St. Louis Thrift Finds: Obnoxious Vests, Or, How My Thrifting Style Has Evolved

Vest: Savers in Crestwood, MO

I don't frequent Savers--I'm a much bigger fan of its cheaper, dirtier sibling, Value Village--but decided to take a gander last week. My favorite find was this chair vest. Have you ever seen anything like it?

Pieces like this remind me that my style has evolved, even when it doesn't feel so. I don't want to say my standards were low back in high school and college, but they were liberal. I have a long history of hoarding obnoxious, striking prints (especially if they were under $3). If it made me laugh, or I thought it would be fun to wear, I'd usually buy it. (Case in point: this tulip shirt.)

Lately I spot items while out thrifting that make me think, "I would have snatched that up in [high school/college]!" then laugh at its obnoxious details and go about my way. Vests have always been a weakness, and I've owned some doozies. This vest reminded me of that struggle--it was tough to pass on. I definitely would have bought this if I'd spotted it five years ago. Would I have worn it? Maybe once or twice (probably even with this black cocktail blouse). But it felt good to walk away, knowing "my" aesthetic better these days, and holding out for a much better-suited floral blouse two rows away. That's one of the best things about thrifting: there's always the promise of something great out there.

Oldies But Goodies: Vintage Cocktail Blouse with Gold and Baroque Touches

Blouse: thrifted
Necklace: purchased at Belleville Flea Market
Belt: thrifted

During high school and early college, a shirt needed one of five details for me to fall in love: a ruched shoulder, a fun print (I left this qualifier intentionally vague), a bell sleeve, a henley collar or a high neck. This shirt has stood up to several closet clean-outs because three out of five ain't bad.

The trick, though, is that without bright details the shirt can make me look a little Wednesday Addams. I find giant, gold things always help! (You can see closer details of the necklace on this post.)

Fine Form: Garden-Luscious Mannequin Heads From Silver Swan Home

I stumbled upon Silver Swan Home, based out of Union, Mo., during my jaunt to St. Louis Vintage Market Days earlier this month. While they specialize in shabby chic and French-inspired decor, I found myself most drawn to these garden-inspired mannequin heads. I love the use of moss, feathers and ferns to give these ladies some serious style! I'm not much of a green thumb (I killed my newly-purchased rosemary plant within two weeks), so I've been debating buying one of these as a way to add an earthy element to my apartment decor without fear of having to toss it in a week.