Backsliding

Since January 1st, I’ve been attempting to follow the 75 Day Hardstyle Challenge. The goal was to post a picture of yourself getting dressed everyday, not buying and new clothes, and not using Pinterest for inspiration. I didn’t pass this test with flying colours and bought new (not even second hand) pants and a jacket. Plus I got some togs as birthday presents. I will not beat myself up about it because even the woman behind the hashtag appear to have abandoned the project. I don’t see it as a huge failure: it curbed my spending and made me rethink my existing wardrobe. I sold stuff that I wasn’t wearing for extra, much needed moolah.

Last week, when the 75 days were up, I went on a thrift shop safari and bought a few things. Some of these gets were from my go list — ie., things that I will buy no matter what. That includes lucite rings (like the sparkler pictured up top), madras (for example the patchwork pants shown above) and L.L. Bean flannel nightgowns (see below). These things don’t present themselves very often, which is why they are on the pre-approved list.

The next grouping of objects illustrate the “things I have a weakness for” category. These are things like jumpsuits, graphic t-shirts, cardigans and tooled leather belts that I already have multiple examples of in my wardrobe.

I do not need another one-piece but at least this one passes my other shopping criteria — it’s made of natural materials and it has pockets.

This Joy Division t-shirt passes muster because it’s cotton and the cut is a little more constructed (and more figure-flattering) than my other band tees.

I definitely don’t need another cardigan but I find it hard to pass up vintage pieces from the golden age of knitwear. Even contemporary cashmere sweaters don’t feel as well made as anything pre Y2K.

This woven and hand-tooled, made in Mexico belt won me over because it’s hard to thrift belts that fit me.

And finally, I picked up this embroidered cotton gauze Ethiopian tunic because it is so beautifully made.
I realize everyone is complaining about skyrocketing thrift prices, but all in this lot cost about $55. The ring and the things I got at the Sally Ann (t-shirt and preppie pants were the cheapest. The belt is from the $5 tickle trunk at my favourite vintage store, Mama Loves You. The rest are from Value Village but we’re still shockingly cheap. The tunic, for example, was in the scarf section and was priced accordingly (one of my greatest finds was a large authentic Hermes Shawl that I found in the bedding section). The most expensive thing was the flannel nightie ($14.99) but compared to what they cost new ($145) it’s still a bargoon.