Mad Plaid

So another break in the 30 for 30 for an Everybody, Everywear challenge.  This round….thrift!

Years ago, thrifting was not something I ever did…or even thought about even.  Thrift stores did not exist in my small town and I didn’t really know anyone that thrifted…at least not proudly.  Then in college a friend introduced me to the wonderful world of Savers.  I was still developing my own personal style, which relied heavily on shit from The Buckle so I didn’t walk away with any treasures that day.  However, I was pleasantly surprised at what I found there.  I’m not sure what exactly I expected thrift stores to be like but this really wasn’t it.  It was clean, all the clothes were neatly hung and organized…but there was a smell.  And to be honest, I still struggle a bit with the smell of the larger stores.  But it’s worth it.

Soon I was hooked…and found all sorts of things, including tons of silk shirts, belts, shoes, boots, jewelry, and purses.  And it was all cheap!  Very cheap!  And much better quality than Forever 21.  And I really love the challenge of incorporating an older item with modern pieces, making old new again.  The entire process, the hunting and dressing and remixing, is somewhat therapeutic to me.  

I’m proud to say that this outfit, with the exception of the hat, is entirely thrifted/vintage.  I picked up the dress and belt (it has owls on it!) not too long ago at a new store in town full of amazing vintage items.  Those awesome shoes there were actually some of my first thrifting finds.  Though they ended up costing me quite a bit to repair (novice thrifting fail), I still love how entirely original they are.  

Originality is one of my favorite things about thrifting.  You’re almost guaranteed to find something that no one else has.  Trash to treasure.

Hat: Urban Outfitters 
Dress: Vintage Socialite
Belt: Modern Socialite
Necklace: Mid-town Antiques 
Purse: Dooney & Burke (thrifted)
Shoes: Mid-town Antiques