Fall Wardrobe: New Additions

Authentic Coach Willis Bag. You can find a new one here for $298 dollars.
I was lucky enough to score this one at the local Antique Fair for $25.
The Antique Fair is open in downtown Santa Cruz each month on the second
 Sunday, I like to go towards the end of the day to get the best deals before closing. 

     As I mentioned in this post a few days ago (sorry for the late response), I have been building my fall wardrobe with second hand items. Recycling is a concept that should not just apply to empty bottles and paper products, but also to our wardrobes. I love that you can find treasure in unexpected places, like Salvation Army, Goodwill, and Antique shops. Not only is shopping for second hand items more budget friendly, it is also helps reduce our carbon footprint. But I think my absolute favorite aspect of thrift shopping is finding a high quality item that I would otherwise never be able to afford with a shockingly low price tag attached. Here are a few hidden gems that I have been able to unearth here in Santa Cruz. If you are local to the area, I hope the links I have included in this post are especially helpful in finding new (second hand) shopping experiences. However, if you happen to live elsewhere, let this be inspiration that you can find lovely items in places that you might otherwise overlook!

I have found some of the most amazing authentic turquoise and silver jewelry recently at this local pawn shop. They already offer ridiculously low "price-by-weight" silver items but they are also open to negotiation as well! 

These dazzling pink earrings were unearthed at Mr Goodie's Antiques for
 a mere $5. Another one of my favorite places to find jewelry is in the
Collector's Corner in the goodwill on Union Street. The Collector's Corner
 is run by volunteers so it operates at random hours, but if you are lucky
 enough to stop by while it's open there are so amazing and inexpensive items
 to be rescued and taken home with you. I found this Betsey Johnson necklace
 for 50% off the tagged price, it was $3.50! 

!00% Silk dresses from left to right: Red Dress- Ellen Tracy $4, Black Dress- Laundry by Shelli Segal $7, Pink Dress- Christian Dior $10. Not all of these dresses from Goodwill fit perfectly initially, but with some inexpensive alterations I now have plenty of party dresses for next season. 

Another way to add new items to your closet is to trade garments with your
friends. My friend Katia lent me a few items to borrow while she is abroad
for several months. I'm excited to wear this robe around the house during lazy days. 

These crazy pants are another temporary addition to my wardrobe from
 Katia. I'm not sure I have the guts to rock these Versace pants....
but they are going to sit in my closet encouraging me to try!

100% silk blouses, $1.50 each found at Salvation Army.
 With a few nips and tucks they will fit perfectly!

Fully sequined silk tank with no wear or tear, $7 at Salvation Army. 

My growing collection of second hand cashmere in a rainbow of colors.

Yours,
Nico

PS: Just so you know, I didn't go on a mad shopping binge over the last weekend. I collected many of these items carefully over time. In the summer months, it's typically easy for me to find inexpensive fall/winter items...so I stock up! Get better deals on clothing by looking for off season items, they are typically less expensive!