I love the lines of this jacket!

Trimmed in-set pockets.

Close up of the cute stitched border.

Dark brown detailing under the lapel.

Sideways popped collars look tres douch-ay in real life, oh well.

The deep v-angle of the jacket matches the neckline of my tee. Although it's got a feminine cut and is made of a faux-suede material, the color and leather trim give it a very professor-esque feel, so I paired it with skinny jeans and a simple linen v-neck instead of a conservative oxford shirt.

• These are probably the most complicated item you will consider altering. Sleeves can be hemmed, but you'll often need to alter the lining inside, which is often made of a lightweight lower quality acetate--difficult for novice sewers to work with. Mistakes are more noticeable with these types of fabrics, but will be inside the jacket. 
• Shoulder pads can be removed, but once again you'll need to mess around with the lining. It's a simple task that only requires the combo of seam ripper & needle/thread, but you'll need to know what you're doing.
• Resetting shoulders is impossible--it's quite difficult to take it or let out sleeves. If the fit of the blazer isn't quite right, let it go. 
• Buttons can be updated! Appliques can be removed! Don't let a few minor surface embellishments keep you away from a great blazer. Consider adding elbow patches to a tweed jacket or taking the fringe off an otherwise chic jacket. 

• Break the rules: I'd advise any duck-boot enthusiasts to not only check the women's shoes sections but the men's and boy's as well, where most utility-style shoes are organized. 
• Try them on with socks: You'll get a better feel for how they fit and protect from any germs you might be worried about: Shoes can be tricky--I tend  to only choose those with tags still attached or in brand new condition, but a run through the washing machine (for sneakers) or febreeze and/or disinfectant spray could work for more adventurous shoe enthusiasts.
• Take a lap: make sure they're comfortable by walking around in them a bit. 
• Ignore the size markings: Vintage/older garments have different sizing dimensions, as do European garments. You'll eventually hone your eye for what your size looks like on a hanger, but first, just try it on!

I'll take them all!

"we're more visited than the Eiffel Tower." 

1. Know what you want.

You're going to have to go through racks  and racks of clothes ordered by size (often times) so make sure you have an idea of what you're looking for. Clothes are often ordered by style: suits and blazers, tops and polos, pants, dresses, but walking into a warehouse of seemingly-unorganized clothes can intimidate anyone. Start with a section and dig it! 

2. When in doubt--grab it!

Thrift stores usually only have one of anything so if you think you like it, and it is within your range of size, take it. When you've exhausted yourself, that's when you (and a friend) can weed out the bad from the excellent! (This is also a great time to snoop on what other people  have grabbed and decided against!) But take a second to check the labeled size--while styles and measurements change over time, especially with vintage clothes, be reasonable about what will fit you. You'll have to put your rejects back somewhere--avoid having a huge pile of them. 

3. Have fun! 

Taking  time to go hanger-by-hanger will inevitably lead you to that perfect brown Zara  blazer a vintage lace shift dress or Marc Jacobs trench (yes I own those all) but on the way you will sort through an endless supply of Chico's mumus, Talbotts capris and strange velvet and glitter creations. If you can't joke about the size xxxl lace bike shorts you've just seen, well then you're missing out on the best part of thrifting: it's where ugly clothes go to die!

4. Practice!

My friends are shocked at how many things I can find within just a few minutes.  I've been doing this (and getting taunted about it) for longer than I can remember. It takes practice to be able to discern the silhouette of a blazer of skirt from afar. Even more, it takes practice to know what looks good on  your body, and to be able to know what will fit you from only looking at it on a hanger. Accept the fact that you will buy something that doesn't work out--if you can't try it on, you'll have to gamble. Odds are, you can take a risk for $4-5. Don't be too disappointed if you end up with too-short pants, or a dress that hugs you a little tight: you're getting the best idea of what will and won't work for you. Plus, if you're creative, you might be able to refashion it into something else. If not, donate it back!

bisous, 

"I find it bad practice to give people what they do not want and then expect something in return," she said.

-Sara Houghteling, Pictures at an Exhibiton