Thrifty Thursday: Business Attire

This week, I wanted to show you how you can dress for work on a tight budget, while still staying trend-savvy. One of my favourite sections of the thrift store is the blazers section, and I regularly find all kinds of expensive fitted blazers. There's always hundreds of dress pants too, many of them never worn or almost-new.

Being in public relations, I can have a little more fun with my wardrobe than some office workers, so whenever I find some fun coloured work pants like these ones, I get super excited! I promise you there are less 'loud' options too though, like the grey pants at the bottom of the post:

Store: Value Village
Brand: Cynthia Steffe
Store Section: Women's Pants
What I Paid: $7.99
What it Costs New: ?

I swear I find at least one awesome blazer every single time I go thrifting. There's always something different! Black, charcoal, bright colours, interesting embellishments, leather panelling, silk lapels...the choices are endless!

Store: Salvation Army
Brand: Zara Basic
Store Section: Blazers
What I Paid: $7.99
What it Costs New: ~ $99


Now here's a pair of work pants that are a little more conservative than the ones above, but just as chic. I've always loved the fit of Banana Republic pants, and these are straight cut, which is key - no flares here!

Store: Value Village
Brand: Banana Republic
Store Section: Dresses
What I Paid: $7.99
What it Costs New: ~ $124


Happy Styling! xo

~Britta

Thrifty Thursday

One of the easiest ways to look chic and comfortable at the same time is with long, flowing pieces that drape on you just right. Here's a few of my favourites from Value Village & Salvation Army:

Maxi skirts are an easy way to upgrade from sweatpants around the house. You can throw on a cozy sweater or half tuck in a t-shirt and it'll look a million times more chic than sweats. Whenever I find these in the thrift store, I always get excited; why not have one in every colour??

Store: Salvation Army
Brand: Seduction
Store Section: Skirts
What I Paid: $2.99
What it Costs New: ?

Long, flowing blouses (tunics) are an easy chic look when paired with leggings and some tall boots. It can also go from casual to work-appropriate when tucked in with a pair of dress pants. Love finding these.

Store: Salvation Army
Brand: H&M
Store Section: Short Sleeve Blouse
What I Paid: $6.99
What it Costs New: ?


I don't know if this qualifies as a 'LBD' as it's not that little, but this black maxi dress adds some serious va-voom in a flash. It seems so simple, but the deep scooping back and high slit definitely make it eye-catching!

Store: Value Village
Brand: Venus
Store Section: Dresses
What I Paid: $12.99
What it Costs New: ~ $40


Happy Styling! xo

~Britta

Thrifty Thursday: Bright New Colours

We've been wearing dark fall colours for quite a while now, so I can't help but start looking for brighter colours in the thrift store. Time to lighten things up!

I always run my fingers over the clothes as I go through the aisles, looking for interesting textures. The bright orange was awesome enough, but I really like how the dress also has an interesting texture to it. It's not quite sweater material, but definitely thicker than you'd expect.

Store: Value Village
Brand: unknown (no tags)
Store Section: Dresses
What I Paid: $6.99
What it Costs New: ?


Just because the blazer is a little big, doesn't mean it's a a reject! If it's about 2 sizes bigger, it should fit nicely as a boyfriend blazer! Just roll up the sleeves and it pairs well with pretty much anything.

Store: Value Village
Brand: H&M
Store Section: Blazers
What I Paid: $8.99
What it Costs New: $29.95


Oh yeah, that's right: purple jeans! Coloured pants seem to be a big fashion risk for a lot of people, but they're an easy (and comfortable) way to inject some colour into your outfit. Just throw on a white tee and you're all set!

Store: Value Village
Brand: Tobi
Store Section: Dresses
What I Paid: $8.99
What it Costs New: $29.99


Happy Styling! xo

~Britta

Thrifty Thursday

More fun new stuff to add to the closet this week!

Who doesn't love bows? Don't they make everything better? This super cute top is completely work appropriate, but looks chic and fashionable when styled with fitted dress pants and some fun flats.

Store: Salvation Army
Brand: Jacob
Store Section: Short Sleeve Blouse
What I Paid: $6.99
What it Costs New: ?


I wasn't able to find anything out about this brand, nor why the belt says Gucci, but I really love the cut of this dress! This will totally make a fashionable work dress, especially with a bright pullover sweater over top.

Store: Value Village
Brand: Alberto Gabbana Italy
Store Section: Dresses
What I Paid: $17.99
What it Costs New: ?


You know how your mother always told you to wait for it to go on sale? Well, how about waiting for it to show up in Value Village?? I wanted this purse when I first saw it in Aldo, but ultimately never purchased it. Then, lo and behold, I find the exact purse in Value Village for a real steal! What a win.

Store: Value Village
Brand: Aldo
Store Section: Purses
What I Paid: $14.99
What it Costs New: ~ 30


Happy Styling! xo

~Britta

Thrifty Thursday

Black never goes out of style! This week, I wanted to show you a few of my favourite thrifted outfit pieces I've found in the ever-classic colour black:

My eyes are drawn to pretty much anything with polka dots, so no wonder I picked out this skirt. What I really loved about this skirt though, is the shorter skirt lining: it makes the polka dots stand out even more! And it's right on trend. I recently wore this to the JCI Institute's Grad Fashion Show.

Store: Salvation Army
Brand: H&M Divided
Store Section: Skirts
What I Paid: $5.99
What it Costs New: ?

Leather (and faux leather) has made a real comeback in the last year, and I'm a huge fan of the styles with leather panelling and detailing (like this skirt)! I pretty much makes any style just a little more badass.

Store: Value Village
Brand: Valia
Store Section: Skirts
What I Paid: $5.49
What it Costs New: ?


And here is a perfect example of another thing that always catches my eye in the thrift store: bows! I can totally see this dress worn with some classic pearls for a 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' sort of feel.

Store: Value Village
Brand: Love...ady
Store Section: Dresses
What I Paid: $17.99
What it Costs New: ~ $130


Happy Styling! xo

~Britta

Thrifty Thursday

The summer clothes are out in the thrift stores in full force! All kinds of cute shorts and shirts to be had: you just have to search!

These shorts have a 'JCrew' sort of style to them; I love the bright damask print. They'll go great with an equally bright top.

Store: Salvation Army

Brand: Gap

Section: Shorts

What I Paid: $4.99

What They Cost In-Store: $60

It's rare to find the same thing twice in the thrift store, so when I passed on this skirt the first time and regretted it, I snatched it up as soon as I saw it again! Another bright colour to add to the wardrobe.

Store: Salvation Army

Brand: H&M

Brand: Skirts

What I Paid: $3.99

What it Costs In-Store: ~ $30

Neutral heels are an absolute staple in any girl's wardrobe, and I already have a pair, but open toed heels are better for summer time than the usual close toed neutrals. These will go great with a crisp white tea length dress!

Store: Value Village

Brand: Aldo

Section: Shoes

What I Paid: $9.99* (Were originally $20, got 50% off !)

What it Costs In-Store: ~ $70

Happy Styling! xo

~Britta

Thrifty Thursday

There is a theme here this week, and it's called cashmere! <3

It's always a victory when I find good quality 100% cashmere in the thrift store, partly just because it's often worth quite a bit, or because it's just so soft!

This will make a cute top for work. It's super soft (of course), and the bow sleeves are just adorable. 

Store: Salvation Army

Brand: Jones New York Luxe

Section: Sweaters

What I Paid: $5.99

What it Costs In-store: ~ $200

I always look longingly in the window of the Mount Cashmere store in downtown Vancouver...so I couldn't have been more excited to finally have my hands on not one, but TWO of their cashmere sweaters!

Store: Salvation Army

Brand: Mount Cashmere

Section: Sweaters

What I Paid: $7.99 each

What it Costs In-store: $176 each

I would like to point out that this total haul is worth $552! I'd call that a successful thrifting trip, non?

Happy Styling! xo

~Britta

Thrifty Thursday

As I look through what I have to show you this week, I realize I'm starting to run out of finds...time to head to the thrift store!

I'm kind of obsessed with sweaters still; usually by this time of year I would be thinking about my spring wardrobe, but I'm still picking out sweaters! I blame the recent snowfall...

Store: Salvation Army

Brand: Alexandra Bartlett

Section: Sweaters

What I Paid: $7.99

What it's Worth: ?

I've actually been holding on to this dress for a long time now, but I figured it would be a bit better to share it with you now rather than in December. I feel like I'll be picnic ready in this little number! It'll look cute with some little white canvas sneakers.

Store: Salvation Army

Brand: ?

Section: Dresses

What I Paid: $5.99

What it's Worth: ?

The mint trend may have been last year's thing, but I still can't get enough of it! I think it still remains relevant because it's a pastel colour, and spring is all about the pastels. This shirt is a perfect example of another sizing anomaly: it's a large, but it doesn't seem like it's sized too big, it's just casually loose. Perfect for a hot spring day!

Store: Salvation Army

Brand: Vero Moda

Section: Activewear (interesting to note, since I wouldn't really consider it activewear)

Size: Large (it fits loose, but a casual kind of loose; don't always go by what's on the tag! Try it on!)

What I Paid: $4.99

What it's Worth: ?

Happy Styling! xo

~Britta

Thrifty Thursday

I've been having some serious thrifting withdrawal as of late. I really wish Salvation Army wasn't closed on Sundays, it seems to be the only day I have free to shop... So here's a few pieces I found in recent months that I haven't gotten around to sharing here yet:

This blouse isn't exactly winter wear, but I think spring is coming soon enough! I love that the deep V neck is on the front and the back. Very dramatic.

Store: Salvation Army

Brand:

Section: Short Sleeve Blouses

What I Paid: $6.99

What it's Worth: ?

Do remember seeing this already here? There is chain running up and down the front: a unique detailing that gives just a hint toughness.

Store: Salvation Army

Brand; Dex

Section: Sweaters

What I Paid: $5.99

What it's Worth: ~ $40

Can one ever truly have enough sweaters? Cable knits are great, but they're usually also very chunky. I really like how this one is nice and light, plus it's Guess, so the quality is there too. 

Store: Salvation Army

Brand: Guess

Section: Sweaters (Note: I found it in the Large section, and it is labelled large, but it fits like a Medium)

What I Paid: $9.99

What it Costs In-Store: ~ $70

Happy Styling! xo

~Britta

Thrifty Thursday

Another pile of thrifted finds for you to check out this week, still from my warm and sunny spot in Phoenix! 

The coziest and comfiest outfit of the winter season is always a chunky sweater and leggings! The camel colour of this knit makes it feel a little more elegant, and pairs great with wine, charcoal, and black. Keep an eye out for a cozy treasure like this!

Store: Salvation Army

Brand: Bianca Nygard

Section: Sweaters **I found this in the Medium section, a size up from my usual, but it makes the sweater seem that much more casual and comfy! Never hurts to try it on, even if you're not sure.

What I Paid: $5.99

What it Costs In-Store: ~ $50

Sometimes you find something very different...and awesome...that you just can't say no to! I've actually been keeping my eye out for cheongsam dresses like this one for years (my bestie found me one in blue a couple years ago), so it wasn't completely off-course. I love that it's black, which makes it a bit more understated, considering the 'exotic' design. It's hard to tell on my tiny dressform, but it's a very fitted dress, with a side slit for just the right amount of sex appeal!

Store: Salvation Army

Brand: ?

Section: Dresses

What I Paid: $6.99

What it's Worth: ?

Aaah, cashmere. You can tell as soon as you touch it. There's nothing better to wear on a rainy day at home than a pair of leggings, an oversized t-shirt, and one of these luxuriously soft cardigans. Always, always, always keep an eye out for cashmere in the thrift store!

Store: Salvation Army

Brand: Jaeger

Section: Sweaters

What I Paid: $9.99

What it Costs In-Store: ~ $330

Happy Styling! xo

~Britta

Thrifty Thursday

I never know what I'm going to find...but I'm always happily surprised! An extra plus to shopping at Salvation Army in the new year: they are running a stamp card program which will give you an extra perk for shopping frequently. Make 10 purchases and get the next purchase 50% off (and there's no limit on how much that purchase can be!).

Fur is the quintessential winter accessory. It makes you feel that much cozies in an instant! I always take a quick browse through the Vests section: there's always such a great variety, from tailored business vests, to puffy vests, to something like the one below.

Store: Salvation Army

Brand: ?

Section: Vests

What I Paid: $6.99

What it's Worth: ?

This is the most well fitted blouse I have ever found. Hands down. This Banana Republic tailored non-iron blouse is a must-have...but I definitely like this price tag better!

Store: Salvation Army

Brand: Banana Republic

Section: Blouses

What I Paid: $5.99

What it Costs In-Store: $74

I love my ruffled neutral-toned trench, but this fire engine red was just to hot to pass up!

Store: Salvation Army

Brand: Vero Moda

Section: Jackets

What I Paid: $8.99

What it's Worth: ~ $70

Happy Styling! xo

~Britta

Thrifty Thursday

The holidays only seemed to bring better and more exciting items at the thrift store! 

I always stress to look through every section at the thrift store, if you really want to make sure you don't miss something good. This is a great example. I've been looking for some coloured blazers, so when I came across this one in the 'Suits' section, what could be more perfect? It's a suit, so it came with a skirt which I don't particularly care for, but it was worth buying the set for the blazer! I've worm this blazer in a Look of the Week post already.

Store: Salvation Army
Brand: Bogato International
Section: Suits
What I Paid: $16.99 for set of 2 (blazer & skirt)
What it's Worth: ?



The search for everything plaid continues! This tartan is such a beautiful shade of red, and I love the length; it's long enough to qualify as the oh-so-trendy midi skirt!

Store: Salvation Army
Brand: St. Michael
What I Paid: $10.99
What it's Worth: ?



You've probably already seen these heels here and here on my Look of Week posts. I have a soft spot for heels, that should come as no surprise. Sometimes, they're just a tad too tight, but I can't help but buy them, in a desperate attempt to 'make them work'. Luckily, a few days of stuffing them with thick socks and a Dr. Scholl's blister stick, they're good to go!

Store: Salvation Army
Brand: Nine West
Section: Shoes
What I Paid: $14.99
What it Costs In-Store: ~ $120


Happy Styling! xo

~Britta