So, you might know that I’m on a clothing shopping ban on account of the house purchase I recently made. I knew I’d landed the house when I arrived in Boston, so I decided that would be my last shopping trip for a while.
Luckily, I found Second Time Around, an amazing chain of consignment stores. I wish we had one in Seattle. Boston has three! I went to STA every day while I was in Beantown. First, I bought a pair of Tory Burch pumps (never worn!) for $50. Later, I snagged a pair of Dolce & Gabbana capris for $40 (a $600 value!). Finally, I found this DVF wrap dress ($90) and Manolo Blahniks that fit like a glove ($80).
Dress: Diane von Furstenberg
Tank: wet Seal
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik
Earrings: Sears
Cuff: Lauren Harkness
The shop is high-end, and I’m not used to paying these figures for used, but wow they have great stuff. All in excellent condition, all by designers whose pieces go for much, much more in stores like Saks, Neiman Marcus, and others.
I hadn’t even planned to buy the shoes. I just grabbed them so I could try on dresses and get a proper feel for how they’d look with heels. But every dress I tried on looked fantastic with these shoes–they went with everything. It’s true about the elongating effect of a perfect nude heel.
Similarly, the Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress is a wardrobe staple. Work, dinner, date, interviews–this fits any occasion, is classic and comfortable.
I’m discovering the quality and timelessness of these pricier pieces means that I’ll wear them more, throw away less (because they last), and save in the long run. Let’s hope so!
jeanofalltrades 
I rationalise with the “cost per wear”. If it cost $100 and I wear it 100 times it’s a bargain compared to a cost of $50 that I wear twice.
And I am sooooo jealous about that dress! It is amazing. I must find a great second hand shop here in my part of the planet. 🙂
Cheers,
Laura
I agree about bargains having to do with how much you use an item. I’m starting to think more about what I need and how often I’ll use things. I still love clothes; I just want to be smart about purchases.
That’s exactly it.
Smart purchases aren’t always the cheap ones.
We learn that as we become more mature. And for me it means that I can still love clothes but I can be sensible enough to buy something a little nicer because it will last longer and I will wear it more.
Cheers,
Laura
You look great! What wonderful bargains!
Thanks! It was a fun shopping excursion!
Love it!!! You look fabulous!!! Reminds me of Oma’s dress – she’d love it, too!!
Yes – I thought of Oma. She loved wrap dresses (I have her original DVF wrap from ’73, as you know) and she loved animal prints.
I just adore this, Jean! You look absolutely exquisite!! What treasures that look so fabulous on you… ~Sarah
Thank you! I was like a kid in a candy store in STA.