Thrifty Fall Shopping

My fall/winter wardrobe really needed a boost, and this year, I've decided to do all my shopping at thrift shops (with the exception of one hat and one bag - not pictured here). Over the summer, my husband visited quite a few different thrift stores to collect books. It gave me the opportunity to tag along and fill in some gaps in my wardrobe. All these things were found over the course of many visits - not just one.

Shoes:

• Tall leather boots
• 70s waterproof boots
• Leather lace-up booties

Accessories:

• Berry macrame bag (as seen in this outfit).
• Blue cotton Central American woven bag
• 90s green corduroy backpack bag
• Vintage brown cotton paisley scarf

I was really lacking in long-sleeve shirts last fall and winter, but I had great success in finding a variety of tops this summer. I also found some comfortable flared jeans that look like they had never been worn. When thrifting, I try to look for basic items in good condition that will last for many seasons, or interesting vintage pieces that have stood the test of time. Here's what I came up with:

• 70s-80s blouse with poet sleeves (or pirate sleeves, as I like to call them)!
• Denim sleeveless button-down top
• Casual purple jersey cotton top
• Royal purple turtleneck sweater
• Vintage reversible cotton top with Mandarin collar
• Flared jeans

In addition to some new-to-me clothes, I also found some vintage goodies. These patterns from 1967, 1969, 1970 and 1972  respectively, were a quarter each. I'm loving the a-line button-down skirts I'm seeing everywhere, and thought I might try to make my own. I love the one in Simplicity 5144, but if it looks too complicated, I may scrap the buttons and try the "How-to-Sew" 7218 pattern. That's sounds more to my speed.

Simplicity 9156 isn't even in my size, but the blonde girl's bangs hypnotized me, and the tunic dress was just too groovy.

I also picked up some mid-century cups. Milk glass and 50s-60s-70s patterns seem to call me by name. After taking them home, I always look up the names of the patterns. From left to right: Fire-King (Primrose), Pyrex (Spice O' Life), Corelle (Butterfly Gold), Pyrex Dinnerware (Dove Gray). These were also 25 cents each. The Johnson Bros "Posy" cup and saucer (in the first photo) I spent a few dollars on because it was a set.
The chief thing I learned in this thrifting challenge is to keep a list. I made a list of all the wardrobe pieces I wanted for this autumn, and every time I went to the charity shops and thrift stores, I systematically went through the racks looking specifically for things on my list. It was a good strategy stretched out over multiple visits. A list kept me focused. This thrifting challenge was fun, too. It made me feel like a hunter. ;-)

Are you shopping second-hand this fall? Any good finds?

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