Wardrobe Building: The Thrifted Edition

Hey guys I wanted to share a guest post with you I wrote for Minister of Style while she was moving to Florida.  Hope you like it, enjoy!

Wardrobe Building: The Thrifted Edition

To be quite honest I had never ever stepped foot inside of a thrift store until after I started reading fashion blogs.  Not that I had anything against it but it never crossed my mind.  So that was then and this is now, and about 10 to 15 percent of my wardrobe is thrifted.  I have used thrifting as a way to fill in the gaps, so to speak, in my wardrobe.  Usually when I go thrifting I have a mental list of what I want and need.  I am all about looking good at a reasonable price so that’s why I am giving you the trifited edition of wardrobe building…so here goes.  These are my top five pieces that you can easily add to your wardrobe without breaking the bank.  

1.     Blazers – I can’t even begin to tell you how many blazers I have thrifted.  Finding blazers are always first on my list because they are the easiest.  My first time thrifting I bought four blazers all for $10 or less each.  Never go by the size on the tag, always try on everything. I am always surprised that I can fit things smaller than my normal size. Buying a bunch of blazers retail can get very pricey.  Instead hit your local thrift store and check the designer section, you might be surprised at what you find. 

2.    Dresses/Skirts – I naturally gravitate towards dress and skirts so these are always second on my list.  With dresses you have to thinking outside the box and imagine how it would look belted, under a blazer, worn a skirt, etc… The same thing with skirts, can it be taken from a maxi skirt to a midi dress…or from a midi skirt to a belted blouse (got that one from BeautyFash).  If you are a fashionista that sews you can also make minor alterations to suit your needs.

3.    Cardigans/Blouses – I am a cardigan hoarder…I have almost every color and I want more!  For me they go with everything and are great foundation for layering in the winter months.  I have come across some beautiful cashmere cardigans but have yet to find one in my size. Finding a cashmere cardi would be the ultimate score for me! I am still working on building up my collection of blouses.  I recently found some beautiful silk blouses that were all less than $8 each! Blouses are great for office attire and can be easily dressed down with jeans for a night out.

4.    Belts/Scarves – My two favorite accessories.  I wear a belt with almost all my outfits and when it cools off the scarves are coming back out too.  These two items usually are the cheapest things I find.  I have never paid more than $4 for a belt and not more than $5 for a scarf.  Both these items are super easy way to add a little pizzazz to any outfit.   

5.    Purses – Last but not least, purses are something I haven’t had much luck with but I am not giving up.  I have seen so many other bloggers with beautiful purses and clutches they have thrifted. I have not found any clutches but I did luck up on a beautiful red leather handbag for $3!  We all know that a fabulous purse can seal the deal on an entire outfit.

That’s my short list of items that you easily thrift and build up your current wardrobe.  I did leave off pants, only because for a curvy girl like me I have a hard enough time getting a great pair of pants retail.  I am not sure I am ready to dive in to thrifting pants just yet.  I really hope this was helpful for anyone that wants to start thrifting or trying to add a few key elements to their wardrobe at a reasonable price.