$20 Thrift Store Valentine’s Challenge

It’s been a long time since I’ve done a thrifting challenge and with Valentine’s Day coming up, I thought it would be a good time for some thrifting fun. I invited my friend and master thrifter, Nici from Dig This Chick, to do the challenge with me. My friend Nici lives in Missoula, Montana, land of the good thrift stores. Our southwest Florida thrift stores feel a bit like graveyards of overpriced Tuscan furniture and a lot of outdated summer florals. But Nici’s always scoring amazing finds, so Valentine Challenge on.

Here’s how it goes. We each have $20 to create as many Valentine looks as we can using items we thrift. Valentine’s Day can be interpreted however we please: red, pink, lace, hearts, romantic ruffles, home goods, clothes, whatever.

Here’s what my $20 got me…three complete looks!

Look 1:  A Victoria’s Secret 1-piece silk pajama romper–pink with red piping and a cute cinched waist with a red bow. I love the ruffle edge on the shorts. Price: $3.99. I admit, it felt a little like I was buying used lingerie, but I got over it fast after I washed it and saw how cute it was.

Look 2: Candy stripe button-up silk shirt (I love this shirt and have already worn it three times!) Price: $3.99. I added a pink neck bow, naturally. Gap chambray cotton twill pants Price $3.99. 

Look 3: Pink cotton/linen blend shirt dress. Price: $7.99. As soon as I saw this, I knew it needed some colored tights. I love how “Valentiney” it got when I added the belt, tights and boots.

Nici’s Looks.
She went a wee bit over the $20, but if I lived in Montana and had all the great thrifting options she does, I’d go over too.

Look 1: Thrifted handmade apron (I’m obsessed with this!) and four gingham heart napkins. Price for all: $8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Look 2: TWO shirts: Madewell denim shirt (Price: $8) and a men’s Woolrich thick flannel shirt.

Look 3: Valentine Floral on Floral. Blouse: $5, H&M pants: $6. (her scarf and denim shirt are also thrifted)

I have found that, at least for me, thrifting feels more a lot fun when there’s a specific challenge. Otherwise, I get a little overwhelmed when I’m rifling through endless stuff with no purpose. And I think what I love most about this challenge is that all three of our looks are so US! And the pictures are so Florida/Montana–ha!

Any suggestions for next challenge theme?