Dress for less - the thrifted work wardrobe

Over the summer I had the unique experience of having a film crew take over my home for three days to create an episode of the TLC show Extreme Cheapskates.

I never sought out to be a television star. While I'm perfectly happy going out into public with my camera for outfit photos and posting them here on the world wide web, the thought of being filmed for cable television was terrifying. The casting director reached out to me to be on the show because of the blog, and I wasn't sure my cheap ways were extreme enough, but the producers seemed to think so; who was I to disagree?

Fortunately every crew member I got to work with was wonderful, patient, and happy to share more than a few laughs with me. Filming a tv show is hard work, and I have a lot more admiration for those who find themselves in front of a camera every day.

While I can't giveaway any of the episode, and of course I have no idea what made the final cut, the premise of my segment is that I want to put together a fall look book featuring only thrifted items, and wouldn't you know it, I managed to drag Meg and my sister into the action.

I hope you will all watch my cable television debut tonight on TLC's Extreme Cheapskates at 9PM ET/PT!

Here is the post I put together for the episode, with my fabulous fall look book:


I am an avid thrift shopper, I truly believe shopping secondhand is the best way to curate an amazing wardrobe of high-end pieces for pennies on what the exorbitant retail prices are.

Many people who aren't familiar with the ways of thrift shopping become easily discouraged after one trip that does not yield a good piece, or overwhelmed by the volume and at times, disorganization of secondhand stores. When you shop secondhand, you do end up saving money, but spending time.

I decided that I would give myself an ultimate thrift challenge - in one day, thrift pieces and put together six, chic, professional looks, all for under $10 each (excluding accessories).

How did I get all these clothes for so little? The Goodwill Outlet Store. Bin upon bin of clothes and bags, all sold by the pound. Lots of refuse, but plenty of gems. Beaded tops, cashmere sweaters, leather bags. On trend items like jumpsuits and kimonos are mixed in with classic pencil skirts and blazers to create the looks you will find below.

I hope you enjoy them, and yes, (nearly) everything here is thrifted!

The Rundown
Beaded Wool Shell Banana Republic via Goodwill Outlet
Black Blazer Vintage via Goodwill Outlet
Leopard Pencil Skirt  Vintage via Goodwill Outlet
Black Pumps Ferragamo via Roundabout
Bling Earrings c/o JoJo Loves You
Alphabet Necklace c/o Gorjana
Bracelet The Cavernous Jewerly Box
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via SweetOliveJewerly

See the rest after the jump!

The Rundown
Floral Sweater Kohls via Goodwill Outlet
Blue Capri Pants J.Crew via Sarah's Cupboard
White Sandals Ferragamo via Coco's
Black Bag Vintage via Goodwill Outlet
Knot Bracelet Banana Republic

The Rundown
Leopard Sweater Jones New York via Goodwill Outlet

Black Pleated Skirt Vintage via Goodwill Outlet
Black Pumps Dolce & Gabbana via Uptown Consignment
Leather Portfolio Clutch Thrifted via Goodwill Outlet
Opal Ring Thrifted via Coco's
Snake Ring Brilliant Imports

The Rundown
White Embellished Tee J.Crew via Goodwill Outlet
Polka Dot Pencil Skirt Vintage via Goodwill Outlet
Black Bag Vintage via Goodwill Outlet
Bling Earrings c/o JoJo Loves You
Alphabet Necklace c/o Gorjana
Bracelet The Cavernous Jewerly Box
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via SweetOliveJewerly

The Rundown
Pinstripe Jumpsuit Vintage via Goodwill Outlet similar
White Blazer Forever 21 via Goodwill Outlet
Red Bag Vintage via Goodwill Outlet
Black Pumps Dolce & Gabbana via Uptown Consignment
Gold Necklace Thrifted

The Rundown
Top Silk Road via Goodwill Outlet
Floral Kimono Sonnetts Design - Rhode Island via Goodwill Outlet
Jeans Mother c/o Marshalls
Pumps Manolo Blahnik via Roundabout
Clutch Thrifted via Goodwill Outlet
Necklace Thrifted
Opal Ring Thrifted via Coco's
Snake Ring Brilliant Imports