My friend, Jen, over at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam is as passionate about yardsales and thrifting as I am and when I found out she had a thing for clothes shopping at those venues just as much as I do, well, let’s just say we are soul-sisters in thrifting. And when I found out Jen was going to do a party where we can all show off our frugal fashion finds, I was really excited about that. For you see, my closet is full of thrifty finds. I can hardly stand to shop at the retail stores anymore. But, that doesn’t mean I’m lookin’ frumpy, oh far from it, there are great name brands and stylish clothes out there just waiting to be found. And it’s not just clothes. I’m talking shoes, jewelry and purses too. I can’t tell you how many great things I’ve found out there over the years.
So, come along for a little frugal fashion show and I’ll show you just one outfit that I took out of my closet. Now keep in mind these pics were sort of thrown together, after peeling off my sweaty gym clothes, I threw this stuff on to do this story and I’m not exactly photo ready after sweating most of my makeup off. So, this is me gettin’ real and I had to take my own pics in the mirror.
My neighbor owns a consignment store and I’ve mentioned before that she does at least 2 big yardsales at her house a year and I have racked up on some great things from her sales. Now, I know that you don’t always find deals like this out there every day, but I have run across some wonderful brands of clothing at yardsales too for just a few dollars and my closet is proof. This is an Ann Taylor dress and I got it for $1. Yep, you heard that right, just one dollar. Most of the things I’ve gotten through my neighbor’s sale have been $1 or $2. I didn’t shoot a closeup of the bracelet I’m wearing, but that is a yardsale find too for only $1. Most of my jewelry these days comes from yardsales and all 3 of these pieces came from 3 different sales.
The dress is a pretty chocolate brown with green leaves. Moving on to the shoes…
Now I realize that some would turn their nose up at buying shoes at yardsales, but really there are many out there that are very gently used. These Ralph Lauren sandals were $4, still in the box and looked like they had just been worn outside once or twice. It doesn’t bother me at all to find a pair of shoes in great condition like this to bring home and wear.
I was trying to figure out how to show you my jewelry without showing my head, but it didn’t work out, so now here I am looking ragged, but you can see the jewelry I’ve found. This brown chunky necklace was $1 as well as the earrings.
So, let’s add that up:
Ann Taylor dress: $1
Ralph Lauren shoes: $4
3 pieces of jewelry: $3
Total: $8
Can you beat that? I don’t think so. In case you’ve never considered clothes as an option to shop for at thriftstores or yardsales, let me encourage you to think outside the box. You will be amazed at what is out there in your size, just waiting to come home with you. Talk about being spoiled. I can hardly stand to go in a retail store now and even pay sale prices. How about you? Are YOU on the bandwagon too for thrifty clothes shopping? Go on over to Jen’s to see who else is playing today. And Jen is also the Queen of Frugal Fashion herself.
I’m also joining Julia’s Hooked on Fridays, since I’m definitely hooked on frugal shopping.
Some of my favorite things over the years have been from thrift stores. LOVE shopping there. Been going since I could drop off my son at preschool and go alone. He’s going to be 25 this year. Its truly treasure shopping!
Rhoda, that dress is just wonderful (love, love, LOVE floral patterns on anything!), and you look beautiful with or without make-up. Thanks for sharing some more of your fantastic finds!
I love your whole outfit! Especially those shoes. And I only wish I looked that good when my makeup is melted. 🙂
D
Rhoda, I’ve just started reading your blog, and I must say that I never would have guessed that some of your clothes and accesories come from garage sales. You always look so classy! Like you said, you can find designer and name brand clothing for a song at garage sales and thrifts. I’m so glad you’re showing people that it’s OK to recycle clothing and shoes!
Rhoda, you are definitely our queen of shopping and great buys. And, your outfit looks fabulous.
I apologize for sending you the e-mail in error.
You look great!
That’s great Rhoda! I remember all 4 of us sitting at a fancy dinner on a cruise thinking we were all dressed in clothes that I got from thrift stores..and we looked GOOD! All for about $40 to dress all 4 of us!
I often have people comment on my pretty clothes (or how nice the guys dress).
I get almost everything at Goodwill, the Mission thrift store, and garage sales.
We live in a very affluent college community so I guess we’re fortunate that other people pay a lot of money for clothes and then get tired of them. 🙂
Great job! Love the outfit. I’ve gotten a few second-hand shoes as well. Nothing wrong with that 🙂
WOW!I want to go shopping with you. You got a great deal and you look beautiful! The dress is so feminine. Hugs,Bobbi Jo
LOVELY outfit… you can’t beat those prices!
Beautiful shoes!
I agree, you are not frumpy, just lovely!!
fun frugal post!
You look terrific and I love the frugal outfit! I love to thrift and yard sale too! Hoping for some good ones tomorrow.
Just beautiful!!! ..and when you are done shopping – you feel like you won the lottery..instead of feeling guilty!
Wow you do NOT look like you just came from the gym. Great finds by the way! I love finding Ann Taylor stuff. Thanks for stopping by my blog too.
I’m inspired by all you talented people!
Great dress. You look stunning!
That dress is lovely! Ann Taylor really does make nice things and they can often be found at thrift stores around me.
🙂
Good deal on the dress, I thought my Ann Taylor shirt for $1.15 for a good deal, but you win the prize for best deal!
Great deals – especially love the shoes!