Budget shopping used to be MY THING – my way of life, my means of being able to actually get dressed…and well, yeh. I grew up only shopping at the local thrift store. Not even an exaggeration. My dad would roll all 6 of us (in the 15 passenger van, no less)…up to the thrift shop. We’d all pile out, each grab a cart and literally put anything we wanted into it. [cue ‘Thrift Shop’, by Macklemore*] It was actually SO AWESOME. I found so many amazing things…and it was way more fun than shopping at the mall. I actually think that having to be creative at Goodwill is what sparked my initial interest in fashion and assembling a bomb ass outfit.
Anyways, so…all that to say, this was actually really hard for me. I was kind of shocked and maybe even a bit disappointed in myself. Why is it hard for me to find a pair of shoes under $100 now? WHY, CAMS?? You used to slay at this, girlfriend. So. I think it’s honestly because, since starting this style blogging career, it has become my job to find the best brands, try on allthestuff and really zone-in on what the people want, so I have some how lost the magical unicorn thrifting abilities I once had.
Well, this budget-friendly challenge we’re doing here on TME pushed me to get back to it. At least, a bit. I didn’t run down to the thrift store (ha), but I did do my best to scour the internet for affordable finds that immediately caught my eye, in order to put together a solid outfit for this season.
I think I managed to pull it off.
My 15 year old self would hopefully be proud of me.
Probably not, though, because she would have done it all for 20 bucks (with a bag, belt and coat). HA HA.
outfit details
beanie: adidas Wide Rib Beanie – hats are funny for me…just feel like bigger, slouchier ones look odd on me. I like this one, because it’s just enough hat for my head. Also, the classic ‘adidas’ on the front adds some retro cool to the whole outfit.
sweater: Cable Stitch Contrast Sleeve Sweater (wearing Small, TTS) – I’ve had this one in my cart for well over a month…I was just unsure about it. Well, we then decided to do these budget-friendly posts I needed something affordable. Also, the Cable Stitch line seems pretty darn cool. I am not disappointed! It’s a great throw-on type sweater.
jeans: 1822 Denim Gold Waist Ankle Zip Skinny Jeans (a bit snug in my size…the size I am wearing, so I would say you can definitely go up one size) – for an affordable jean, these are good. I am always on the look-out for cheaper denim, so was happy to hear about 1822 Denim’s line through Scotti. I like the gold detail near the belt loop…it’s something a little funky and different.
boots: Carlos by Carlos Santana Syracuse Fur Lace-up Bootie (TTS) – also available at Nordstrom Rack for a bit less. I’ve never tried a pair of shoes from this line, but I may be a new convert…because pretty darn affordable and cute. They even seem to be made pretty darn well, too…which I was concerned about. FYI: I have my eye on these Sawyer Moto Boots now.
Total Spent: 178.49
Now I can’t stop playing ‘Thrift Shop’ on repeat. Such a good song, though. I mean, watch the music video. GOLD. lol.
Cheers,
Cams
Find me over on Instagram (@camilledipaola) & say hey! I share more of our life, home, everyday-type outfits & random kid stuff over there, so it’s fun…and messy/crazy.
Photos by Christina Hussey Photography.
I love that your dad did this-such a fun idea! And these boots are all the things. Nicely done girl.
Heidi || Wishes & Reality
So cute!! Really love the hat and jeans!
Love this outfit! I have loved thrifting since middle school when my friends and I could buy clothes with our babysitting money that our parents would never have bought for us. I still love the hunt and I love being creative with what I find to replicate current trends with my own spin. If you ever want to do a piece on true thrift store fashion–I’m your girl!
Why the “ha” after the thrift shop comment? Plenty of people use the thrift shop, not so much because it’s a fun little adventure but because it is where they can afford to shop to dress themselves and their family. I’m betting you know this because of your childhood experiences.
Kate, I said ‘ha’, because sharing thrift store finds on here for a budget-friendly outfit readers can actually shop would be silly. The ‘ha’ was not to make fun of thrift shopping, but more of a ha…yeh, didn’t do that this time. I’m betting you know that, though, because I mentioned that I used to only shop from thrift stores, as did my entire family. It’s all we could afford. Cheers!
C – Did you really need to be so snarky with the “I’m betting you know that?” I expect a better level of engagement from you all at TME. (Long time reader, first time commenter.)
You’re absolutely right. I tend to be sarcastic and a bit snarky at times to anyone ( heh heh), but you are right. I shouldn’t have said it on here. Some times I get irked. 😀
Thanks for checking me, Steph!
Cheers,
Cams
Thanks for following up, Cams!
Please accept my sincere apology for my obnoxious lecture-ish comment. I am a single mom school teacher and I rely heavily on the thrift shop to dress professionally in a district filled with wealthy families. You were honest and open about your family and I misread your tone and fired off my comment. I appreciate the work you do to help moms feel connected to each other as well as up to date and current in their fashion choices.. You strike a balance that isn’t easy and I’m sorry I let my own insecurity influence my response.
Kate, I am so glad you told me that. My mom was a single mother, working long days to support her and I. I wasn’t, myself, a single mom…but I am aware of the difficult struggles you face every day. In my opinion you’re a hero! I am so in awe of single mamas… the women that literally DO IT ALL. Every. Single. Day. Wow. Keep on rockin’…and you can fire off on me any time now. You need to sometimes! LOL. I apologize for reacting negatively to your comment. I hadnt had have my coffee yet. 😉
Just to add my own two cents, because I am lucky enough to know Kate. She can rock her thrift store finds like nobody’s business! Girl is always put together like a rockstar! xoxo
This is great, and I especially love the sweater. But…you guys need to do an ACTUAL thrift-store challenge. Like, you each go buy an entire outfit at a thrift/Goodwill/secondhand store. Places like Buffalo Exchange are fine too. C’mon, it’s fun!! And you can get amazing things. I have a gorgeous James Perse dress that I got thrift for under $10.
I’d also like to see an actual thrift store challenge! I’ve never purchased anything seen on TME, instead I like to see how you’re mixing up old and new pieces. I love the enthusiasm brought towards finding personal style, however that may look, though I do wish the means towards doing so we’re rooted less deeply in consumerism and more so in resourcefulness. I know it can be frustrating for some readers to come across the note that an item was older and therefore cannot be purchased anymore, but that personally doesn’t bother me in the slightest. I’d be excited to see how each of you find things on TheRealReal, ThredUp, or your local thrift stores, if you did a clothing exchange with friends, or if you tried out things from the back of your closet that you used to love and wear all the time but haven’t put on in ages. I think that could engage some readers who don’t have the means to go shopping for new items all the time or, in my case, would prefer to shop second hand and/or from ethically made companies for environmental and human rights reasons. Thanks!
I’ve never commented here before, but I just wanted to second this comment. Would love to see more focus on finding personal style or different iterations of a particular outfit etc. A thrift store or used clothing site challenge would be an awesome recurring feature! I personally don’t care if a particular featured item is no longer available.
Yep me too. I’d love to see you all do a ThredUp challenge. I also don’t care if I can’t buy the exact pieces. I know you make your money by us buying all the things, but…it would be fun!
Also would be fun to see you all try one of the fashion subscription services. I’ve tried a few times and can’t seem to click with it, but I’d be super curious to see how you all would do.
The story of your family going to the thrift store–so cute! Like the several of the pp’s, I, too, am someone who does the majority of my clothes shopping for myself and kids (my husband is impossible to shop for at any price point…eyeroll…) at secondhand stores. My motivation is a convergence of wanting to be a good steward with our personal resources along with trying to be more ethically-minded (plus I think the digging part feels like a treasure hunt!). I have appreciated that TME has helped bring my attention to higher end brand names and trends that helps narrow my focus when I am thrifting (recently found a pair of Mother the Looker mid rise dark wash skinnies for $3 and a black lululemon Bring it Backbend sweater for $7, woohoo!).
Given that highlighting a thrifted item is difficult to replicate and knowing sponsorship plays a large part of the backing for this blog, I completely understand why thrifting wouldn’t have much room as a regular feature but I appreciate the efforts to try and highlight some more budget-friendly options. Thank you, TME, for helping broad my fashion-sensibility horizons and helping keep me sharp!
Please don’t do a thrift store post. Stop the complaining about the price points of this blog or how often it makes you feel you should be shopping. This is so silly! Never are they saying, “ladies, spend that money now”. Would you complain if this was food. If a organic avocado had it’s own feature post would the comments be; I’d like to see a regular avocado b/c this organic one is not my price or could there be an avocado that was grown using water from a sustainable source that also donates to other avocados or I’d like to see you use whatever is in the back of your pantry b/c I know we got the same stuff growing back there or could you post this avocado later, i’m not hungry right now. The looks that are posted can be found at any price points why are we complaining about price, the inspiration is priceless! I love a Nordstrom post, why? Because it’s free shipping, free returns, price match. After a long day filled with my children’s needs the last thing I want to do is go to the store and shop or hunt for something. It’s is so much more efficient to shop online.
I’m sorry about the bad grammar, I’m tired and had too much coffee.
Amen to that, sista!
Seconded. Love the avocado analogy and love all things Cam! Keep it up, girl!
Thanks, Julie! Cheers.
well, if you don’t like a post, you can always scroll past…variety is the spice of life!
You’re good Amanda! And agree!
I thought this was a legit thrift shop post. Shoes under $100 – tragedy ! its like a humble brag. I think presenting this more carefully as a budget friendly outfit post would have been received better.
Totally agree. I really thought this outfit was from the Thrift Store until I saw she spent $175 on her total outfit. Would love to see an actual post about thrift store shopping.
I just think the title is misleading and people were excited for a thrift store challenge. I can see both sides, personally I don’t get put off by posts with expensive clothes, and I don’t “need” anyone to tell me how to thrift, I love thrifting! I get inspired by posts of all kinds and I rarely feel the need to run out and shop. I would however love posts about finding personal style.
I love that idea! Thanks, Holly. Cheers.
Wow! Its funny how this post struck a nerve. I love TME and look forward to your posts. You strike a great balance in all things TME. I think personal style is both fascinating and inspiring. I am probably older than the typical TME reader. I have 3 boys(more like men), one in college, one about to go to college, and a high school sophomore. As I approach having 2 kids in college I have no choice but to be mindful in all areas of spending. I find Goodwill, consignment stores, thrift stores, off season sales, and places like TJ Maxx a great way to stay current on a budget. I make note of each seasons trends, have a list of what I want. I look for certain brands, fabrics and shapes. I always find what I am looking for including quality leather goods. Judging from compliments and comments it seems to work for me. Style and how you achieve it is such a personal matter. Thanks again for the great content!
Just wanted to say I think you are the shiz of all things style and you’re a great writer. Along the years themomedit and I kinda lost touch but I check in every now and then and just came to the conclusion I’m really only coming back to read your posts;)
Melanie, you just made my LIFE. Blogging is funny, in that at times you’re not sure who’s actually reading or who cares…but to hear that you do come back and read…and appreciate(!). That makes this job so much easier and SO ENJOYABLE. Thank you! 🙂
There are tons of great resources on thrifting online, not really something I want to got to TME for…BUT TME has done well in the past creating posts on how to style things that are lurking in the back of our closets…I am thinking about the post on the button up cardigan or the one about tall boots…I think that is a good “recycling” niche for TME and would love to see more of that!
love that idea. seriously. cheers!