Many people are put off at the idea of thrifting. Perhaps they tried it once or twice and gave up. “I never find anything! All I see is just a bunch of junk!” is the refrain that I hear over and over again.
I guess it all depends on your outlook. For me, half the fun is wading through all the things that don’t appeal to me until I have that “Aha” moment. That’s when I see something that speaks to me and sets my heart aflutter. That adrenaline rush is as addictive as a drug. Who knows…that’s could be a scientific fact. Just like a skydiver or a gambler or a bungee jumper keeps going back for more thrill seeking.
I don’t remember having quite the same feeling when I shopped retail. There are so many things in a retail store that are appealing that the thrill is muted and becomes almost an afterthought. Do I like this particular shirt? Yes, just as much as I like the 12 identical shirts hanging right behind it.
But, when you are thrifting, each item has a one of a kind feeling to it. It has a uniqueness about it, rather than the ubiquitousness that you find with mass produced items at the mall. Of course, at one time, that thrifted item was a mass produced item in a retail setting. But now, in this moment, there is just the one in front of you. It is a nowor never decision. And I love it!
I thought I would start sharing some of my all time favorite thrifted finds with you. These items are not for sale because they are so special to me. But, who knows, even that might change!
This jacket is probably in my top 5 all time favorites.
The embroidered detail on the sleeve was what first caught my attention. A sleeve was sticking out of the jumble of blazers stuffed on to a rack.
I think I actually ran over to it!
I grabbed the jacket and my heart felt that fluttery feeling that has become so familiar. I put the jacket in my cart and kept shopping, excited at my good fortune.
It wasn’t until I was in the fitting room that I saw the back of this jacket. I remember taking it off the hanger in order to try it on and catching a glimpse of the back. My heart didn’t just flutter. I think it stopped beating for a minute! I was in love.
That jacket was going home with me, no matter what!
Fortunately, it fit me. The label is Cambridge Dry Goods and I’m guessing that it is from the early 90’s. I used to buy this line quite a bit back in the day, but I don’t even know if they are still in business.
But that doesn’t matter. This jacket was given away by someone who no longer saw the magic in it. And I’m so glad that I found it so I could give it a new life!
Speaking of new life, I want to thank those of you who have encouraged me in my new endeavor of selling some of my clothing collection. I especially want to thank my first two customers! You mean the world to me.
I hope to have the eBay store up and running some time this week. Please be sure to check it out when I announce it! Until that time, please visit Shop Style Artisan for a preview of the types of great clothes that I will be selling!
Cambridge Dry Goods jacket–ThriftedCarolyn Taylor black turtleneck–RossBeBop black cord skinnies–$19.99 Marshall’sBelt–ThriftedCross necklace–VintageBoots–$22.99 Ross