When I say add personal style with consignment and thrift, what do I mean? Well, let’s first define personal style. What I’m referring to is the way you dress and present yourself to the world on the daily. Your fashion sense, if you will. And consignment and thrift shops are one of the best places to go when yo want to define or enhance yours.
When it comes to fashion sense, you may think it’s funny, but I think it helps to define your personal style by naming it. For me, I call mine: “classic with an edge.” Bruce thinks this is hysterical, but it helps me decide what works and what doesn’t in my closet and in my world. I like navy blazers and straight-leg pants, that’s the classic part. But I also like edgy details that I find in vintage jewelry and funky scarves, leopard print booties and uniquely designed tops. I’ve developed this style of dressing over what seems like a lifetime, but is probably more accurately timed over the last 18 years of owning my own consignment store. The primary reason for that is that I have regular access to elements that help me to carve out my personal style. It’s easy to grow your look with the unique items that are readily available at consignment shops, and their kindred spirits, thrift stores. Just consider…
Develop Your Personal Style with Jewelry from Consignment and Thrift
Any thrift or consignment shop worth visiting will have a decent amount of jewelry for sale. They will undoubtedly separate the costume from the “good stuff,” but they should have a healthy supply of both. These racks and cases are great places to hunt for items to set up or grow your personal style. Maybe your a tall person, like myself, so your eyes land on some big, chunky, vintage pieces. Or you’re a red-head, so you seek out natural shades to compliment your earth-tone-inspired wardrobe. The jewelry you find at shops, like Consignments Ltd., will be unlike anything you’re seeing in the big box stores at your local mall. And your style will take a huge step forward, as a result.
Add Accessories From Consignment and Thrift to Up Your Personal Style
Consignment and thrift stores are also great resources for accessories. I’m talking belts, scarves and handbags. I found a 1950’s , wooden, hand-painted, box-style handbag in one of the shops I frequent. “Jennie, from Winston-Salem, North Carolina” had painted scenes from her travels to cities throughout the worlds on each of the bag’s sides. It’s classically shaped and oh-so-edgily styled. Suits me to a T. I take it on date-nights to the theater and sometimes to church on Sunday. It’s fun, classic and edgy. At consignment and thrift you may find the scarf that perfectly completes that travel outfit your planning for your next adventure or the belt that makes that old black dress seem new again. And just like with jewelry, the accessories you find will be unique and will give your style a real boost.
Outerwear is a Personal Style Game-Changer
A lot of consignment and thrift shops that primarily carry clothing will have a large selection of outerwear. But don’t discount the other shops that may just surprise you with what they have to offer when it comes to coats, jackets and furs (faux and otherwise). A great coat has a personal style all its own and can make yours jump to the next level. For years I rocked a faux-leopard number that I found at The Salvation Army. It was 1940’s glam and I wore it with everything from a LBD to jeans. I put it back in the second-hand stream after regular exercise, divorce and diabetes (in no particular order) dropped and then stabilized my weight. But you see what I mean here? Outerwear is a bargain at these shops and the style quotient is on steroids.
So think consignment and thrift when you’re updating or just fleshing out your personal style. You’ll find unique items for a steal and your fashion sense will love you for it! For more on consignment and style, check out my previous blogs: Style Tips You Can Borrow From The French and Thrifting Wardrobe Pieces For Beginners.
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