Thrift Shopping Tip – S.T.O.P

How do you know when clothing is right for you? There are so many choices out there it is overwhelming.

If you shop thrift like I do, it is a minefield of great pieces that are awesome and inexpensive but aren’t exactly right for you.

Recently I bought a few pieces thrifting.

Suprise!

Ha ha.

Not.

Anyhoo… I picked up this gorgeous silk patterned dress by Marciano for $10 that would normally cost around $150.

Stunning right? It is a babydoll shape, empire waist and above the knee. This style isn’t good for my body type. I decided to disregard that knowledge and take it into the fitting room. It was too pretty, too silky, and so cheap, I was determined to make it work.

When you’re trying to convince yourself of all the reasons why you should buy something you need to stop yourself, literally.

Think of this acronym…

STOP

S – Shape…is the shape right for your body type?

T – Timeless…will you tire of this quickly?

O – Objective…are you being objective and looking at the garment with a critical eye? Will this work with other pieces in your closet?

P – Positive… does it make you feel positive about yourself and your body? It should make you feel amazing.

It is obvious that I choose to ignore each of these tips and bought it simply because I liked the pattern, colour and fabric, and the fact that it was such a great deal.

This is the bests photo I took. Every other photo made me look like a linebacker that had just swallowed another linebacker and then chased him down with a magnum of red wine, two family sized chocolate bars, a couple of banana splits and a wafer thin mint (cause that’s classy).

Let’s talk about what went wrong here.

The V is too deep (even when I’ve tacked it) the arm holes are too large, the shoulder straps are too narrow and angled inwards showing more of my armpit area (so sexy!), the empire waist and pattern emphasizes the chest, the band of graphic flowers emphasizes the stomach/hips and finally there is no defined shape.

I knew it was wrong.

Just look at my face. I look pissed grumpy.

This didn’t lift me up.

I went against my gut feeling and bought it anyhow thinking somehow, magically, on the drive home I’d lose 20 lbs and grow three inches.

I was a bad thrift shopper.

On the other hand, while I was making my way out of the store, a skirt yelled out to me, “Rescue me! I’m perfect for you!”

It was eccentric, bold, artsy, unique and all-the-way-out-there.

I knew immediately that this would work.

STOP

Did it tick all the boxes?

S – Shape

Yes, I’ve learned to really love a midi circle skirt on my frame even though I’m petite.

T- Timeless

This is such a unique piece it defies trends.

O – Objective

Objectively I knew I had pieces already in my closet that would work with this skirt.  Also, the skirt is a piece of art. I wish the photos captured the beadwork and sequins better.

P – Positive

Yes, I felt happy with a positive self-image when I looked in the mirror.  It made me feel like a million bucks even though it cost me $5. (Yes, I know I wasn’t supposed to mention price here, but I have to brag, it’s a thrifter thing.)

And now, for your viewing pleasure, I shall dance.

Scoring a one-of-a-kind piece like this while thrifting often makes me feel like dancing.  It’s like winning the lottery on a very small scale.

What happened to that other dress?

I took it to my favourite consignment store.

I know it will look fantastic on someone, it just wasn’t me.

Do you have any shopping or thrifting tips to pass along? Or maybe a rose for between my teeth?

Linking up with Visible Monday, I Will Wear What I Like, Shoe and Tell, Turning Heads Tuesdays, Throw Back Thursdays