Secrets of a Secondhand Shopaholic

Welcome to Part Three of my 4 – part “Get Shorty” series, in which I have invited you along on my journey to secondhand stores to find short winter skirts (SWS).

Part One described my moment of truth (Oh no! I have no SWS!!).

Part Two described my trip to one of my favorite Goodwill stores, where less was more (it seems the less I spent, the more I got!)

And here’s Part Three, which describes my trip to the largest Goodwill store in my area.  This store is (in)conveniently located near my boyfriend’s place, so it’s real easy to dash in check things out.  It’s also close the library, and I have to admit that I have stooped as low to……..well, to lie to him, and say that I was going to stop at the library before I came over, when actually I was engaging in some sordid secondhand shopping…

I’m sure somewhere there’s an “Are you a Shopaholic?” quiz out there, and one of the questions is, “Do you lie to your mate when you are shopping so he/she won’t know where you are?” .   I would have to check “yes” on that one…

In GS Part Two, I bought 7 skirts and 1 pair of boots for $16.73, which has to be some sort of record.  The Banana Republic light brown one was my favorite, and the Bob Mackie comes in at a close second (I just have this feeling it’s vintage, and will be worth alot of money someday).

Let me remind you what my requirements for a SWS are:

1. Made of a heavy-type fabric (wool or wool blend, corduroy, heavy knit, tweed, etc.)

2.  “Short” means: at, or just above the knee.

I did even better on this trip than on  GSP2 in terms of quality, and I ended up with three  skirts (two are SWS, but the third is a great fall skirt).  I also picked up several other items, and once again, my price tag was shockingly low.

Here’s what I got:

Skirt #1: Express Gray Pencil Skirt $3.39

Skirt #1: Express Gray Pencil Skirt with back flair (96% Wool, 4% Spandex)

$3.39

This skirt was a great find.  I had “Gray pencil skirt” on my wish list, and  voila!  I found one.  This skirt also has a small flair in the back (see inset).  A very nice  bonus.

Skirt #2: The Limited Short Brown Corduroy Shirt - $3.39

Skirt #2:  The Limited Short Brown Corduroy Shirt – $3.39 This is another great find!  I had been in J. Crew several weeks ago with my friend Charlotte, who actually shops at the mall!

And while I was there, checking out what normal people buy when they go shopping, I had noticed some cute short corduroy skirts (Priced at $49.50 – for just one skirt!).

Skirt $3 - Norton McNaughten Plaid Skirt (Polyester/Rayon) $1.99

I put “Short corduroy shirt” on my mental fashion wish list at that time, so when I found this at Goodwill, I was all over it.

Skirt $3 – Norton McNaughten Plaid Skirt (Polyester/Rayon) $1.99

I know this skirt doesn’t meet either of the SWS requirement, but I really like it.  I love the plaid  – which I think is in style this year….This skirt looks like it’s either really in style, or it’s so out of style that it’s retro, which is in style…….are you following me?

Either way, this skirt is a great addition to my wardrobe.

So there you have it – GSP3 turned out to be pretty successful with 3 great new skirts at great prices.

Surely you didn’t think I stopped there, did you?  Keep reading and check out a few other items that literally jumped into my hands!

Condrad C jacket - $4.59

Conrad C Collections Yellow and Black Jacket w/fringe and detail: This was love at first sight when I saw this jacket.  The edge fringe and the cute little buckles on the pockets are exquisite details that exude class and sophistication.  I had never heard of  Conrad C Collection before, but a quick Google search confirmed that it’s a high-end collection manufactured in Canada, sold only to boutiques, with a price range of  $150 – $250 per piece.   I had this wonderfully smug feeling as I was purchasing this jacket…

These never-worn jewel-toned mule shoes where an incredible find.  I have another pair of jewel-toned Bandolino pumps that are priceless to me, because they are so perfect to wear with lighter colors, when black or brown just won’t do.

Bandolino Mules - $3.59

Calvin Klein Sweater $3.59

And finally, a couple of quality sweaters that I’ll wear forever.