Attn: Thrifters! Do you have "one that got away"?

rosee

There are always deals in thrift stores that are great, but some things don't exactly fit. I still buy fabulous /I-am-in-love items if they are a little bit small at the moment b/c I know I will be losing weight and I know I won't find the item afterward -- besides, it's usually only a few bucks (one less grande latte or something).

One recent item I didn't purchase is still haunting me a bit: I tried on a black Christian Dior tuxedo jacket (for $20) that was too small for me. I decided to buy my size only, but after I placed it on the return rack and then changed my mind, it was gone. I figured I could have consigned it or sold it on ebay if I didn't wear it in the future. I know I should let go but I keep thinking of outfits I could have worn with that type jacket. Perhaps it's just a short period of mourning...

What about you? Anything that you now wish you bought?

14 years ago

Shopping

12 replies

Latest reply was from rosee

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I love shopping for vintage clothes, but I only buy things that fit perfectly or can be easily tailored if it is a high quality piece. I wouldn't cry over a jacket that was too small, not much can be done about that...

14 years ago

MsMary

Veteran

Yep, same here. I absolutely refuse to buy anything that doesn't fit me perfectly right now, or can be altered to fit me perfectly, right now.

Other than that, I do have one item that got away. It was a fab 80s or 90s woven blouse with a great white, orange, blue and red geometric print. It fit beautifully and I just loved it, but I discovered a stain around the elbow and invoked my "don't buy anything that isn't in perfect condition" rule. After the fact, though, I decided the stain was inconspicuous enough, and the print busy enough, that nobody but me would ever have noticed it, and I really regretted leaving the blouse in the store.

14 years ago

Patty

Veteran

I have no use for this thing but I saw it today and it's been imprinted on me---very wide leg, very thin pleat pants in black. I repeat I have no use for it but WOW! they are really wide like a maxi skirt and is in a nice flowy material---it is in the skirt section so it is sorta concealed--I may have to go back tomorrow just for another look. I don't even know what to do with it except that it seems so adult and showy I guess--and black and pleated.....from waist to floor........So I guess until I go tomorrow it hasn't gotten away yet.

14 years ago

Sally

Veteran

Yeah I found a gorgeous Veronika Maine dress in a thrift shop...just didn[t fit across the bust. I did hesitate thinking I could lose weight and then it would be perfect...but I followed the rule of only dressing the now body...so left it on the hanger...it was only $8

14 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

$1 Helmut Lang cocktail dress. I thought I'd have no place to wear it... :T

14 years ago

nicoleb

(website)

Veteran

Oh yes. I once tried on a beautiful vintage dress that was just the *tiniest* bit too small. I immediately started bargaining with myself in the dressing room but ultimately put it back for someone who could fit into correctly to enjoy.

However if i ever run across a big name item in excellent condition fit or not i am ebaying that shi...um item. The last time i was at Goodwill the lady in front of me had scored some Coach shoes that still looked amazing.

Thinking outside the box at thrift stores is the biggest help though. Recently i ran across a pair of pink skinnies with a black chain link pattern all over them and i thought, "wow. those are some tacky pants." and then after i got home i realized, "ugh. those could of made an awesome pair of shorts!"

14 years ago

Patty

Veteran

Nicole you've had me in Goodwill two days in a row now looking for a good pair of dressier pants or two to cut into shorts--I don't have to worry about length just waist-half the battle.
I set the pleated pants free this morning--I tried them on but not as long as maybe they should be--but man did they feel cool! Swish swish.

14 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

I passed up a $10 Missoni sweater because I didn't like the cut... of course, by the time I regretted it and went back, it was gone. MISSONI. Grrrr.

14 years ago

Anonymous

I passed up a DVF midi dress at a consignment store that I've often wished I had. At the time it seemed a bit too figure hugging, but I've lost more weight since. The midi (about an inch below the knee) length also wasn't "in" then and it was still quite expensive. Still, it was the style of dress that could be worn almost anywhere and a great color and print. I felt fab in it and didn't want to take it off.

14 years ago

rosee

Veteran

Thanks for all your responses -- misery loves company. Thank you Modgirl and MaryK for the sobering voice of reason to my otherwise overly-idealized situation (it could've fit, I have others clothes in that size too). Just liked it a bit too much after the fact.

Sometimes when thrifting, if I see something great that doesn't suit me, I immediately try to think of whom I know that could wear it and buy it for them. Didn't do that either. Someone is enjoying the jacket -- and all those great pieces that got away -- let's be happy for them at least.

@Rae: I knew that if you responded, it would be something fab for $1.

@Patty: hope you get your piece!

14 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

There was a beautiful purple Armani gown for $35. I only had $30. I still cry for it.

14 years ago

rosee

Veteran

...Armani, Missoni, DVF, Veronika Maine, Helmut Lang, Coach, Dior, etc. etc., ... almost sounds too good to be true at those prices. ...Wait, it was, in our cases.

14 years ago

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