In keeping with my style resolution to be unafraid of going overboard with my vintage pieces, I give you this obnoxious, colorful mess of floral, beads and embroidery (and I'm not just talking about the vest).
Isn't the vest a doozy, though? Last year I waxed philosophical about how my thrifting style has evolved, especially in regards to 'so ugly they're beautiful' vests. Well, I'm not always the model of retail restraint I think I am. This blue monstrosity struck my eye during a half-off sale at Value Village, which brings me to the nugget of wisdom that is the point of this post: If you're thrifting, always check the discard rack!
The percentage of items I've purchased that were spotted on my way into the fitting room is staggering. Think of it this way: one woman's ill-fitting garment is another woman's treasure. The discard rack is full of items that other customers have already curated out of the rows of bland so-so's, and for whatever reason they said 'no.' You're lucky enough to get the next first crack at them. When I first spotted this vest, it was still in another girl's hand. She was debating with her friend whether to buy it, and in a moment of doubt that it was too loud, set it on the discard rack. I snatched it within 10 seconds, then silently watched her amble back a few minutes later hoping to reclaim it. I'm not ashamed. Thrifting victories are awarded to the bold.
At $2.50, there was little question of return on investment. The worst case scenario is that I wear it out once or twice, get a few good chuckles, then sell it. So far, I'm having a lot of fun with it. My 18-year-old self would be really proud.
The percentage of items I've purchased that were spotted on my way into the fitting room is staggering. Think of it this way: one woman's ill-fitting garment is another woman's treasure. The discard rack is full of items that other customers have already curated out of the rows of bland so-so's, and for whatever reason they said 'no.' You're lucky enough to get the next first crack at them. When I first spotted this vest, it was still in another girl's hand. She was debating with her friend whether to buy it, and in a moment of doubt that it was too loud, set it on the discard rack. I snatched it within 10 seconds, then silently watched her amble back a few minutes later hoping to reclaim it. I'm not ashamed. Thrifting victories are awarded to the bold.
At $2.50, there was little question of return on investment. The worst case scenario is that I wear it out once or twice, get a few good chuckles, then sell it. So far, I'm having a lot of fun with it. My 18-year-old self would be really proud.
Dress and vest: Value Village (O'Fallon and Fenton, respectively)
See how I paired the vest with a tribal print dress on my Instagram!
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