Yesterday’s post on buying high-quality clothes elicited this comment from gorgeous U.K. blogger Sharon Rose:
” … as you know I mainly thrift items and since I’ve been blogging I’ve managed to buy good quality designer and vintage for such low amounts, it really is investment dressing for the future to look at goodwill, charity shops and boot sales for quality pieces-they are only the same amounts of money than what you would pay in shops like Forever 21 or our UK equivalent, Primark. I try not to cull much anymore, only things like tees and basics. I now have a wardrobe of quality vintage and designer … “
That reminded me that I’ve been meaning to pay tribute to Sharon’s mad thrifting skillz. I’m constantly in awe of her inexpensive finds. I think it’s no coincidence that the one time she spent a whopping £100 on a jacket was when she was shopping with me. I am a bad influence! But considering it was a Chanel jacket previously owned by Sting’s wife, I don’t feel too guilty.
When I’m not around, Sharon often spends less than £20 on her chic finds. My favorite posts of hers are the “thrift inspiration” posts, in which she shows a designer trend and her thrifty take on it. When Topshop shows an Aran knit for £48 …
Topshop cardigan.
… Sharon thrifts one for £2.99.
Isn't she cute?
When Burberry shows an aviator-style shearling for £2395 …
Burberry's jacket.
… Sharon thrifts a cropped shearling for £19.95.
Sharon's jacket.
When Topshop sells a bodycon floral skirt for £30 …
Topshop's skirt.
… Sharon thrifts one for £3.95. It is a perfect match for the cardigan she thrifted for £1.
Sharon's skirt.
It’s not as if Sharon devotes her whole day to thrifting. She also has two sons and a job. The only reasonable explanation for her shopping success is magic. Clearly she is a graduate of Hogwarts. Next time I am in London, I’m going to insist that she take me to her favorite shops. She’ll cast her “Accio” spell and the great clothes will fly towards us. All I’ll have to do is catch them!
UPDATED TO ADD: And here’s what Sharon has to say!
I want in on that shopping spree (and the trip to London).
I’m not very good at thrifting. I get seriously envious of people like Sharon who make it so easy – and chic. I’m not sure if it’s a skill that you’re born with or one that you must learn. Either way I’m rubbish.
i need Sharon to take me on a thrifting spree! x
I’ve thought that she should charge tour groups for outings!
Hi my dear-WOW and a BIG MASSIVE THANK YOU for this post, I feel very humbled and very appreciative that you’ve dedicated a post to me! Our first meet was an exceptionally wonderful day, not just for the awesome bargains we bagged-that was a really fabulous sale to attend, I’ve not experienced another sale like it since, but for meeting you and Mr B and having such a fun filled and memorable day and evening-it was a truly brilliant day! Your post yesterday was so inspirational because through you, I have learnt since blogging to really appreciate the quality pieces I’ve purchased and KEEP HOLD of them-I totally agree that wardrobe culling is no longer in my vocabulary as I can see that a lot of my pieces now will still be around in 10 to 15 years time!
She gets good thrifting karma because she is such a nice person. I never find anything good when I go charity shopping because I’m a bitter cynical old crone.
You WISH you were a bitter cynical old crone, you nice young lady!
i love the floral skirt! i want one <3
I too have been impressed many times by Sharon’s great taste and wonderful finds. As a pretty successful thrifter myself, I know she has something besides magic to explain her success: she keeps at it! If you don’t keep looking you don’t find the good stuff.
Of course, a little magic doesn’t hurt!
True, when I was looking for bargains back in the pre-eBay days, I’d peek into the same store over and over again. That way you come to know what’s there and what you really want and don’t want.
WOW, Sharon does have an eye for the cheap and chic 🙂
Kisses
J
xoxo
i think that flower skirt is something rare!
Oh wow! She definitely has a good eye! I just started going to thrift stores a few months ago and managed to find 3 immaculate vintage wool blazers (retailing over $300) for about $7!!! It’s crazy fun!!!!
Go, Sharon! It’s crazy to be paying for new stuff that’s cheaply made (in China) when you can thrift nearly identical items for a fraction of the price. Boast: my $3.99 thrifted Prada blouse!
Hi again!! haha, it was a very pleasant surprise indeed to wake up to this post and I now feel even more humbled now I’ve wowwed Mr B!! Wishing you both a fabulous weekend! xx
I love Sharon and her mad-thifting-skillz! It does make me jealous though – maybe I should enroll in Hogwarts!
you are so right – I have to channel Sharon when I go to charity shops, it works every time! Mind you I do like your bad influence as well! x
I swear, some people are just born with a gift for thrifting. I try and try, and I never seem to do well. Maybe Sharon will inspire me to keep at it!
What thrifting prowess Sharon has! And I loved how you worked Harry Potter geekery into this post, Wendy.
Love her style. I will definitely check out her blog.
Don’t miss my first ever giveaway
Sharon is clearly a thrifting genius. I am very impressed.
I get thrifting withdrawl. This post helped!!! Sharon Rose is absolutely lovely also.
In unrelated news: This ring (the Queen Min) is being shared with my husband,a-hem lol,you know, “just because” http://www.wendybrandes.com/pro-detail.php?cat=true&id=426
melissa, that ring by wendy is THE GREATEST RING I HAVE EVER SEEN IN MY LIFE. christmas is coming… nudge nudge. ;P
Good blog. I need to hone my thrifting skills. I particularly like her goth leather post.
I have 2 friends who are indeed thrifting geniuses. One goes to a random garage sale and comes away with a dollar Pucci top. The other one dresses entirely in designer stuff on practically no money at all. I just don’t have the knack for it.
I’m always impressed by Sharon’s amazing finds, she does have the magic touch – and I think I need to go shopping with her!
I am with you here Wendy. I am the most unsuccesful thrifter EVER
Thrifting is something I’d like to do more. I haven’t really found good places for that here in Paris…
Hi Wendy!
Indeed, she is so good at thrift! She always inspires! Wonderful post!
Have a lovely weekend!
xx
thrifting is great. the dress i wore to njfw was from goodwill for $3. no one noticed a thing.
Yeap! She must be magic.
Wow she has amazing skillz! She really needs to host her own thrifting seminar.
She’s magical, alright. I can’t believe that jacket—it’s uncanny how cool that is!