For a gal who lives in one of the warmer regions of SoCal, I have quite a number of coats despite little true need for them. In fact, based on the temps we were enjoying just a couple of weeks ago, I’d just about given up on winter in these parts. While many bloggers are showing photos taken in snowy landscapes, I’ve sweltered trying to take photos in sweaters much less wearing a coat. But never say never because the weather has finally turned a bit and it’s been quite chilly (50 to 60 range, don’t scoff) for the last week or so.
Perhaps because of our mild weather, I’ve found local thrift stores to be a great place to find barely worn coats that are priced too well to pass up. Even when I have one (or three) in that color already, like this cute black one. It must originally have had a matching belt because it had belt loops which I removed. They were placed too low for me anyway and I think that the fit-and-flare shape looks fine without a belt.
In a previous RRR post, Camo Skirts: Reclaim-Recycle-Reuse, skirts were in the spotlight as well as how so many pre-loved ones have recently been rehomed in my closet. Such is the case with this floral beauty. The fabric is light enough to wear in warmer months and the black background of the print makes it an option to pair with boots and sweater when there is a chill in the air. Bonus, it has pockets!
I can’t finish this post without a mention about my boots. This look is one of my triple-threats for the Reclaim-Recycle-Reuse theme because the coat and the skirt are not the only pre-loved items. I found these cuties on Poshmark which can be risky because of the no-return policy but they fit perfectly (I sell there too, My Closet – FineWhatev). These boots are a fabulous replacement for a long-loved pair I had that had seen much better days and are now looking for a new home in someone else’s closet.
Let’s Wrap This Up
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link up for this week. My featured contributor from the last link up (back in December, oops) is Martina, image consultant and blogger at Lady 50Plus. Martina is the founder and CEO of Image 50plus – the first image consultancy especially for the 50+ generation – and she’s worked as a style expert and business trainer for many years.
Whether a previous owner has done a closet purge or her tastes have changed, I’m happy to give well deserving beauties, like the ones in this outfit, a new home. What’s your opinion on thrift store shopping? Are you a seasoned thrifter or does the idea of wearing someone else’s old clothes give you the heebie-jeebies? Is it a just a passing trend for those who can afford more or is it a smart way to live “greener” and reduce one’s carbon footprint? What are the qualities you consider whether a garment is worthy of being added to your wardrobe?
Let’s connect! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, love, pin … all options are available and waiting for you. I look forward to hearing from you. And don’t forget to add a post or two to the link up.
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27 Comments
That’s one stunning outfit Rena! And I’m loving your hair!
Laurie xx
Thank you, Laurie.
Such a great outfit Rena! I love your coat and boots. Your hair looks fab shorter!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
I’m glad you like the outfit, Emma. And thank you for the hair love.
That coat is so perfect, Rena!! I should probably come check out the thrift store for my coats in CA—it might even be worth the plane ticket!!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Jodie, I’d enjoy taking you around to some of my favorite thrift store haunts. The Husband and I have even discovered some wonderful new dining establishments near them where we could re-energize ourselves.
I agree with the other comments about your hair! I love it short and gray!
Thank you, Linda. It’s taken me a while to get use to seeing this new reflection in the mirror but I like it too.
You look really happy in this outfit Rena. It’s very flattering! I thnk it’s difficult to wear a long coat with a full skirt but this is darling and coordinating perfectly. Those boots are so sexy!
Who couldn’t look happy strutting in that pair of boots? It wouldn’t be the same outfit without them.
Oh I love the skirt and the boots! You are looking fabulous Rena!
Nancy, I knew that you would like this outfit. I should have added a few more photos of the skirt.
I love thrifting! It seems silly to always buy new clothes when there are so many pieces that need a home that still have plenty of wear and style. Love your outfit. That skirt and those boots are sassy! Great look. – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Amy, doesn’t it feel like you’ve discovered a hidden treasure when you hit upon a fabulous find at a thrift store? It does to me. Thanks for the outfit love.
So glad you are back posting!!! I love thrifting, but it seems like most of the stores around here are going out of business. Mostly just the big players left – Goodwill and Salvation Army. I love your boots and you look great in them!!
I’m glad to be back, Rosie. Thank you for letting me know that I was missed. As for thrift stores, I’ve had some good luck with Goodwill as well as another one with several locations called Hope Of The Valley. Maybe there’s one near you?
Such a beautiful skirt, Rena! I love the print and the flirty flow of it with those killer boots! And that coat is really darling. So funny that you are hitting 50’s and 60’s and grabbing for a coat just as we are hitting 40’s and 50’s and I am shedding my coat! The perspective of temperatures in various climate is so interesting, isn’t it? Great to see you back, my friend!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Shelbee, I knew you and some of the other snowbound bloggers would chuckle at my exclamations of temps chilly enough for a coat.
Ahh, we are coat-twins – living in warm places and craving great coats! This is a very nice one, love the shape. And forgive me if I write this every week: your hair is FAB. xo
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Patti, I knew the obsession with coats would strike a cord with you, my warm weather friend. And I don’t mind the hair love, especially when it’s such a drastic change.
That’s a great coat & a great outfit! Buying a previously loved coat is a great idea, especially in warmer climates. I often don’t buy coats because I can’t really justify it… Now I’ll have to rethink that…
Thanks for the link up & have a great week!
Andrea
Andrea’s Wellness Notes
Andrea, thank you and I’m glad to have opened your eyes to new (or renewed) possibilities.
Welcome back Rena. I love your Reuse, Recycle, Reclaim posts. I have nothing against buying second-hand as longl as there is no damage to the items and they are gently used. And girl California has been so hot this Winter while we have been freezing in Michigan. But I will take the temps in the 40s from the last few days lol.
Welcome by every Thursday and join my style linkup. Also, starting this upcoming Sunday on March 4th I will be running a monthly style linkup which will go on the first Sunday of each month. Come join it and share your awesome style. Thanks, Ada. =)
Thank you, Ada, for the welcome and letting me know that you like these posts. You do have to be careful when buying second hand but a good washing and a needle and thread can go a long way towards bringing life back into a fabulous garment.
Thanks for hosting and showing this wonderful outfit, love your hair too! Jacqui
Such a fun coat! It looks perfect over your colorful ensemble. Your skirt is so eye-catching! Great idea about checking thrift stores for outerwear. I need to keep this in mind. I know I have mentioned this before, but I just love your new hair cut! Thanks for linking up with Fabulous Friday!
Jennie
A Pocketful of Polka Dots
It was a great read, Rena! 🙂 xo