Epic Thrift Week: Super Scarf Haul

It’s finally time to tell the story of my epic thrifting week. It was so epic, in fact, that I’m going to have to break it down into parts. Let me begin with the tale of four scarves (and one umbrella).

It was back in October. Mr. Andrew was edating out in the East End so we made a plan to meet for a dinner date at Danforth Dragon — a favourite Hakka Restaurant. Andrew had some last minute work complications, so I had an extra hour to kill. I decided keep travelling east to the Value Village at Victoria Park and Eglington.

I was perusing the scarf selection (they had a lot) when I noticed a square with hand rolled edges, a silky hand and very bold, black and white design. I looked a little closer and saw the unmistakable signature of Emilio Pucci. At $1.99, I could roll the dice and research its authenticity later.

I continued to sort through the scarves and I discovered a Gucci and and Louis Vuitton. Again, if they were fakes, they were very good and somewhat obscure designs — not the kind that gets knocked off so much. All $1.99. I was feeling lucky.

After going through the rest of the scarf section with a fine tooth comb, I made my way to the textiles department (I’m always looking for nice fabrics). And there, amongst the beach sarongs and saree was this Hermès Grand Tenues silk and cashmere shawl. It still had the tags on it even!

Finding an Hermès scarf at a Value Village has always been a thrift hunting holy grail for me. I have uncovered lots of fakes, of course, and more than a few authentic ties, but because this is a super sized foul are, it really takes the cake. It’s like I can retire now, my work here is done.

I am 99.99999999 percent sure that it’s the real deal. I compared the quality of craftsmanship to my other Hermès square (which I purchased from Hermès). I visited several vintage Hermès dealers and they all felt it was authentic. I am so confident that it is real that last week I wore it to a press event for Hermès.

On any other day, I would be freaking out about finding just the Pucci, the Gucci or the Louis Vuitton (pictured above). I wish I had better images of them, but I could only find this picture from an ended online auction. I do love the palette! I also apologize for not having good pictures of the Pucci and the Gucci — it’s been too windy to get decent shots. On any other day, I would also be telling you that this green and graphic Knirps umbrella was the best treasure in the world (it is pretty awesome).