Cleaning out the storage room as well as trying to make more space on our bookshelves has resulted in me taking two loads to the local thrift store recently. Of course, I can’t just drop things off without taking a look around! As a result, for a total of just $7, I added three items to my wardrobe last week. Today, let’s take a look at why I chose each one.

Since finding my little packet of colour swatches, I’ve been looking at my closet with a critical eye and realizing that I need to work on returning to the colours that suit me best. That means no more black worn anywhere near my face unless I can add something, such as a scarf, in a colour that doesn’t wash me out. While I can wear a light dove grey, I’ve really overloaded the closet with greys of every shade and I need to steer away from that colour for awhile. Colour was definitely my main focus as I looked through the racks of second-hand clothing.

Navy is a universal colour and for me, a much more flattering background for this blouse’s large floral design than black would be. Even the peachy and rust tones in the roses are part of my Spring palette.

The top ticked lots of other boxes as well. In spite of the fact that it’s a small and I usually wear medium, the fit is absolutely perfect. Even the sleeves are long enough which is often a problem for me. That’s one of my tips for second-hand shopping. Don’t limit your search to the size you usually wear. If something catches your eye and looks like a possibility, try it on. I love the shirttail hem that hangs longer at the back. Though I’m wearing it with jeans, it will also provide plenty of coverage with leggings. Lastly, this will be a great piece for travel. The lightweight polyester crepe won’t take up much space in a suitcase, is hand washable, dries very quickly, and doesn’t wrinkle.

As I looked over my closet, I noticed a distinct lack of green. The greens shown in my little packet of swatches are a pale pastel, a brighter lime green, and a shade that I would probably call emerald. Muddier tones like moss and khaki green are more often included in a Fall palette, but some colour analysts also recommend them for people with my Spring complexion. Since Springs and Falls both have warm undertones to our skin, we can more easily get away with wearing colours from one another’s palettes.

Cozy sweaters are an essential part of my winter wardrobe. This soft acrylic knit is lightweight and comfortable and provides just the right level of warmth at this time of year. The V neck is flattering and the attached mock cami makes getting dressed super simple. Though you can’t see it in the photo, the back of the neck is high adding to the cozy warm feeling on a chilly winter morning. Again, the fit is perfect; body skimming but not tight enough to show off any bulgy bits. Closer examination reveals that, though predominantly green, the knit is actually a mixture of many warm colours.

I was at the counter ready to pay for my other purchases when this eternity scarf called my name from a nearby display.

My photographer wasn’t home when I was finishing up this post, but you can easily see how I can use a scarf like this one to add colour close to my face when I wear a black sweater or top. The turquoise background is one of my Spring colours as are the shades in the repeating pattern which, on closer inspection, turned out to be an owl.

Earlier this week, while doing some research on the most eco-friendly fabrics available, I read that wearing recycled clothing is the most sustainable way to dress, so if you’re concerned about the environment, why not join me and go thrift store shopping!