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.

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.

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.

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.

Another super thrifter here!

You look gorgeous in that herringbone sweater, Roxanna. I love all your pieces.

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.

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!

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.

I think thrifting is certainly a lifestyle thing, and you have to enjoy it to do it well. 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!

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.
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.

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....

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!

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!

Column - I have often thought the same thing! If we all start engaging in thrifting, maybe the tides will turn at retail.

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.

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!

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 nearly new Cydwoq shoes for $28.

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.