If you didn't read my I'm Glad I Didn't Buy A Personalised Style Bundle that I posted the other day, this article will be horribly confusing. But after that disaster (definitely read it), I wanted to challenge myself to see if I could do better at thrifting pieces for myself than a person who actually gets paid to thrift professionally.
You would think I know my style better than a paid stylist - and of course I do - but that doesn't mean that I'd have more luck as it's all about the items you find on the day. So, I decided to get in the car, hit up some thrift stores and see what I could find without a budget because I honestly didn't expect to find anything.
But man, oh, man, were the thrift gods smiling on me!
Maybe too much as I found quite a few pieces which is very rare for me. Rarely do I actually find pieces I like (let alone buy) but I wanted to stick to that corporate rock and roll aesthetic and see what I could find. I went to four different stores - Savers, Salvos, Vinnies and a local charity store (where everything is $6 or under).
I ended up spending $50.05 or $6.25 per item on 8 pieces. Without including the boots it's down to $26.05 or $4.34 per item. The thrifted mystery bundle I was looking at buying was $170 for 6 pieces or $28.33 per item.
If I bought everything brand new it would be around $750 and $1000. Apart from the Target coat and Wittner boots which look obviously well used, I think everything else could pass for brand new or softly worn.
This is what I got:
Boots $9 - originally from Wittner
I definitely didn't need any new boots, but these caught my eye, and I just couldn't leave them behind. They do have some paint on them and a few scuffs, but I love that they look worn in. It kind of adds to their charm.
Compare: Similar style at Wittner range between $279 to $329 brand new.
Boots $15 - originally from Tony Bianco
I couldn't decide between the two pairs, so I ended up getting both. These are definitely in a lot better condition than the others but still a little too expensive for what they are. I'm convinced, however, that the person (assuming they owned both) who owned them is a kindred boot spirit.
Compare: Similar styles at Tony Bianco range between $219.95 and $299.95 brand new.
Skirt $5.50 (half off) - brand unknown
Part of my notes for the stylist was that I like pieces to be a little unique or special, and the chevron pattern at the bottom takes what would ordinarily be just a plain pleated skirt into something extra. I love it so much!
Dress $4 - originally from Target
This is probably the item I'm most unsure about. It looks great on but because I'm a fan of long sleeves and layering, I will definitely have to layer for me to wear this to feel comfortable - and I hope that doesn't take away from the gold stud detail. Again, it's a simple dress but with something a little extra special.
Compare: Current season dresses at Target are $65 brand new.
Skirt $2 - originally from H&M
This skirt still has its original tags attached so it's brand new and never been worn. The pockets do add a little bulk which isn't the most flattering on me, but I tried it on with a long jumper in store and it looked cute peeking out at the bottom. It's a great basic and you can't go wrong for brand new with a $2 price tag.
Compare: The original tag says $199 HKD which is about $35 AUD.
Coat $6 - originally from Target
I know it's not obvious by the photo, but the coat is actually a plaid with a sparkly thread running through it, so it looks quite glam despite not being in the best condition. It does have that rock and roll lux I was looking for.
Compare: Coats on Target range between $80 and $120 brand new.
Skirt $4.05 (half off) - originally from shein
I didn't know it was shein when I bought it and I probably wouldn't have bought it knowing that (or at least I would have thought about it a little more). I went in looking for sequins and this caught my eye immediately. I was walking to the changing rooms and some lady commented that the skirt was an amazing find. I said I wouldn't know if it would fit and she said, "you make it fit" haha, as in the skirt's worth it. I'm a little scared to wash it, getting sick and the length is not ideal, but I like it enough for now that I will keep and wear it.
Compare: Similar skirts on shein range between $10.95 and $30.95.
Dress $4.50 (half off) - originally from Capture
I actually bought this dress a week before, but I thought I would include it anyway because it's still a clothing item I picked out for myself. I love the style of it and the lace detailing on the sides adds that little bit of uniqueness to it which I love! I'm not the biggest fan of the polyester fabric but it looks incredible on.
Compare: Capture is out of business so difficult to say but are between $28 and $50 on eBay.
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So how do you think I did compared to the stylist? I'm very happy with my haul. I've never been lucky enough to find enough pieces to even consider doing a haul. I feel like everything fits my desired aesthetic quite well.
I bought three items at the local shop, one at Savers, none at Vinnies and four at the Salvos.
It was actual coincidence that most things ended up being black - I looked at colour too, I promise!
This experience has made me want to go thrifting more regularly. I used to only stop in on occasion but now I want to see what other treasures I can find - which is a tricky thing when you're trying not to spend money. But like I've said previously, most of my clothes don't currently fit me so I'm glad I have new items I can wear now.
I am still keen to buy a thrifted mystery bundle from someone else but I'm okay for the moment ^_^
x
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