It’s time for another installment of Thrifty Threads, AKA Most Stylish Compact-y outfit, where readers model their favorite secondhand clothes.
A compact-y outfit is used or recycled, from Goodwill, a thrift store, a consignment shop, ebay, Craigslist, a yard sale, a clothing swap, or anywhere else you find secondhand clothing.
Today’s model is Jacqueline, wearing her favorite thrifted outfit. She found the top at a YWCA Secret Seconds thrift shop for $6. Jacqueline says it’s more than she’d usually pay, but she loved the color. Her husband loves it too, and compliments her every time she wears it. I can see why, the color is gorgeous on her.
The skirt is a hand-me-up from her little sister, and even though it’s at least 10 years old, Jacqueline says it’s such a reliable staple of her wardrobe that she can’t let it go.
The earrings are a secondhand gift from a friend, who bought them at an art museum in New York City. She bestowed them upon Jacqueline when she realized she hadn’t worn them in awhile.
The shoes are the only item that aren’t thrifted. Jacqueline says she doesn’t do well with shoes that have been broken in by someone else. I suspect she’s not alone there. I have only been able to wear used shoes when they’ve come from a friend and are practically new. Since I think what you wear on your feet is so important for your long-term physical health, I’m a big believer in buying comfortable shoes that fit well. Shoes are one of my Compact exceptions, and I’ve only needed to buy one pair of new shoes and one pair of tennis shoes in more than two years.
Jacqueline blogs at Blueberries for me. She started the blog while she was in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, which is a domestic volunteer program similar to the Peace Corps. The organization is based in the core values of social justice, simple living, community, and spirituality, and offers an opportunity to work full-time for justice and peace. Jesuit Volunteers work directly with people who are homeless, unemployed, refugees, people with AIDS, the elderly, street youth, abused women and children, the mentally ill, and the developmentally disabled. Since her stipend for all personal spending was just $80 a month, she hardly bought anything new during her two years with JVC. Jacqueline spent one year working at a daycare and another at a homeless shelter. She says that living simply is one of the core values of JVC and she started reading my blog for inspiration. I’m honored! I can imagine that kind of experience would go a long way toward learning humility and a sense of gratitude for what one has. Thank you Jacqueline, for sharing your experience with us as well as your thrifty threads.
Jacqueline says that now that she’s in graduate school for medical anthropology, the blog is “kind of a hodge podge,” mainly about her faith, marriage, being diagnosed and living with a chronic illness, and social justice. I really appreciated her interesting take on the recent hullabaloo surrounding the J.Crew add featuring a little boy wearing pink nail polish, as well as her thoughtful post about why she’s an advocate for abolishing the death penalty. And just for fun, This is the Day: All Dolled Up features photos of her wedding day taken while her bridesmaids helped her get dressed. Jacqueline looks stunning in her simple yet elegant dress, hair, and makeup, and I love the unposed photo of the bride getting into her shoes.
Thanks Jacqueline, for sending me that great photo! I hope it inspires someone to go out and find their favorite shirt in their most flattering color. You’re a wonderful role model with your lifestyle that goes way beyond thrifted clothing. Readers, it’s your turn. Just in case you think it’s only possible to find nice thrift stores in urban areas, Jacqueline lives in Montana. I am so happy to have a reader from that beautiful state. So you know the drill: put on your favorite secondhand outfit, snap a photo, and send it to me at barton.angela@gmail.com. The weather’s getting warmer, and I’ll be needing more spring and summer photos soon. So keep those photos coming!
Do you shop secondhand? What are some of your favorite finds? Please send your best tips and advice for secondhand shopping, plus compliments for Jacqueline, in the Comments section. And click here to check out previous installments of Thrifty Threads.
Jackie says
Thanks for the great post! Montana thrift stores are great….always lots of flannel!
-dweej says
I hopped over here from Jakie’s blog. I’m excited to read more and maybe chronicle a Compact journey of my own someday! Although, perhaps I’m already doing it
Jackie looks fab in that color, it’s true!
Angela says
-dweej, Sorry I’m so late to respond to your comment. Thanks so much for joining the conversation, and please take a look at the archives as I’ve been writing this blog for over 2 years now. You can see how much I’ve learned if you check out an early post about my questions about the Compact journey. By now, it’s second nature!
Keep me informed if you decide to jump in and join the Compact!