Heat up your wardrobe without burning through your wallet.
Shortly after passing the bar, I was scheduled to conduct interviews with the same attorneys and witnesses over the span of three days–I needed clothing stat. In my quest for appropriate attire, I was disappointed to discover that a quality blazer would require taking a second mortgage on my home. If I wanted to continue to put food on the table for my family and have formal work attire, I was going to have to put my relationship with the department store on ice.
Thrifted blazers became my rebound.
One day, while paroozing the local senior center thrift store, my gaze landed on a jacket. Sandwiched unassumingly between a 90’s windbreaker and a cat sweater was a men’s houndstooth suit jacket and pants. The price? $12; nearly $300 cheaper than a similar Tory Burch jacket I had been eyeing. Was it perfect? Nope. The sleeves were too short and it didn’t button. However, I saw potential in that thrift store gem and I took it home.
I had it dry cleaned, scrunched the sleeves at the elbow and paired it with a shirt in my closet. Voila! I was put together for less than $15.
The day I wore my thrifted jacket, I felt invincible. It was then that I realized that I could have quality and be put together without selling a organ on the black market.
If the idea of thrifting enchants you, I should warn you there are a few drawbacks. However, these are easily overcome with the below suggestions:
- Thrift store finds can have a distinct unpleasant smell, but if you dry clean your clothing purchase it should lose the scent of neglect and stale moth balls.
- Finding the right items takes time. I will only make a trip to the thrift store if I have time to scour the racks. Keep in mind that the item you fancy likely won’t be perfect but taking it home and giving it a little love from the sewing machine or fabric dye may bring the piece back to life.
- Don’t be afraid to shop in the men’s department. I personally believe that the selection is better.
Thrifting does have its benefits. The clothing is much less expensive than the department store. Also, I find the older the article of clothing, the better the quality. Lastly, thrifting is better for the environment. Imagine the awesome high five 90’s cartoon hero Captain Planet would give you after seeing you in a senior center find!
This green blazer mostly caught my eye because I thought it resembled a Masters green Jacket. Growing up watching the Masters, I always admired the vibrant green color. I figured this once loved blazer would be the closest I would get to becoming the next Jack Nicklaus.
While I still make Nordstrom purchases on occasion, I am liberated by the fact that I have discovered a way to obtain quality clothing that agrees with my once worn out pocket book. I encourage you to go out and find your next outfit at the local thriftstore. I just ask that you share your great finds with me.
If you are striking out at the thrift store or are short one time, here is a great basic that wont break the bank.
