Although I’ve always liked the idea of scoring quality, unique pieces for less at thrift stores, I didn’t have much luck shopping them until recent years. The stores around Boston are usually sorted only by color, or item type, or not sorted at all…making it quite the hunt for items that fit. After seeing constant pieces on fellow blogger Kerry sourced from a “Savers” thrift store, I popped into one years ago and have been a fan ever since. The locations I’ve visited have been very organized (Nick usually makes a beeline for the homegoods & used books selection), with clothes actually sorted by size. And if you sign up for emails, they offer 30 – 50% off on select holidays. I was excited when the company reached out to me last month, with gift certificates to share (scroll down for giveaway details)!
On one of these 50% off sales last year, I found this dress as part of a 2-piece for $4. At first glance, it was a terrifying explosion of pastel tweed and frill, probably worn once by a little girl for Easter and tossed quickly afterwards (funny enough, half a year later I came across an identical set at a thrift store hours away, which only confirms the fleeting life of this design). After peeling off the cumbersome jacket, however, I saw a cute, petite-friendly dress similar to items I’ve been eying from mainstream retailers.
Compared to my other thrift store finds, this dress required the least amount of re-work. My computer crashed and took with it all “before” photos, but the only alteration I did was taper in the waist darts. That may not have been the best route as the fit is still a little childish, but it did enough to breathe some new life into it.
After shopping second-hand items for a while, I do want to share that one of my biggest lessons learned is to not be influenced by low prices. After finding skirt after skirt in quality materials that fit perfectly at the waist (and require just a simple hem), I realized that it was getting excessive even at ~$5 a pop. I have also bought several pieces with grand transformation plans, but lost motivation due to all the work required. My advice is to shop just like you would at any higher-priced retailer….look for items in durable materials that’d be a valuable addition to your existing wardrobe, and are worth the time and/or tailoring costs of re-work (if any) to become a perfectly-fitting garment. The nature of thrifting is a game of patience -for me, it now results in no purchases 75% of the time, but the occasional finds that do happen tend to become favorites. 
Savers (U.S. store locator), also known as Value Village in Canada (Canadian store locator) has offered three $50 gift certificates for EP readers. To enter, simply provide your email in the form below (emails will be used only to contact winners), and get an extra entry by leaving a comment about your favorite pre-owned find – be it furniture, jewelry, or clothes, etc. Giveaway is open to readers in the U.S. and Canada, and the three winners will be selected at random on June 10th.
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My favorite second hand find was a handbag.
thanks for the tips
A contest that's also open to Canadians – yay!
My favourite find at the "VV Boutique" – as the older ladies call it – was a pair of gray tweed pants for $5. The previous owner had them taken in and hemmed and she had my exact measurements.
I found a wool Burberry skirt that I wear every winter at a consignment shop 🙂
I love my thrifted Loft cardigan!
The best items I've gotten at a thrift store has to be my collection of white ware. I just love them in my dining room.
My favorite thrift find was actually in Boston! It is a pair of gold rounded earrings, kind of heavy, with an interesting cutout pattern. I loved them so much, that I ended up wearing them to graduation and I always travel with them to spice up any outfits!
thanks for holding this wonderful giveaway! I am ALL about preo-owned leather wear. I have a leather pencil skirt that is buttery soft and fits just right!
Favorite thrift find would have to be an ivory chiffon BCBG dress 🙂
My favorite thrift store purchase was a pair of brown Italian leather boots that I got for $20. I love going to the thrift store and finding hidden gems! 🙂
i like buying dishware from thrift shops.
i love second hand shopping. it just makes it seem all the sweeter when you find something great! this dress is lovely on you!
xo, aiyanajane || http://www.citystylecountrysmile.com
My favourite were 80's fluorecent winter boots Sorel style. With removable washable whool inserts. Everyone asks me where they can get some like that.
I have TONS of favorite thrift finds, but the latest one I found was a white jean jacket from the GAP for $1!! I was super excited! 🙂
I love your outfit combination, Jean. : ) My latest great find was a pair of 7FAM jeans for under $10
Savers is a great place for finding neat items for Halloween costumes. One year, I found an original flapper dress! When I'm in need of props or inspirations for my photoshoots, I also go there to find them!
I think it's great that you tailor your own clothes. I try to upcycle a lot of mine. Wear them how they are supposed to be worn for a while and then when I tire of them, change them up. Sometimes it's a fail but many times it's a success. I turned a few pairs of straight legged jeans into skinny jeans. It was a great way to reuse jeans I already owned.
-FashionEdible Blog
books!
My favourite thrift store find is a black BCBG swing jacket. It's in great condition as well.
I love how you belted it! Wish there was a Savers around me.
I recently found a Burberry quilted jacked in a Goodwill store. It fits perfectly and has quickly become my go-to jacket for cool Fall days.
I love thrift shopping and another favorite way to buy pre-owned gear and clothing is going to REI used gear sales! Most stores have them 2-4 times/yr and a lot of the stuff has never been worn or used. I got my favorite Arcteryx jacket there for 75% off!
a savers just opened up near me so i am very excited to go check it out! I love finding cashmere sweaters and silk items 🙂 sometimes i buy leather skirts at GW to cut them up for other sewing projects – cheaper than buying leather!
I found a few clothing pieces on my own at Value Village all the time. My mom introduced me to the place and they do sales on the last Wednesday of each month (50% off) and I join her in the hunt for great buys now and then. 🙂
wow what an amazing find! i wouldnt have looked twice at that item and now i think i should go back to the thrift stores and take a second look! thanks
I bought a nice leather belt for only 10!
I am often able to find white/off white English Ironstone bowls and platters at bargain prices at Value Village.
Great for completer pieces to my everyday white dishes.
My favorite second-hand find was an Oscar de la Renta scarf — it was priced lower than some of the poly-blend scarves (clearly the person labeling that section wasn't aware of its value) but I certainly did! I adore the beautiful print and the fact that I found it at a thrift store. : )
Black Sam Edelman Gilda sandals for $15!
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Loving the dress
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My favourite second hand find was a pair of black, stretchy soft skinny pants from Guess – super comfy and wonderfully versatile 🙂
I found a Coach bag that had been given away to Goodwill BRAND NEW and was very in style ~ snagged for $15 which is a fortune in thrift land but a steal for a handbag that probably retailed for $300.
Aww.. I participated without reading.. I loved ur dress sooo much!!! Gorgeous blazer, necklace and shoes 🙂
You are welcome to visit my First Blog Sale hosted on Facebook page. I'm selling New Items at one-third price as on websites For Indian Residents Only.
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Akanksha
My favorite thrift item was a beautiful estate necklace.
Super cute JCrew sundress!
Thanks for this! I didn't even know Value Village was the Canadian version. 🙂
Vintage black Gucci clutch at a charity yard sale on a rainy day!
Machine-washable summer dresses at my local thrift shop.
I don't find the fit 'childish' at all, it looks fun! I love VV, my best finds have been some nearly brand new Kenneth Cole and Nine West pumps that have become staples for me.
I've found quite a few lovely oversized sweaters that I wear in the fall and winter. Thanks for a great giveaway!
classy and chic! what a cute dress!
http://www.thebluecurtain.blogspot.com
There have been so many over the years, but recently a strapless Gap ombre sundress has been my favorite find. That and a really cute Ben Sherman button down shirt.
i found this comfy grandpa jacket in a emerald color… i love it!
I once found an authentic Christian Dior cobalt blue blazer at Goodwill!
I've never purchased items at a second-hand shop. I've only sold items.
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I've never purchased items at a second-hand shop. I've only sold items.
I love finding good deals at thrift shops 🙂