“Thrift stores stink”. ” I’m afraid I might get bed bugs.” “I can’t wear other people’s used stuff.”  These are just some of the negative sentiments I’ve heard especially over this past year from various folks once I started sharing my love for thrifting. Surely I can understand where they are coming from. I mean, who doesn’t love the smell of brand new shoes and fresh clothes from the mall or department stores?? I remember growing up and having to get stuff bought from thrift stores at times and not being so thrilled about it. My white uniform school blouses were always bought from there. I still can remember the little frilly ruffles and lace details that sometimes donned the fancier collars and sleeves. Thrift stores and sewing machines were my mom’s “go to” as a child. Hearing the needle weaving in and out of the Joann’s fabric in the middle of the day and night from the dining room table was one of my fondest childhood memories. The excitement of wearing something brand new and designed completely from scratch exclusively for me was the highlight of my fashion era as a child. Now ask me if you’d catch me wearing them now, and that would totally be a different story (lol). 

.

No matter what, my mom made it work. I don’t recall feeling left out of not always having the newest most expensive clothes and shoes. And Girrrrl those Umm (Mom) originals were hittin back in the day. You couldn’t tell me “NUFFIN” back on Eid Days (lol)!! Fast forwarding to today, I rediscovered thrift stores in my late twenties while living in NYC and simply fell in love. Now a mom myself, and a frugal fashionista, I discovered what seemed like a secret underground shopping society in these resale shops. I loved the thrill in finding all sorts of clothing that were once loved by someone else and now passed on to another. And often times, these items were barely worn to even brand new. I don’t think people even realize the magnitude in which  people toss out perfectly good stuff. I thought how can you not love this?!? And why had it taken me so long to discover them again?? Once I started, I was simply hooked!! Now years later, I’m tackling running my own thrift store, trying to change the perception of thrift stores, and help people realize the value in these often overlooked hidden treasure chests…one piece at a time. Today I chose a dress from my online store, Perfectly Picked Thrift, I had to pull because it was flawsome (lol). Yes it was flawed so I had to pull it, but still totally awesome of a piece to keep for myself and share on the blog today.

.

.

.

Let me just say when I first bought this dress to sell, I totally had my eyes on it for myself so it was actually a pleasant surprise to have to pull it from my inventory (lol). As I’m writing this I can’t even recall what was the issue, but it didn’t meet quality control inspection…WINNING (lol)!!! This dress which I believe is vintage totally screams  60s/ 70s bohemian chic. And that is one of my favorite fashion eras by far!! I love the mix of prints and patterns along with the natural earth tone colors. I loved the A line shape coupled with the full feminine skirt which had an amazingly awesome swing and movement to it. The skirt ended in a slight slant which I thought just added a tad more character and flair to this beautiful piece.

.

.

.

I chose this army green crop jacket to pair with my dress because it’s a halter top underneath. I thought a cropped jacket did an excellent job of not taking away or cutting off the shape of the dress while also working as my much needed cover up. 

.

.

.

I chose my sand colored suede peep toe booties with fringe down the back by Naughty Monkey. I thought the natural sand color worked well with the mix of my other earth tones, and I loved the play of fringe just peeking out from underneath the bottom of my dress. So cute!!!

.

.

.

Of course, I chose my handy dandy vintage leather handbag by Architect for AMC. If you’re familiar with me or my blog then you already know how much of a staple this thing is for me. I always have a “Go To” bag and this is indeed just that currently. I love this bag because of it’s natural rich earth toned chestnut color and how simple and classy it is. I love the sense of old school charm this bag evokes every time I where it.

.

.

.

Last but not least, I chose my mocha colored jersey hijab and white leather refashioned earrings I made out of an old leather boot to pair with this outfit. I thought my hijab blended beautifully with the color in my dress, and I loved how the earrings picked up the hints of white flowers throughout it.

.

.

.

Welp, that’s it for today you guys. There are no Ifs, Ands, or Buts about it…Thrift stores win in my book…hands down!! According to EPA “the average American throws away as much as 81 pounds of clothing every year”. Just imagine if we could all benefit from that instead of aggravating the problem of so much ending up in land fills. Reduce Reuse Recycle goes for clothing too. Thrifting is not only cost effective but it’s also most importantly Eco friendly!! Ok…ok I had to get just a little deep for a sec (lol). Until next time, don’t forget to stay and slay on a budget!! *Waves*

.

.

.

What I Wore:

Dress: $4 @PAT
Crop Jacket: $3 @Goodwill
Naughty Monkey booties: $25 @Burlington
Vintage leather handbag: 50 cents @PATO