Fashionably Marlene – I’m back!

Welcome to the last month of 2022 everyone. I’M BACK, but with a Fashionable Twist! One I hope you all will enjoy. I know I will.

As you may know by now, I love to dress up a bit differently then most women. I just love putting together different outfits depending on the day, my mood, or if I am going somewhere special, such as a restaurant, a business meeting, or just because I feel like it. I am on a fixed budget, so I choose items that I like or love from different thrift stores in and around Cornwall.

These are some of my favorite thrift stores to visit: The Salvation Army, the Agape Center’s New 4 You, & Serendipity Boutique. They are all non-profit organizations that truly help our community with a lot more then just clothes and shoes. You can help your neighbours and friends by supporting these stores with your donations, or by shopping there.

This month, I found some lovely items under $50 that will make my holidays a bit more glamourous and fashionable, without breaking the bank. The two dresses, shoes, nylons and pretty purse were purchased at Value Village and may be worn at a Christmas or a New Year’s party with families and friends.

The first thing I do is is, of course, choose the size. Then, I go through the items to choose the colour or print, and then finally, the style. These items may look good on the hanger, but until you try them on, there is no way to tell if it’s a good fit. You should know right away if a dress, top or skirt fits you well, if it looks pretty on you, and if it makes you feel good. You may want to ask your partner, or a friend for their advice and feedback, if you are not completely sure.

You may also want to choose items that are NOT dry clean only, or other materials that are not easily washed at home such as silk or satin. But if you want them anyway, after all, these are luscious materials and that feel so lovely to wear, go ahead and purchase them for that luxury look and feel at the reduced thrift store prices. They are normally a 10th of the price of retail items.

The next thing I do is go to choose a pair of shoes, boots, perhaps a purse, or even a fancy hat to go with the outfit to make it complete. You can even buy a pair of fancy stockings or normal nylons at reduced prices as well. As these are items you cannot try on in stores, you will have to bring them home to do so.

Back home, choose a time of day that you feel your best to try on your outfits. It is important to be in a “good mood.” Then take a peek into the mirror to see the complete look. Does it look good? Does it make you happy? If so, it is a SUCCESS! All these items are from Value Village with a total of $49.

Until Next Month… Happy Thrifting!