Life is sweeter as an outfit repeater

Don’t let size fool you

I was browsing around a local Catholic-run used clothing store in my university town when I heard a girl ask the woman at the cash: “do you have this shirt in another size?” Ummmm, that’s not how it works hunny.

The human body comes in so many unique shapes and sizes. Some brands are geared towards a certain size, other brands help you accentuate certain areas where you want that extra emphasis and some brands help you hide it all. Every brand embraces human diversity in a different manner. A second hand clothing store is where all of these brands come together, so don’t limit yourself to one size!

When I shop, I’ve learned to browse everything from extra small to extra large. I found this Charlotte Russe cardigan at my local consignment store in an extra large. I brought it to the dressing room to try it on just for the hell of it. It has drawstrings above the hips, so I’m able to tighten it to my liking. Because it’s so large, it can be used as a thin jacket shell for my chunky fall sweaters. Plus, it’s super comfortable #bonus.

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Send me your nudes

What better way to start off than checking out my nudes (pun intended)! These lovely Jessica Simpson Nude Calie pumps were thrifted at Value Village in Halifax for 17 bucks.

I know it’s not the deal of the century, but after doing some research online, similar styles of Jessica Simpson shoes are sold at Macy’s for a very high price. This exact style doesn’t seem to be sold anymore.

These babies are flawless and brand new. The stickers were still on the bottom and there was not one scuff or scratch. I knew it was love at first sight. I tried them on and wanted to cry when they were probably half a size too big. I put them down and walked away. Then I went back and put them on again. Surprisingly, they were still too big. I walked away again. When I glanced back, a woman had them on her feet. My heart skipped a beat. She walked around in them for a minute and I stared her down. They didn’t even look that good on her. Finally, she put them back on the shelf. I ran over and snatched them.

Took them home and stuck a heel liner in ‘em and now I have a fabulous-ass pair of brand name pumps that’ll match almost anything in my closet.

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Hi hi

Being a student is hard as hell - you work your ass off all summer to have every hard earned penny whisked away in the name of education. Deduct groceries, living expenses, etc., and you are left with a measly couple of bucks. This can be hard on a person, especially if you’re as materialistic and shopping-obsessed as I am.

So here I am, a third year Anthropology student living in a town of under 5,000 people, struggling to keep my finances in order. I have always caved - indulging in luxury items I don’t need - and having this guilty pleasure end in a scolding phone call from my parents telling me to get my shit together. Every college/university student has been there. I walk into H&M, see a shirt I like, and buy it without checking the price tag.

It was through some volunteer work with St. Francis Xavier University (my school), that I discovered my passion for second hand clothing. Spending time with some low-income families living in the area really opened my eyes to how much money we spend. They told me about about great shopping opportunities in the area where I could save a few dollars. Although we are not in the exact same situation as these families (and I count my blessings everyday), as students we are under heaps of financial stress.

With all of that being said, I found (and continue to find) ways to keep my wardrobe just as fabulous for a fraction of the cost. I plan on sharing my great finds - along with some stories, tips and tricks - I pick up along the way.

Enjoy!! Xx

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