Thrift-ing

I am not a big fan of thrift shops. Not because I am snobbish, nor because I have an issue wearing other people’s old clothes. I am a sustainable living advocate, thus I should be more open to thrift shopping. However, I lack patience, and I find it almost impossible to spot the jewels hidden in the swamp. Quite surprisingly, when my friend Madi called me the other day and invited me to go thrift shopping I jumped. She argued one can find plenty unique vintage treasures in a thrift shop and demonstrated with the captures of some fashion blogger.

Off we went to the store and after 5 minutes I felt I was already loosing my patience. Nothing to choose from, and the very few things I set my eyes on were either too large or too small. We ended up spending about an hour while making fun and experiencing some new unique “styles”. Just before my nagging to leave the shop got to her, she spotted a futuristic dark green skirt. It was made from an unknown wrinkled light fabric and carried a special “je ne sais quoi”. She tried it on, but it didn’t fit; she forced me to try it on as well and then to buy it. I was pretty happy with the purchase — unique style, great fit, complimenting my body shape. It was quite the win, and I was sure it would definitely make a good choice for future cocktail parties I might attend. I didn’t give up to my friend’s peer pressure to buy the skirt. I simply fell in love with it — the uniqueness of a thrift steal, the futuristic design and fabric, the implied sexiness. I bought it not because someone told me to, nor because it was ridiculously cheap as I avoid clutter (it was less than 1 euro; the price was based on the skit’s weight which was either way very light); I bought it because I LIKED it, because it CLICKED with me.

Back home, checking the label I realized the steal I made. It was a Marni silk dress (the label looks quite legit, and I have no doubts about the authenticity).

My new great acquisition reached new horizons — it was the classic thrift steal you hear about in bloggers stories. However, what most moved me were the omens this skirt carried. It backfired right in my face with life wisdom:

• In life, remember to be open to whatever comes in your way — even if it’s something you would normally not do, or lack to see the value of it; new paths bring new actions that might help you find your true way
• The most precious jewel can be covered in dirt, and only the ones that look for it and are ready to see it can spot it
• The value of things is in the eye of the beholder — you can be an expensive Porsche or a silk Marni dress but your true value stands out only if you are put in the right environment; if you end up in the wrong hands ignorance might serve your wrong and you might be tossed away in the landfill. It’s then up to you to learn how to shine back.
• No matter where and how lost from your way you are, your true values will always stand out; if you keep your values and you are true to yourself you will never wander too far away from your path
• Not looking at labels and focusing on someone’s true values will only bring you the true treasures of life. You are the only one that knows how to judge good and wrong, likes and dislikes and what really fits you.

With the skirt in my closet and the life lesson in my mind I am grateful for keeping my eyes open yesterday. Happy treasure hunting darlings! I tell you there are plenty of hidden jewels around all of us.