Guest Post: Getting comfy with thrifted Anthropologie

Note: While I am on vacation the community is helping keep EA live! This guest post is written by Dr. Da of Weather Geeque Chique. 

Let me start off by saying, I have never bought anything at Anthropologie.  Never.  So what am I doing writing a guest post on an Anthropologie blog?  Well, I do own Anthroplogie items (purchased via thrift-stores, Ebay, and consignment sales).  More importantly, I LOVE Anthropologie’s mix of classic and quirky. 

In 2010, I challenged myself to buy only “new to me” clothing.  With the exception of a few items bought with giftcards, all of my clothing purchases in 2010 came from thrift stores, Ebay, and consignment sales.  The year of “new to me” shopping completely changed my outlook on what I am willing to pay retail for, and thus I still do the majority of my shopping via 2nd hand options.   Once I got used to paying under $4 for 100% cashmere sweaters, I just can’t stomach paying most retail prices.

• Shop at thrift stores in affluent areas.  I live close to a large lake full of million dollar homes, and the Goodwills near the lake are full of high-end brands that are only a season or two old.
• Know the pricing.  The Goodwills in my area have set prices….a sweater is going to cost $3.99 regardless of brand.   The Salvation Army stores in my area individually price items, but they are staffed by little old ladies who have a different idea of what something is worth.  One of my best finds ever was the Bougainvillea cardigan at a Salvation Army Store for $3.99 and it still had the Anthropologie tag on it.

Sweater: Anthropologie (thrifted new with tags for $3.99), 

silk shell: Talbot’s Outlet ($2), 

pants: JCPenny ($18), flats: Payless ($8)

I have learned to not expect to find anything specific when buying second hand.  One day I came across the Venice Postcard skirt on Ebay, and was smitten.  But even on Ebay the cost was too much for me.  So every once and awhile I would search for it.  During one search of “venice skirt” I came across a Talbot’s Venice scene skirt I loved even more, but was still out of my price range.  I kept being patient, and that patience was rewarded the day I walked into my local Goodwill and found the Talbots version for $3.99.  It was a size smaller than I would have bid on online, yet it fit me perfectly.  My patience was rewarded!

I love the Peppered and Striped Skirt.  This thrifted skirt reminds me of it, and allows me to take inspiration from other bloggers; I knew I wanted to pair this skirt with something in the red family because of the looks of these bloggers: You, Me, and Anthroplogie,  Stuff Jewish Girls Like and In Pursuit of Pretty Things .  When I wear this skirt I feel as great in it as I imagine I would feel in the Anthro version.