I’m delighted to introduce you to a new blogger collaboration called the Thrifty Six! We are a group of international fashion and lifestyle influencers who meet once a month to share our thrifty finds. On the third Monday of every month, we will all share an outfit based on a theme that features preloved wardrobe pieces. Shopping and reselling preloved clothing is so much better for the environment and you can find some of the best fashions in thrift or charity shops. The Thrifty Six are here to inspire you to shop second hand!
For the first installment we’re kickin’ off the Thrifty Six in preloved shoes. Now I realise that for a lot of people – even avid thrifters – preloved shoes can be a no-no. Concerns around hygiene are at the forefront of our minds even more now during a pandemic. But trying shoes on isn’t really any different from picking up groceries that other people have touched. Some charity shops are leaving out packets of pop socks for customers to wear when trying on shoes which is sensible. I was left rather bemused when I tried a pair of shoes on in Tesco recently and was promptly told off by a member of staff – apparently it’s not allowed! I mean, who buys shoes without trying them on?!
Anyway, back to today’s outfit. When I was visiting my mum last month we went to the local charity shop where they were selling the shoes for £1 a pair! It’s not often I find size eight shoes in charity shops, so imagine my delight when I found these fabulous white shoes that fit like a dream! They are so comfortable and don’t rub my bunions at all. For years I avoided white shoes because they got a bit of a bad reputation in the 80s (stilettos in particular), but I think we’ve moved on from that now.
When I tried them on my mum remarked that white shoes make your feet look big. Well, I have got big feet but that’s not going to stop me wearing white shoes. It definitely helps if you chose a style that shows some of the foot. I love my Stan Smith trainers but I wish I’d have chosen some with a stripe to break up the expanse of white! The uber fashionable dress and trainers combination is always going to be tricky for me!
Unusually for me, nothing else in this outfit is preloved, although the only new item is the blouse. I bought it on sale along with a few other things from Coast recently. I’m obsessed with puff sleeves at the moment and couldn’t resist this gorgeous polka dot beauty. I paired it with a pair of slinky culottes with a frill on one leg. For maximum impact I stuck to black and white accessories, including jewellery I bought in Italy many years ago.
SHOP THE LOOK
Coast organza puff sleeve top | Asos culottes (old) | Mango bag (old) | Sam Edelman sunglasses | shoes from a charity shop (similar) |ring and bracelet bought in Italy
“I recently found these adorable combat boots at my local Salvation Army Thrift Store. They were $5.99. The brand is Vito Rossi which is an Italian men’s shoe line. But they were my size, the price was right, and they are so darn cute, I couldn’t resist. Other thrifted items in this outfit are my white denim skirt and my snakeskin bag.”
“I actually bought these boots especially for the kick off! Because I didn’t have any pre loved shoes! I was a bit afraid of wearing them, but these are not worn! Haha, yes I am a daredevil! They are from Tamaris, my favorites shoe brand! And I think they are real sitting shoes! And having said that, the circle is round as these series are the third that Shelbee and I host, and we started off with sitting Shoes, 3.5 years ago!”
“Bling is my thing- so when I saw these cute (brand new for $7!) Aldo mule-booties at my local charity store, Nova- I just had to get them! And then I remembered having a little silver gem of a dress in almost the same shimmer! The dress is vintage late 60’s and super cute. This glitter girl is super thrilled with the combo.”
“Cinderella’s Diamond Slippers…I found these beautiful gold and diamond party shoes on eBay and it was love at first sight! A while back, I wore them for a really glitzy night out and I felt like a princess…I stayed at my friend’s house but the next day I had to work and in my rush to get ready, I left one shoe behind. I was devastated when I realized it was missing but all was not lost…My friend’s brother (who I fancied like mad) drove all the way to my house to return the shoe. And guess what – he asked me out on a date! We had a few dates but sadly he wasn’t my prince charming – good Cinderella story though eh!”
“While I’ve never purchased a pair of shoes at an actual thrift store, I do have quite the collection of hand-me-down pairs—which is just another form of thrifting! I was so excited when a good family friend decided to give me these brown peep-toe wedges on a whim. They are the perfect transitional shoe as we start to enter fall!”
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Emma, what a fab find in these adorable white shoes! I love the style of them and your black and white dotted outfit is so adorable! I also received some dirty looks a few weeks ago for trying on shoes in the charity shop. I don’t get what the big deal is, they were already touched and worn by someone else. We are touching them with our hands which carry way more germs than our sock covered feet. I also don’t understand why the fitting rooms are closed in charity shops now, too. So you can’t even try things on! I always wear black leggings and a fitted tee so I when I go thrifting so I can just slip things over what I am wearing! I am so excited for this collaboration! What a fun group of women. I can’t wait to see what we come up with for next month! Have a wonderful week, my friend!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Love your shoes!! And the polka dots!
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
Congrats on your collaboration! What a fun outfit with the polka dotted top! Love how it ties in the front! And what an amazing deal you got on those shoes!
Great looks from the other ladies as well!
Ellibelle’s Corner
One pound! Can’t even buy chips for one pound! Ha ha, fantastic. While I was reading your post I thought, yeah why am I doing difficult about thrifted shoes. I mean perhaps 20 women have tried on shoes I bought new. I did give them tharrow clean up though. Your shoes match perfect with the lovely outfit and the blouse is amazing! A bit Villanella!
What?!!!! You got these for nothing and they’re Amazing!! such a great find my friend! I have yet to find a good preloved white pair of shoes – so when you do find one that’s this good, you jump on it- I would! Your whole look is fabulous- I’m a sucker for pretty puffy sleeves and polka dots! Love your post Emma- I’m so happy we are all doing this together:)
Such a cute outfit and your pre-loved shoes are perfect with it! That price is awesome!
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
Wonderful, nice to meet your new group – I love this little outfit, the mix of sizes works so well. Jacqui x