, 06 Jun 2019 20:28:57 +0000 Anonymous 2033181@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such a happy post! &nbsp;Thank you for sharing your good fortune. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-life-changing-magic-of-thrifting-up#post-2033176 Thu, 06 Jun 2019 20:15:08 +0000 Suz 2033176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, this is amazing. I need to take lessons from you! You have found some beautiful items. I really love the new dress and you look spectacular in all the others as well. How wonderful to find great quality at bargain prices and so much fun to search!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-life-changing-magic-of-thrifting-up#post-2033175 Thu, 06 Jun 2019 20:07:16 +0000 Bennett 2033175@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ugh, I wish I lived in an area that had this quality of thrifted items. I recently tried the local Goodwill after seeing all the scores on YLF. That was an hour of my life I'll never get back! I WILL, however, poke around online for resale clothing now. You look impeccable in everything.</p> <p>I also check out Blue Collar Red Lipstick's blog to be inspired by her thrifted and consignment mixing; she does this so well! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-life-changing-magic-of-thrifting-up#post-2033140 Thu, 06 Jun 2019 18:38:42 +0000 fifthandfinest 2033140@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your finds are amazing!<br /> I’m a big second hand/thrifting fan. I’ve found some amazing things. It does pay to check and double check for stains, rips etc (I found that out the hard way). I’ve also just started selling some pieces on eBay and really enjoy not only making money, but seeing my pieces go to a good home and knowing I’m not contributing as much to the impact of fast fashion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-life-changing-magic-of-thrifting-up#post-2033127 Thu, 06 Jun 2019 17:58:20 +0000 L'Abeille 2033127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not all thrift stores carry only regionally sourced items. It is undoubtedly the case in consignment shops, but the chains are different. A friend of mine is a trucker, and he frequently takes a load of secondhand clothing from Toronto to Pennsylvania or somewhere else in the US, and from there takes another load to Halifax. (I can't recall which chain it was for.)</p> <p>I think that is why I find items in thrift shops from American stores that aren't available here new. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-life-changing-magic-of-thrifting-up#post-2033123 Thu, 06 Jun 2019 17:48:15 +0000 Gennifyr 2033123@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks L'Abeille! I took some fashion time off for hiking and this summer I wanted to get back in the groove </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-life-changing-magic-of-thrifting-up#post-2033118 Thu, 06 Jun 2019 17:41:11 +0000 Anonymous 2033118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know it's kind of shallow and I wish I could say ecoconsiousness got me first but this is hands down the best inspiration for thrift shopping I've ever encountered. </p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-life-changing-magic-of-thrifting-up#post-2033114 Thu, 06 Jun 2019 17:33:10 +0000 Chris987 2033114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How lovely!&nbsp; You are so fortunate to live in an area where enough women buy the higher end stuff at retail that there is a good supply in thrift shops, and that your body type fits these styles you so love.&nbsp; I don't find this type of stuff at all in thrift shops near me, and I've looked. I haven't tried the shops closer to the city (Boston) because it's&nbsp; a bit of a haul, and Boston is relatively speaking a smaller city. You are indeed a lucky duck and your finds are FAB!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-life-changing-magic-of-thrifting-up#post-2033107 Thu, 06 Jun 2019 16:48:54 +0000 Angie 2033107@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How fortuitous,<b> Roxanna</b>! And you look fabulous. Very nicely done. #1 is my fave. And we MUST see you in that dress.</p> <p><b>Jaime</b>, you look amazing too.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-life-changing-magic-of-thrifting-up#post-2033085 Thu, 06 Jun 2019 15:38:17 +0000 L'Abeille 2033085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not to hijack, but Gennifyr, how nice to see you back! And to see a shoutout to our own Maritime chain, Frenchy's. (There's a particularly good one in my small town.) My daughters make sure to hit it up when visiting from big cities elsewhere in Canada; we don't get the first pass by antique sellers picking off the good stuff.</p> <p>I've never found cashmere, and not often silk, but I agree that hand-feel can quickly isolate the natural fibres that are worth a closer look.</p> <p>Roxana, I long to achieve your level of classiness. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-life-changing-magic-of-thrifting-up#post-2033077 Thu, 06 Jun 2019 15:13:55 +0000 Cardiff girl 2033077@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What awesome finds!That blue dress is gorgeous and you would never guess that any of your outfits were thrifted. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-life-changing-magic-of-thrifting-up#post-2033066 Thu, 06 Jun 2019 14:18:21 +0000 SarahD8 2033066@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, Roxana, what amazing finds!!! I am in awe. So luxe, and such perfect fit. This is what clothing should be (by which I also mean, of sufficient quality that it can be passed around when an item stops working for its current owner).</p> <p>A large portion of my wardrobe is secondhand, certainly over half. I don’t care so much about labels but I am a cashmere junkie (and more generally a natural fibers snob). I have a LARGE collection of cashmere knitwear, all secondhand. My latest purchase is a navy cashmere cardigan with Aran cabling and a funnel neck that opens up to give a middy collar look. By Frame, excellent condition, impeccable cut, under $40. Adore. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-life-changing-magic-of-thrifting-up#post-2033039 Thu, 06 Jun 2019 12:34:12 +0000 Gennifyr 2033039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't look at labels when I'm thrifting but I buy almost everything at either Frenchys or the Sally Ann. The most I pay is $5. The nearest VV is an hour away so I rarely go there. </p> <p>I have almost uncanny good luck with thrifting and I live in rural NS. I add things to online shopping carts and within a week or two, a similar item appears at the thrift shop. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-life-changing-magic-of-thrifting-up#post-2033026 Thu, 06 Jun 2019 11:06:52 +0000 Roxanna 2033026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all! Loving hearing your finds </p> <p>@Lisap you are right, it is not a quick prices, and you have to love the thrill of the hunt and be willing to walk away empty handed more times than not. So it's not for everyone. </p> <p>@Runcarla that jacket is perfect! While I find that designer clothes are often a 'shortcut' to quality, I don't ignore the older retail pieces too. As you found, old AK is often quite good quality, as is old Sisley (the line used to be made in Italy.) And I find that Chinese pieces made and sold in the Chinese market can be quite good quality too, as can old, Scottish cashmere sweaters. I love discovering a great quality item under the radar! Nice work! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-life-changing-magic-of-thrifting-up#post-2033011 Thu, 06 Jun 2019 10:37:10 +0000 lyn67 2033011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Awesome finds, all- you and Shevia have the greatest luck with thrifting quality items! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-life-changing-magic-of-thrifting-up#post-2032985 Thu, 06 Jun 2019 04:49:52 +0000 Anonymous 2032985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m really impressed and envious . I have NO thrifting skills whatsoever . I can barely manage Winners, never mind a thrift shop . I totally get that desire to have more luxurious clothes -but being put off by the prices . I struggle with issue all the time , and never manage to resolve it </p>