Summer Thrifting Fun - YouLookFab Forum

I live in California and we're definitely past (our version of) winter weather now and coming into spring and summer. It's been in the 70s and 80s for the past two weeks and it's time to reluctantly put away my turtlenecks and thick ponte pants. I love winter clothing, and honestly DO wish I could wear it for more than three months a year. but when your neighbor's daughter is sunbathing in a bikini on the front lawn, a cashmere pullover feels a tad out of step.

I got my summer clothing out of storage last week. I should say here that I
had weight loss surgery about 8 months ago, so i knew I would have to donate most of it. However I was surprised when I ended up with nothing summery that fit atall, except for shoes and purses and a couple of boho sundresses that have a drawstring top which I can tie tight enough to make themacceptable for the beach or a casual weekend look.

I am still losing (although much slower now) and hope to ultimately drop at least 3 more sizes. That means I really need to be shopping smarter---thrift stores and consignment shops---until I get to my goal weight, probably around fall. (I already made the mistake of going on a shopping spree about 3 months after surgery---all too big now, currently selling on Ebay--I guess I can add my summer stuff to the pile, too).

This past weekend there was a monster Goodwill sale in my local region (all
clothing $2 at every Goodwill in the area!) I visited about five or six stores and bought lots of things, mostly workwear. I am a classic dresser when it comes to workwear (conservative office) and my summer look is trousers, cotton button downs and cotton or rayon cardigans or crew necks. (I realize
this might be too warm for most folks in summer but my office always has
a/c on full blast. Not to mention the fact that since my weight loss I've started to 'run cold' for the first time in the history of ever.) So at the big sale I was lucky to find a nice selection of lightweight black trousers, several black and dark blue sweaters and cardigans and a variety of blue/grey/navy tops and button downs. Combine this with a couple of black knit blazers which I already had, and I am all set. I bought about 25 things and I probably won't need to buy anything else except shoes and underwear for the next three months.

For casual wear it was a different story. It's always been bit harder for me to find good casual items as I prefer natural fibers, but I did find some gems---several pairs of loose linen crop trousers; some comfy cotton tissue t's, a long black rayon knit maxi dress for casual weekend wear (I just need to sew some straps on it, as I don't do strapless, but that's an easy fix),

My two favorite finds were a pair of Kut from the Kloth Catherine boyfriend jeans and the dark blue J Crew rollneck linen sweater of my dreams in a
men's XL, perfect for throwing on over jeans for a walk on the beach. Definitely love thrift shopping!

Shoes for my summer look are easy: Clarks Purity Crystal wedges and loafers for the office; Clarks Orlena patent espadrilles, D'orsays and Dr Scholl's Joliet ballet flats for weekends and I am hopefully done.

Are you thrifting/SYC for summer?

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10 years ago

rabbit

Veteran

Sounds like you did good :). I basically needed to replace most of my wardrobe a year ago and I tried to do as much as I could thrifting. It worked out that about 20% of my purchases last year were thrifted (but I was counting tights, leggings, and socks in the overall total as well, things I couldn't thrift). I still find it helpful when I have an item I'm looking for to check thrift first, and from there to move onto the off-price retailers (T J Maxx, Marshalls, the Rack) where the bulk of my new clothes come from. I think it makes a lot of sense when you are starting from scratch or have a wardrobe that may be temporary. I've also found that consigning thrifted items that are a good make/condition but don't work out on me usually ends up being a break even or a gain financially.

There are a couple of things I've had trouble finding thrifted, but occasionally get lucky -- white items in good condition, the most contemporary shapes in tops and shoes (consignment stores are better), and of course any hosiery. Classic items in neutral colors is a good bet so it sounds like your work style aligns well with your finds.

thimblelina

(website)

I'm always popping in & out of my favorite thrift stores... Don't buy a lot, but I find the occasional winner!

Anonymous

Thrift stores are a great place to look for black trousers and buttondown shirts but usually not good for knits. For summer clothing I do better at consignment stores. It is fun to find a treasure. Hardly a day goes by that I am not wearing something thrifted or from consignment.

tulle

You make a great point, Puppycat, about the usefulness of thrift shops for covering temporary wardrobe needs when one's weight is changing. They are also helpful for other temporary states and moods. I have a sort of game I play when I see particularly interesting but very expensive, or otherwise-out-of-my-comfort-zone items in fashion mags or shopping sites: I hunt in my favorite thrifts for vintage versions of the hot new design. It's amazing how often looks from 10 or 15 years earlier are revived by young designers, and the older fabrics and tailoring tend to be of much better quality. Changing a hemline, adding new shoes, accessories, and other pieces help give the thrifted items contemporary credibility. It's a fun and instructive way to experiment with new looks, and mistakes are cheap!

Dimity

Active Member

Yes! I have three stores here in country Queensland that I go to, usually weekly. The majority of my wardrobe is thrifted (well over 50% of the total, and 90% in some categories), although as others have noted, some categories can be hard to find in worthwhile versions. This includes shoes, white clothing and (I don't know why) sweaters for me. Others say sweaters are easy to find, and I have found several great ones, but certainly they aren't readily available. It could be that our winter is short and people don't buy many at retail, but I feel the cold and love them so I have quite a few.

Easy to find categories for me include tops (blouses and shirts, although tee shirts can be a bit worn), skirts, the occasional dress and pants. I never used to own many tops but now I have lots in all of my colours and season-weights. I'm pretty easy to fit and have a good idea of what I like and what suits me so I don't usually try things on until I've washed them at home. If I don't like the way it looks, I re-donate it as items are generally $3-4 regardless of what they are.

Some of my best buys have been trench coats (modern, current ones, not vintage), wool kilts (hello, Ms Prada!), top brand dresses, fabulous jeans, and recently I bought a lovely silk blouse for $2. I buy shoes, underwear, hosiery and socks as well as sweaters at retail.

I want to thank people who donate their unwanted clothes to thrift stores because I'm grateful to be able to buy my clothes there and feel that I can participate in the fashion world and stay current at a price I can afford. I study full time and my income is minimal. Your donations make a difference not only to the charity but also to the people who buy the clothes. I'm amazed by the generous donations of nearly new clothing and appreciate your kindness.

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