One Woman’s Trash…

Photo credit: Augusta Sagnelli

Years ago when I first started blogging I was very into thrifting. It initially began as a necessity. I had just graduated from college and had committed to a year of service with AmeriCorps, so budgeting was a priority. But the more I thrifted the more I found that I actually loved finding beautiful, often long forgotten pieces that by the time they made it to the thrift store were basically one of a kind. I also quickly learned that the trick to thrifting is having a good eye for pieces that, with a little work, could be something new and reimagined. But I was—and still am—totally up for the challenge!

Enter this gorgeous oversized coat! I have been on the hunt for quite some time for a tan/camel oversized coat in this style. But if you’ve priced them online you know that one this length and quality can run you a couple hundred dollars. With law school graduation right around the corner, I’m trying to be a bit more budget conscious as I prepare for the next phase of my life. The thrift store gods rewarded my practicality, patience and months of searching with this amazing find. One day while leaving the barber shop, I decided to pop into the thrift store next door. There hanging on this rack was this incredible Jones New York coat… for, get this, $25 dollars! Yes, $25 dollars!!!  Can you believe it?! You could have knocked me over with a feather! (I also purchased a beautiful vintage fur cape. Another post, another day). I was SO shocked and excited.

Now for a little reworking.

It had HUGE shoulder pads inside (literally the biggest I’ve ever seen). So I opened up the seam in each armpit, took them out and then sewed the lining back shut. Next, I took it to my tailor here in town and had the shoulders and sleeves slimmed down. (The shoulder pads had stretched out the shoulders and was giving me a meeean “football back.” lol). Two weeks and $30 in tailoring later, I have a gorgeous winter coat at a mere fraction of the retail price. (Similar coats from JNY retail for $450). All the thrill of shoplifting—because at this price, it’s basically stealing—and none of the risk of doing hard time. Lol. Yay for beating the system!

What I’m Wearing:

Sweater: H&M

Pants: Forever 21

Jacket: (thrifted) Jones & New York (similar here)

Shoes: Forever 21

Vest: Zara

Clutch: ℅ Bijuju Boutique

Necklace: ℅ Le Tote