If you read last week's
You Search, I Answer, you know the drill for this week, the only difference is that this week's post is entirely thrifted!
If you are trying to build a professional wardrobe on $200, you really have two options. The first is to shop
mass-market retail, the second is to buy your wardrobe second-hand. This week I present to you the second hand version.
For me second-hand shopping extends beyond just the thrift store. It's any type of venue were you can purchase pre-worn items. I encourage you to explore all your options. Look for second hand clothing at:
- Thrift Stores
- Resale Shops
- Consignment Stores
- Flea Markets
- Vintage Stores
- Yard Sales
- Estate Sales
- Clothing Swaps
When you're shopping second hand, you should be looking for the same types of items:
- Blazers
- Cardigans
- Blouses
- Button-Ups
- Trousers
- Pencil Skirts
- Flats
- Boots
- Accessories
One thing you should look for in second-hand clothing is quality. Chances are that for less money you can buy something of higher quality than you would find in the typical mass-market retail store. When I'm in a thrift store or resale shop, I generally look for "nice" brands, ones I can't afford to buy often at full price. I also find that vintage items tend to be of a higher quality than newer items.
Once again, I have taken six pieces of clothing, two pairs of shoes, and two belts (all from second-hand sources this time around), and made ten outfits, two weeks worth of work outfits. I tried to use items similar to
last week's post, just to prove that you can dress well and thriftily.
Last week's total for the professional wardrobe purchased retail was $191.59. This week similar items purchased second-hand ring up at a sweet $51.50. That's a $140.09 difference!
Black Blazer - Ann Taylor, Local Thrift Store, $3.00
Maroon Cardigan - Worthington, Local Thrift Store, $4.00
Floral Blouse - Odille, Goodwill, $3.50
Button-Up - Banana Republic, Consignment Store, $5.00
Trousers - Banana Republic, Resale Shop, $10.00
Skirt - Vintage Oscar de la Renta, Goodwill, $4.00
Brown Boots - Vintage Joan and David Couture, Goodwill, $8.00
Black Boots - Nine West, Goodwill, $6.00
Brown Belt - Goodwill, $3.00
Black Belt - Vintage, Goodwill, $2.00
Total $51.50
Outfit 1 & 2
Outfit 3, 4, & 5
Ouftit 6 & 7
Outfit 8, 9, & 10
