Thrift Finds

I notice that you don't ever approve Thrift Shop finds. But I have some great things form there. Why don't you like them? Thanks, Thrift Shop Tessie



Hello, Tess,
Fashion is a moving target. You probably have plenty of old things in your closet already, why look for clothes that aren't current? They are at least one season behind to begin with, and the way things move these days, one season is a big loss of wearing time. Also, an outfit made mostly of old clothes is going to be apparent, no matter how nice they (once) were. If you really love to cruise the thrifts, don't look for basic items on the downswing, like denim skirts. Look for accent pieces (as high end as possible) such as bags, that you can add to a (perfect) fresh outfit, to provide some quirky interest. These items cannot support others (remember, the bag stands alone) but they may add a creative spark, if done correctly. And don't overdo the quirky, either. If you lay on embroidery, filmy chiffon, and dayglo glasses, the effect is just ludicrous.

Here's a basic suit that won't work any more: Dead as a Doornail
Can you tell why? The shoulders, the stance of the jacket, the shape of the skirt are all past.

Did I say Shoulders?

And look at this: Someone Bought it, Too!

I promise I'll stop now: Please, no.