Saturday, September 30, 2023

Trip to the Mall...an unexpected find

 


The casual outfit I wore to "quickly" run an errand at the mall
would possibly have shocked the Fashion Police!

I went to buy some Nespresso coffee pods.
No, I didn't see George Clooney, (darn) but his picture was hanging in the store.

OOTD
I was wearing:
Eddie Bauer leggings
Lord and Taylor white tunic top 
my thrifted Banana Republic Trench Coat.
(no pearls)

As I was leaving
I passed by the Reitmans store and out of the corner of my eye I spied 
SALE 40% OFF


The store was BUSY!
Obviously others were lured in by that SALE sign.

Took a quick look around and saw this black tweed dress.

I grabbed two sizes and headed to the change room
Tried them on...
I like to try things on to see how they fit, especially "knit" fabric garments.
(probably why I am not a regular online shopper.)

I didn't even take off the leggings!

I wasn't even looking for a new dress but that 40% off persuaded me.

It will be cozy for fall and winter and go with my black tights and Chelsea Boots.


I could belt this dress for a bit more waist definition.
I also have an Eileen Fisher black vest which could work with it too.


I looked at the "rear" view mirror to see how it fit on the derriere.
The larger size was better as it skimmed the curves.


The artisan necklace works well paired with this dress.
This might just be my favourite dress for Fall.


Funny how the unexpected can pop up on my radar...

Suppose the message here is
Always keep your eyes open for opportunities.
You never know unless you try.

I've been to 3 aqua fit classes this week.
My suit has been washed and dried overnight in time for the next class.

As I was leaving the pool this week I saw two adorable teenage girls...
They were dressed in a style that I would call Goth.
Black mesh stockings (ripped) black short skirts, short tops layered over tank tops.
Pink streaks in their dark dyed black hair.
Funky jewelry, big earrings, pendants, bangles.

They were laughing as they ran down the stairs...
such vibrant style and oodles of energy.
(Oh to be Young again!)
I thought to myself that they were having fun with fashion.
They were dressed very similarly so I assumed they might be best friends.
Not exactly fashion twins but they shared the same clothing vibe.

Having fun with fashion is why we take the time to choose clothes that we love.
Wearing items that make us feel good as well as dressing for the season.

We need clothes, so why not wear what makes us feel good?

My blue Tencel tunic top is looking rather sad, 
our cat Chester has pulled quite a few threads in the fabric...
I look at these imperfections and I cringe.
So I am going to drop it in the donation bin.
It doesn't make me feel good.
So why wear it?

Have you visited the shops to see what is on offer?
Are you a minimalist or do you have a closet that doubles as a dressing room?

Have you gone to the thrift shops or the local consignment stores?
So many clothes are available and you can feel good about buying them 
"saving the planet" by buying used pre-worn garments.

There are real bargains to be had in the consignment shops.
We have quite a few great ones here in Victoria and there are fabulous finds just waiting...
Designer garments are often hidden between the many pieces of pedestrian wear.

I look in the mens wear section too...
for crisp striped shirts and cashmere V neck sweaters.

In our local Value Village there are loads and loads of handbags...
many are worn out "pleather" bags but there are real leather gems too.

I've seen stylish shoes too...

A friend found a strand of real cultured pearls for $3.99
I don't know how they passed by the staff pricing the stock
but one never knows what treasures await...

Have you had fun finding any treasures in the thrift shops?
What is your best bargain?
I'd love to hear from you.


The bounty of our tomato harvest continues...
Tomatoes are still being roasted to add to soups and pasta sauces.
(recipe is on the previous post)

Hope that you are enjoying your weekend.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

13 comments:

Susan said...

I think the best time to find a great article of clothing is when you are not looking for it! I don't like to shop, so I do prefer online shopping these days, recognizing that some things just have to be tried on.

Jeannine said...

So many good ideas you have! Nothing to add, except to say a few words about our trip to the UK. We left home on Sept 12 and returned on Sept 28 going to both England and Scotland. Our son has been there and was our organizer, arranger, finder, guide, leader, and driver. We couldn't have done it like this without him. We started in London England and ended in Inverness Scotland staying in 7 different Airbnbs as we went along. Lots of walking - one day 25,000 steps! Saw the sites in London, several castles, toured cities and towns, a few gardens, lots of sheep, beautiful hills/mountains, lots of hiking. We traveled with backpacks for luggage and even though it was more than two weeks we did okay that way, believe it or not! I had Eddie Bauer travel pants and Lands End rash guard shirts as my wardrobe - neither take up much space in the backpack and quick drying after washing. I wore my all black Brooks Ghost 13 shoes - only shoes I had along. (I find them so comfortable that after buying my first pair I proceeded to purchase 3 more pair as back ups!) We really had a wonderful time!

Brenda N said...

Hi Leslie, What a great find in this knit dress! I agree, I definitely find the best things when I'm not looking for a specific item on my list. I do a lot of online shopping now, because the local stores often don't have much to offer. When we talked about jeans after your last post, I vowed to simplify my wardrobe and focus on the essentials and favorites I wear the most. I'm working on that some more this weekend. It's fairly warm year round down here in San Diego, but I love the change of season when I can wear sweaters, scarves and layers again, my favorite way to dress. Though I no longer own a winter coat and my gloves rarely come out of the drawer. Now I need to roast some tomatoes!

the veg artist said...

I'm afraid I dislike all shopping, including for clothes, and it takes dire need to get me anywhere near a clothes rail - and then, of course, I can't find anything I like. I didn't used to be this bad, it seems to have got worse with age!!! I do envy your ability to find things, but I know that you know where to look, as well.

Carol said...

Hi Leslie, It's been a while since I've written a comment. I love thrift shopping! I am able to purchase things I never could have afforded (or worn) when I was a teacher. I purchase wool, silk, linen, cotton, and tencel and blends of those fibers. The most I have ever spent was for a gorgeous forest green velvet jacket with satin pie crust ruffles along the lapels and cuffs. It was made in Austria and at $53.00, it was the most expensive thing I ever purchased, thrifted or not. I also waited four weeks before I finally bought it. My second favorite purchase was a sharp olive herringbone wool blazer for $12.00. I had passed it over and purchased a brown tweed blazer for $8.00. I regretted it and went back the following day. It was gone. Then three weeks later, it was there again and it was priced at $8.00. Sold! I never go there empty handed. I always bring a bag of items to donate. I prefer to purchase from thrift shops, as opposed to consignment shops, since I want the money I spend to support the causes of the shops I visit. I admire the restraint you have in curating your wardrobe and the dress you found will be so versatile. I am beginning to learn to be a little more discerning, but it isn't easy! Carol in VT

Lori said...

Hi Leslie - I love your style and always look forward to your posts. I am retired and find myself ‘shopping’ more and more on Poshmark. I seem to be able to find exactly what I want and don’t break the bank doing so. :-)

Anonymous said...

Good Day!
Yes I found a maxi linen hand painted coat in a THRIFT SHOP RECENTLY!Think you saw it on my Instagram!
That shopping because you spied a good sale was the way I always shopped!Did not matter if I needed it or not!
It was the way to GO FOR ME AS IF I NEED SOMETHING I CAN NEVER FIND IT!
Xxx
La Contessa

Dianne Mastergeorge said...

Love your finds!! That dress is so pretty, maybe a pair of opaque black tights when it gets cooler. How I would style it. I do find some things at Goodwill mostly. Just found two beautiful lightweight sweaters for $6.98 each. Never been worn. Our thrift stores around our area seems to get only really old looking styles, not one thing I would find worth buying. Enjoy the “new” dres!

Jeannine said...

Oops! Seems I misspoke! My shoes are Brooks Ghost 14s (not 13s) - here's a link to view: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08QVX8F9M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Sheila said...

I was in Mayfair Mall a week ago, and briefly went into Reitman's, but everything was very cheap fabric and not very interesting. I was bored silly with most of the mall offerings, as I've gotten so spoiled with second-hand shops.

I have had so many good thrifted purchases, from Prada, to Givenchy, to Escada, to Balmain, and Celine, Kenzo...the list goes on!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Lori ~ I haven't shopped at Poshmark but II have seen ads for their items online. Sounds like you are having fun which is the best part!!

La Contessa ~ I saw that great coat! Love it on you...it suits your style perfectly. Great find.
Well done on your purchase.

Dianne Mastergeorge ~ Good finds on those new sweaters. We don't have a Goodwill here in Victoria...we used to have one when I was younger, not sure why it left?

Jeannine ~ I saw them online! Look very good for lots of walking...like The New Balance trainers that I wore on my last trip...I alternated between Chelsea Boots and the NB shoes.

Sheila ~ I found the Reitmans knit dress very soft and I wore it yesterday with capri tights and my Chelsea Boots. I am curious as to how it will wear and if it will retain its shape when I launder it.
You are the BEST thrift shopper when it comes to finding fabulous clothes!!!

LadyJicky said...


At the moment I have not found anything I like in the clothing shops and the shoe shops either!
I think I am getting fussier as I get older . lol

I hope your family had a great time in Australia and New Zealand!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Lady Jicky ~ I seem to be finding more things than usual? Not sure why I am so tempted but I am trying to be prudent with my purchases!