We've recently completed our relocation to the northeast, and I've been more than ready to dive into some new thrift stores. Most of my current wardrobe is really only appropriate for warmer climates and indoor working spaces, with a few sweaters and cardigans that haven't gotten me much further than early autumn. I'll soon be needing attire that is better suited for our new climate. And, as we now live somewhere that experiences all four seasons(!!!) I'll be starting from scratch when it comes to my winter wardrobe. Unfortunately, I haven't had much luck finding some actual winter clothes, but I'm really happy with what I have found so far.
Here are a few things that have been on my autumn thrift list:
- flannel: Hot take, right? But, I actually don't own any flannel at all! Nighttime and early mornings have been chilly, so these are definitely going to be thrown on as I head out the door to take Pugsley & Wednesday on their daily walks, or simply running errands.
- sweaters & cardigans: Specifically, heavyweight pieces made from natural fabrics.
- raincoats & anoraks: Pennsylvania, in general, sees a good amount of annual rainfall, and I've already witnessed plenty of it in the time that we've lived here. Our grass is almost always covered in dew and mushrooms grow rampant.
- hiking & winter boots: these are the only items on this list that I may have to purchase new, but I'm always checking out the shoe section at thrift stores! I don't find thrifted shoes that fit me too often, but those that I have found, I still own.
- winter coat: I've been spending a lot of time at the outerwear section of our Goodwill, but no luck yet.
- dinner plates: I gave most of our dishware to family before we left to mitigate the risk of breaking anything in transit, so we've been using those plastic plates from the college/dorm section of Target in the meantime. Like a winter coat, no luck yet.
- lamps: Our new apartment doesn't have any overhead lighting in the living room or bedroom, so I've been on the lookout for a nice floor lamp and some table lamps.
Our local Goodwill is massive, and clothing is definitely its strong suit. While I picked up a few decor items, the fun I had looking through apparel was unmatched. Here are a few things I've picked up for the season as well as our apartment so far:
sweaters | long sleeves | cardigans
While I've found quite a few shirts and sweaters, these two have been in my rotation the most. I laughed the first time I came across this floral pullover, but when I saw it again the following weekend, it called out to me and it's now one of my favorite sweaters.
This navy cardigan from Woods & Gray immediately caught my eye. It has the chunky knit appearance that I love but also didn't feel like a typical acrylic sweater that one might find at the thrift store. It's made of a cotton and ramie blend, which I'd never heard of. Ramie (sometimes called China grass) is a linen-like fiber that's made from the stalks of the Chinese nettle plant. It's both eco-friendly and sustainable.
I love learning about the pieces I come across and will have my phone handy to google things as I find them.
This is one of the sites I used to learn a bit about the ramie fabric.
decor
This framed photograph of Secretariat by photographer Tony Leonard is now one of my prized possessions. I'm a proud horse girl and many of the pieces that I bring home with me are equestrian-inspired. I have a collection of horse photos and paintings-- both in the English style as well as the Western style, and will scoop up pretty much anything with equine motifs.
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| I'm now the proud owner of this gorgeous enamel bookmark. |
I'm really trying to hone in my decor style this time around. I have so many varying interests, and many times it translates to a mismatched hodgepodge of a living space. I've joked that my decor style is "Haunted English Manor," but the more thrifting and shopping I've done, the less it seems like a joke. If it feels like it could belong in a gothic Downton Abbey or Hill House/Bly Manor, I want it. Along with trying to define my own style, I also took it upon myself to create my own decor color palette. While I allow myself to stray a bit, these are the key colors I seem to be attracted to.
various dishware/kitchen finds
I haven't had too much luck finding us some replacement dinnerware, but I did find this fruit bowl that finally felt like ~the one~. The best part is, the thrift store I found this at was having a bag sale and was able to fit this big boi in. (I paid $5 for a paper bag, and was able to take anything I could fit inside of it). Fun fact: the tan hat, the trinket dishes, as well as my framed photo of Secretariat above were part of the sale as well!
lamps
It feels like I hit the lamp lottery at our local thrift stores. They each have such an interesting selection of lamps that I've found myself spending the most time in. Every lamp I've picked up has definitely fit into my Haunted English Manor style, and they've all cost me between 99 cents and $2.99. Yeah, you read that right. The lamp featured in the second photo cost me 99 cents, and the one behind the gold jewelry box is among the most expensive at $2.99. I also picked up a desk lamp for myself that not only is in perfect working order, but its brushed gold finish also matches my style perfectly.
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It feels great to get back into the swing of things here on Tuesday Afternoon. The last two years have been a whirlwind, and after two years of feeling uncertain about where we'd be living, this sense of normalcy and stability feels incredible.
Are winters cold in your hometown? If they are or if you have any experience with "real" winters, give me some tips and clothing/footwear recommendations! They'll all be greatly appreciated!
