Excuse my bad hair day. I've had this obsession with semi-ugly, semi-chic retro dresses when thrifting of late. Ok, maybe not an obsession, but I've def been attracted to them, and I've been seeing them at Goodwill stores across Toronto in the past week.
Last week I tried on a semi-scary looking dress at a Goodwill in north Toronto that looked like it would melt if it got too close to a flame. It fit me like a sack, so I left it there. But yesterday on my way home I popped into my fave Goodwill in Toronto in Flemington Park. This retro polyester dress from the 1970s, I'm guessing, called to me. It was $6.99.
When I found it my first thought was: fugly. But on a second glance I was somewhat intrigued. You know I'm a sucker for Paris (and Italy) labels, so into the basket it went. I can't deny that the green colour and funky pattern were major plus's for me. On closer look I saw that the deatils were quite nice. Sturdy stitching and the polyester - though undeniably polyester - was impressive, of a good weave ... know that sounds like an oxymoron but there you have it.
Just look at those buttons. Enameled. You would never find buttons on a dress like that today, unless, of course, it was couture or something. I'm only guessing as I don't buy couture, of course.
Here's the final look! Worn with a pair of Nine West shoes that I have had for - wait for it - TEN years! They never go out of style and I STILL get compliments on them - I just fix up the heels at the shoemaker's every now and again and voila: new shoes!
I'm wearing the dress with a cashmere wool cape thrifted for probably under $10. It was made in Ireland and in superb condition. I absolutely LOVE capes for the early fall weather - very chic and can be worn with everything from dresses to jeans.
Love it! I can see why you took a second look.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
ReplyDeleteThat dress is so great and looks amazing on you!
ReplyDeleteI got a 3/4 mink coat at the Don Mills Goodwill last fall. It was on their 50% off day so I only paid $25!
I go nuts thrifting for furs.
Thanks 2 Hounds design! I have thrifted furs but always find that they split and are malting (is that spelled correctly?) because of poor care - what do you look for when you thrift furs?
ReplyDeleteI check the seams to see how dry the skin is and look for tears. I got one winter out of the mink I mentioned above.
ReplyDeleteNow I'm going to tear out the lining, treat the hide. I'll likely use the coat as a throw on the leather sofa in the family room or use it to make pillow covers...I like that idea.