I’ve had that Thrift Shop song running through my head all week. You know, the one where the guy has $20 and is headed off to purchase a whole wardrobe of octogenarian hand-me-downs that will secure his reputation as an avant guarde fashionista? Part of me applauds the man’s gutsy stand. He’s determined to fly in the face of acceptable dress code guidelines and march to his own drummer. But is he boldly setting new trends, or is he in reality as delusional as the Emperor prancing around naked in his “new
Veronika
When you’re 18, you can go clubbing in anything. Plus it was the late 80s, so I was probably the least weirdly dressed! The downside of being in a big city though, is the number of people hitting up the goodwill or village thrift – everyone it trying to score! Also, I love that song!
debradunbar
LOL – I love Macklemore – and that song. Although my 16yo thinks I’m a lame, middle aged mom whose trying too hard when I crank it up.
All right. I’ll admit to a 1982 purchase of a suede “blazer” with nearly 8 inch long fringe on the arms, and around the chest and back. It was kind of out-there when I bought it, and I continued to wear it as my Eccentric Writer fashion statement even 20 years later. I finally took it in to donate when space was getting to be an issue and I had to make some tough storage decisions. I wish I’d have kept it – miss that thing. It was my weirdo signature jacket!
And I have fur coats. I’ve had a fascination with furs as long as I can remember. I’ve got 2 thrift store minks, and a trunk full of fur collars and muffs inherited from various relatives. I’d totally grab your son’s jacket and run for it!
Liv Rancourt
First of all, you’re kinda disrespecting Macklemore, which could get you in big trouble in my house. The guy’s pretty genius, and that song is catchy as hell.
Second of all, if I could, I’d post a picture of my son in his vintage fur jacket, bought after hearing Thrift Shop about seven million times. He looks SO COOL, especially when he’s got his aviator glasses on. Pretty much he only wears it for special occasions, like basketball playoff games and school dances and stuff.
😉
Oh, and my daughter’s favorite store is Salvation Army. She’s got a couple of sweaters that I tried to talk her out of buying, arguing that her grandmother might try to snatch them out of her closet. They’re not my idea of cute, but she rolls her eyes and says, “They’re IRONIC, Mom.”
Yeah.
debradunbar
V – I love vintage stores, and I think in a more urban setting, Thrift Shops can have amazing good finds (hey, someone has those Ralph Lauren infant clothes!) Our local Goodwill doesn’t seem to have anything better quality than my $5 tank tops, and they’re pretty used by the time they get there. I’d love to find a double grommet belt or roper boots! Not sure I’d be brave enough to go clubbing n the poufy petticoat though.
Veronika
Well Deb, I used to haunt the thrift shops in high school and college, and 50s cocktail dresses were my thing! My most glorious clubbing outfit was a huge poufy black crinoline petticoat paired with a black sleeveless turtleneck from the “That Girl” era (with combat boots). And don’t get me started on vintage hats and rhinestone jewelry. Even after I toned it down, I sought “interesting” pieces, like the double grommet leather belt and nicely worn in roper boots I had for years. Nowadays, if I buy vintage, I check out eBay or etsy (I’m on the hunt for a pair of wood and leather clogs from the 70s, like I bought myself when I was 11 – I’ve narrowed it down to a couple pairs…). I can definitely appreciate a good thrift find (like perfectly faded Levi’s, a rare find since vintage shops buy them all up and charge $200), but that “thrift store smell” I used to love has gone by the wayside for me, akin to Love’s Baby Soft or Jordache for Women.