I’m gonna pop some tags // Only got twenty dollars in my pocket (Macklemore)
A few weeks ago, in one of our Dallas fashion blogger Facebook groups, Denise from Beauty and the Pleats invited us to join her in a Thrift Store Challenge. As Macklemore so famously did in his hit song, we popped tags with twenty dollars in our pocket. It’s been awhile since I had been on a good thrifting spree, and I’m trying to save up money for NYFW in September, so I happily accepted the challenge.
Valery and I went to Thrift Giant Outlet on Northwest Highway because we had heard that it was the place to find amazing deals. We spent our lunch break navigating through the aisles and asking each other for feedback on our finds. With the challenge in mind, we were careful to read the price tags to stay as close to $20 as possible. Imagine our surprise when we checked out and each of our bills totaled up to less than $5! It was then that we looked up at the signs and realized that the price tags weren’t actual prices– every item that we purchased was only 99 cents!
That was not a typo… everything I’m wearing in this outfit post– blouse, pants, and shoes– cost a mere 99 cents each. My ensemble was less than a Happy Meal at McDonalds.
The first item I added to my shopping cart was this surplice neckline top. Because thrifting can get overwhelming, I kept my focus on neutral colors like black and white. I almost put the shirt back on the rack because it was size 1XL, but when I held it up to my body, it seemed like it would fit loosely. (Thrift Giant Outlet doesn’t have a dressing room, so you have to take a chance with how things fit, but for less than a dollar, it’s worth the risk).
I found these pinstripe culottes next. I have been in need of some nicer pants to wear for work meetings in the summer. These cropped pants are dressy enough for business, but comfortable in the hot weather. Both of the items are classic and versatile, so I can wear them with other pieces in my closet.
I was a little discouraged when none of the “nice” shoes hanging on the wall behind the cash register were my size. I had really wanted to do a head-to-toe thrifted post. While I was waiting for Valery to make the final decisions on her purchases, I happened to spot these Steve Madden sandals on top of one of the clothing racks. They didn’t have a size listed, but I measured them next to my feet and decided to go for it! They ended up being a perfect fit– and in great condition! (And again… 99 cents! haha)
I know that thrift shopping isn’t for everyone, but I really encourage you to try it at least once! There are so many different resale stores in our area, some of whose proceeds go towards local charities. My favorite higher-end thrift store is called Style & Grace in Colleyville. Sales from the store are donated to GRACE Grapevine, an amazing organization that provides assistance to individuals and families in crisis. They carry a lot of name brands, so I didn’t know if I could stay under $20 for an entire outfit there. But since we are talking thrift stores, I had to give them a little plug!
Thanks to Denise for hosting this Thrift Store Challenge and giving us the opportunity to stretch our fashion creativity (without breaking the budget).
