I’m not here to promote consumption or tell you that your life will be better with these “must-have shoes for the season”, that designer handbag or those on-trend jeans.
That is a marketing strategy designed to make you feel inadequate and fuel you with desire to shop for unnecessary items.
It is what social media thrives on.
I am here to break down preconceived ideas about used clothing and promote shopping secondhand first.
Sharing my thrifted treasures with you is my way of showcasing some of the great pieces just waiting for new homes and second chances. The bounty that awaits in your local thrift store will shock you.
Why not give it a try?
Your wallet, the earth and your conscience will thank you for it.
I’m tired of people suggesting they are helping the economy by supporting fast fashion and over consumption.
The status quo will never change if they keep feeding fast fashion retailers their hard earned cash. They are simply justifying their choices.
Wouldn’t they feel prouder knowing that they made environmentally sound choices by choosing to purchase secondhand first? Or shopping their own closet?
We can all try to do better.
Small steps towards responsible choices lead to big changes for our world.
In my mission to show you some of the fabulous pieces that can be found secondhand I’m sharing a few of the newest additions to my Etsy store.
Most of the pieces I show are vintage because my store specializes in vintage (pieces that are over 20 years old) however you can find many more pieces that are contemporary.
Vintage is the rare bird, secondhand stores are overflowing with modern pieces.
I had to show off this super cool snake necklace I thrifted as it worked beautifully with this dress. It’s not for sale…yet. This will be the only time you will see a snake draped around my neck. Ever.
*Warning*
I’m wearing a very short mini dress below. Yes, I did feel like I forgot my pants, and no, I did not wear this out. Ha! These are only photos for my Etsy shop.
There are a couple of pieces here that I am seriously considering removing from the shop after trying them on and seeing how much I liked them. That is always a risk. Can you guess which ones they are?
Linking up with Patti for Visible Monday, Turning Heads Tuesday and Fancy Friday
First….the great thing about vintage is how styles come back around over the years. SO many of these pieces you really could find in retail now.
And your mini?? Wowza, wowza and more wowza….I think with those boots, it’s showcasing that you are one hot mama!! Okay, maybe you don’t wear it over to the in-laws, but out to some fun (standing) event—you’d be the belle of the ball. And I say standing event, because I can never figure out how to sit appropriately in those things!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Ha! Yes…I’d need to take a towel with me just so I could sit, one for behind my butt and another for in front!
Your shop is the perfect way to find unique pieces, without adding to the clothing landfills (ahem, fast fashion, ahem). You look SMOKING hot in the mini dress; LOL about needing a towel. The pink ruffled boho dress is a hot pick, too. Great stuff, woman. xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
That pink ruffled 70’s dress is such an easy dress to wear too.
Three cheers for vintage and thrifting! Woo hoo! Woo hoo! Woo hoo! Your shop is a playground for me. Shopping vintage and thrift (and local!) I find things no one else is wearing, curating a style all my own.
I love seeing the new things you discover in your treasure hunts and I wish I had all the money in the world to buy everything that’s my size. And sometimes I wish it was all in my size–like that Mod dress, the first one you featured in this post! That dress, along with the 80s-styled-modern dress seem to me to be the ones you’re thinking about keeping because you display the most energy wearing them in the photos. And that mini-dress–oh, lady! You totally rock it, especially with those thigh-high boots! Just don’t drop anything!
– Sherry
http://www.petiteover40.com
Guess what Sherry? I kept that Warhol-ish first dress ; P
Yes, I’m *trying* to put some more energy in my photos but I’ve come to realize, I’m no Melanie.
I’d need a sherpa for picking up things if I wore that mini dress out. Ha!
I kept nodding in agreement, but then again you are preaching to the converted here. People have such preconceived ideas about second hand shopping, turning up their noses at the thought that anyone owned the clothes before them. I’ve just read a piece on Facebook about second hand shopping, promoted by the local charity shops, and you should have seen the comments … Of course, you are such a pro when it comes to thrifting! I’m always in awe at the treasures you find. The blue 1950s/1960s day dress, for instance … My favourite must be the dress you are wearing in the opening photo: the pink-ish boho dress is just divine, and definitely one I’d fought you for 😉 xxx
I’d love to read that post Ann! If you get a chance can you send me the link?
Suzanne, I not only like you and admire you, I learn from you. This post is so much fun in so many ways. I love your courage in wearing the Sixties mini-dress, even if just for photos. It’s wonderful and reminds me of my youth.
It was a bit daring I must say, although no one was here to judge other than the pug and she slept through most of it. ; P
WOWW, so much fabulousness!, lots of beautiful dresses, lots of attitude and style! and you look so gorgeous in all of them!! I think that my favorite ones are the pink gingham (I’m all about gingham these days!) and the blue hawaian dress! and the 80’s print is so amazing!.
But I suspect that you’ve picked another ones!
And you look so cute in your mini dress, sixties vibe with a touch of sassiness!, so lovely that you styled it this way (even if it’s just for our eyes!). You totally Rock!
besos
WOWW, so much fabulousness!, lots of beautiful dresses, lots of attitude and style! and you look so gorgeous in all of them!! I think that my favorite ones are the pink gingham (I’m all about gingham these days!) and the blue hawaian dress! and the 80’s print is so amazing!.
But I suspect that you’ve picked another ones!
And you look so cute in your mini dress, sixties vibe with a touch of sassiness!, so lovely that you styled it this way (even if it’s just for our eyes!). You totally Rock!
besos
I kind of love that gingham too. It works with so many pieces I already own. It’s just a tad too tight : (
I chose to keep the first dress : )
That mini dress!! First thing that comes in mind is: groovy baby!
And I’m pretty on my way to be hooked on thrift shopping now, so you’re doing a great job!
You have no idea just how happy I am knowing that you are thrifting now Nancy. That makes my day : )
That mini dress! Wow!! I’d say that’s a keeper but I know what you’re saying about the towels. Heh. And any shorts peeking out from underneath would ruin the effect. I saw a woman the other day in a mini that short or even shorter. She wasn’t wearing anything underneath.
And I already read the comments and know you’re keeping the first dress. YES!!!! So good.
I thrift but I still need to curb my consumption. Sigh. I just want everything. Heh.
Oh WOW, but you look fine Suzanne! And not just in the mini dress. You are also rocking that dark green maxi dress.
AND the first dress with the boots is ah-mazing on you! Happy to see you are keeping it. At least for now.
Sigh…I can’t think of anything except that pretty pink gingham dress. I find the sleeve length refreshing and flattering. And the brown accessories just class it up so much more.
Some fabulous finds there, Suzanne. Not surprised your’e keeping that 1st one. The print is outstanding and it matches your background perfectly! I try very hard not buy new, unless it is something classic and very well made that I will have for a long time. Thrifting is a challenge for me as most of the thrift stores where I live are overrun with cast off cheap fast fashion pieces. Most of the nicer pieces go to consignments stores, where the prices are higher. And I haven’t seen a good vintage piece in a thrift near me in years. Very depressing. I do find decent second hand or vintage clothes at estate sales and flea markets though.
Theresa
Gorgeous treasures!!
Couldn’t you wear the funky mini with tights and high boots? I just know there’s an occasion in your future for that little frock!! :-):-)
wahooo – that mini dress look with pale pink boots are a stunner!!
but all your dresses are beauties on their own and you doing them justice with your fab styling ideas!
not even is it not necessary to buy new – seeing this post i´m sure that one can not look half as elegant in fast fashion right from the mall!
xxxx
Suzanne,
I agree completely with your message. I often discussed trends on my blog but then I usually demonstrate the trend with an item that I’ve had in my closet for several years. So I also try to make the same point but perhaps I am being too subtle.
I totally agree with your ethos and I also adore the selection vintage dresses. That very first bold floral is fabulous, and that mini dress on you is just wow! I understand you would not wear that outside, but it looks amazing on you. Kudos!
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
That mini dress brings back memories…! It is gorgeous. On skinny jeans?
Aand I seriously considered the black and white 1970 dress with the horses. But my waist is more than 81 cm/32 inches. Alas. So good.
You will be pleased to hear I still buy second hand. Even scored anoff-white trench. coat by Burberry. After dry cleaning it: spotless. Oh and wide black and white vertical striped trousers. Doing well in the second hand department.
Greetje
PS all of a sudden my prefilled details on your blog disappeared. I have that with lots of blogs. What the F is happening?
I had to give up using Safari for reading blogs. I could no longer comment on 80% of blogs. Now I read on Chrome and it works. Maybe that is the issue?
I am delighted to know you are shopping secondhand. A Burberry trench is a sweet find indeed!
Interesting… I can comment while being on Safari, just have to fill in all the details with every single comment.
Greetje
I bet you kept the gingham fit and flare dress! The horse print maxi really appeals to me, but I checked the measurements in your shop and I think it would be too tight in the chest.
I think all of us that shop secondhand and show off the wonderful treasures we find are doing our part to promote thrifting/secondhand shopping. It is getting harder to find nice quality pieces because the stores are full of sooooooo much new, cheap fast fashion crap.