Thrifting Thrills!

I love to wear some something different everyday, no literally I can't wear the same outfit two days in a row. I've always been like that, sometimes changing two or three times a day when I was younger. It's not normal, certainly not cheap and my wardrobe is stuffed to the giles! I love to dress up, always have, always will but I have to be realistic about my budget and I hate spending ridiculous amounts on clothes which to a lot people probably appears contradictory. 'She loves to shop but doesn't like spending money...' it's true though, I only spend within my budget and get the occasional expensive item but mainly I'm a serial bargain and thrift hunter. I think it's this love of thrifty style that originally sparked my love of vintage fashion and the two go hand-in-hand! I'd always stumble upon unique and pretty vintage pieces compared with high street fashion that everyone else had.

Don't get me wrong, I do shop in the high street but I like to try and wear things less on trend and more timeless, as frankly, I couldn't care less what's 'in fashion'...it's boring!! The older I get the less I care, I don't try to avoid wearing 'on trend' looks, if I see something I like I'll wear it but certainly don't go buy by trends. I wear what I like and what I think looks good regardless, be it good or bad or downright awful!! It's much more freeing thinking and shopping this way. On trend usually equals high cost, so it's just not sustainable to keep spending, if you're like me and love dressing up differently everyday then thrift is the way to go!

There are tips and tricks I've found helpful when shopping second-hand. Visit regularly, it's not like shopping at a regular store the stock is ever changing so if you get to know some good local stores then pop in and go early in the morning so you'll get a better choice before the best is snapped up! Lots of people are realising the benefits of thrift shopping so prices have gone up in recent years so be sure that what your buying is actually a bargain and in great/good condition otherwise shop somewhere else, it's not worth it! Examine the item, the same as you would in any shop, think what it will work with in your wardrobe. Rummage round, spend a while looking around, gems are sometimes hidden, I often find cute vintage scarf’s or bag in bargain bins. People think it's junk but to me, it's a treasure! 

Do your research of brands, vintage styles or eras so that you don't pass up or miss out on a great find. I look up stuff online and think of how I can replicate the essence of that era, what pieces I need to recreate a certain look so I search for a specific piece then when I go shopping and it makes it really fun when you find it! It takes longer to hunt down the perfect piece but you always find them in the end...I had been searching for a black pillbox hat for ages and then randomly came across the perfect hat a year later for only £2.00! I love that about thrift shopping you never know what you'll find! 

My look is mostly thrifted, dress I got for €4 in Ireland which I guess is about maybe £3.25, shoes are also thrifted and were only 75p which I found a couple of weeks ago unworn in mint condition, tights and cardigan are from Primark totalling £5 and for accessories to finish I'm wearing this adorable strawberry which I picked up for £1. So my whole look comes to £9 and it's one of my favourites, anything with gingham I'm all over it! Hope this may inspire you to thrift more or realise that whatever your budget you can look ultra chic! I'll be sharing more looks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter so visit and follow for more thrifty treats!


All hair, make-up and styling me. All photos taken by Michael O'Brien (@michaelobrien22)