Do any of you thrift store shop?

I was thinking about this after the eBay thread. I just bought a 100%
lambs wool Ralph Lauren blazer at Goodwill for $7.99! It has no holes
or tears or anything and french seams throughout. I also found a Loden
Frey wool and cashmere blend trench coat for $19.99 and it is in
fantastic shape. My me gasp slightly when I saw it LOL. I usually buy
stuff at thrift stores to sell on eBay, but occasionally see something
I want for myself. I am hoping to find a vintage wool pea coat that has
a modern look.

cofarb...

Dress coats are notoriously good deals at thrift shops. Many of the styles
are basically timeless, like the pea coat you're looking for (and the 3/4
length red cashmere coat I once scored). And the coats that people
typically save for special occasions can be in pristine condition.

Several times, I've found large numbers of wool dress coats at the SalVal.
All were brand new and obviously from the same manufacturer (though there
were several different brand labels). I guess they were overstocks donated
by the maker. The linings had been deliberately damaged--but easily
fixable--to prevent returns, I suppose. They were $8-10. I bought several.
I even left one at my parents' house so I would have a nice coat there
without having to travel with it.

Good luck finding the pea coat. (Are you looking for a real US Navy jacket
or just a jacket with that styling?) I think they are always in style. It
might be especially hard to find one this year since many designers are
featuring the military look.

internetchick...

Just a jacket with that styling. I actually did find a US Navy jacket
but it was not my size :(

cofarb...

Be patient, Grasshopper.

Does it have to be navy or is black okay? (Black is easier to find. I
spent a loooong time looking for a navy one, but it was worth it.)

internetchick...

I'd like a color other than black. I would actually love green.

Vicki in DC...

Congrats! I found nothing on my last trip but DD was having a meltdown
so I couldn't really *look*. This sounds like a fun lunch hour
expedition for me and thanks for the reminder about looking for clothes
to "flip" on Ebay.

Vicki in DC

internetchick...

I usually wind up spending the money on cosmetics and clothes LOL
Atleast it helps fund my addiction :)

Nathalie Chiva...

Oh yes! I always did - I have a loving for 1930's and 1940's dresses,
and 25 years ago you could still find some in thrift stores (no more,
alas :-(). I recently bought a "destructured" grey soft jacket for 7
sfr (that's about 5$) and an H&M ("Woman" line) black straight coat
for 10 sfr (that's 7$ or so). I saw an Alberta Ferretti Philosophy
grey knit dress for 10 sfr, mint condition, but it didn't fit me at
all :-( (beautiful cut and material, though, but made for a very thin
woman).

Nathalie in Switzerland

airam1002002...

Do you know by any chance of any good thrift shops in Paris?
I love checking out local thrift shops, especially for accessories, but
have never been able to do the same when I'm in Paris (I imagine the
pickings should be glorious there)

Nathalie Chiva...

The best known thrift shop inside Paris is Guerrisol, on the boulevard
de Rochechouart, but I have not had much luck there. Of course, there
are the Puces de Clignancourt, which is the biggest flea market in the

cofarb...

Here's one that's available in gray:

and navy and red:

(Sierra Trading Post's stock changes constantly but pea coats are often
available. Not affiliated; just a fan.)

Paris area - I love to go there but you must have a full half-day at
least, it's so big. There is a huge clothing section.
I guess it must be expensive...
For new marked down clothing, you must go to the rue Saint-Placide
(near the Tour Montparnasse), it's chock-full of stores.

Nathalie in switzerland

Debbie the Dogged...

Absolutely! A few years ago I found a [insert designer name here
because I can't remember it] brand new bright green spring coat for $10
at a thrift shop. Got a ton of compliments on it. Walked into a retail
establishment a few months later wearing the same coat - they carried
the line, but not the coat, and the SA wanted to know where I got it. I
told her where, and how much - turns out it retailed for around $150.
Not bad.

Found a brand new pair of Dansko Professionals at Goodwill for $7. They
didn't fit me, but I figured they'd fit my sister, and I was right.

Love those thrift shops!