What I Wore – Celebrating a Year of Second Hand Style

In a celebration of individual style, I want to share a caption from one of my favorite AskSuzanneBell posts of 2017, If You Like it Wear It, My Eclectic Style …

“One of the many perks of turning 50 is I have now personally had the pleasure of experiencing each fashion cycle from the past 50 years. From 70’s bell bottoms and Madonna’s 80s, to 90’s brocade and velvet – the ever changing world of fashion allows us to reinvent, or not, our wardrobes with each new season. As I look at my style today, a confluence of generations of influence, coupled with a freedom that comes with no longer caring what others think of what I wear. I choose to wear what I like with confidence, regardless of trend, or what the fashion world is dictating at the moment.”

Within this statement, is the essence of why I love to thrift shop. The ability to shop designs inspired by generations of style, then create a look that feels totally me right now, is so much more enjoyable and creative to me than simply shopping off a rack in a store. Yes, I do shop my share of favorites; Anthropoloige, Nordstrom, J Crew, Boutiques – for basics and trend, but my unique second-hand finds allow me to create a look that is eclectic and totally me.

Style-wise, 2017 was a year of celebrating the Art of Thrifting and today I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite looks from the past year, each styled with at least one thrifted piece – some are head to toe. I’ve highlighted the thrifted piece(s) in each photo along with a link to the archived outfit post from the past year if you would like to see more photos and stories on the featured look. And if you are like me and love to share your thrifted looks, I hope you join me along with a few of my chic Insta Style Friends over on Instagram next week where I am co-hositng the #ThriftedChicStyleChallenge (January 15-19). Look to my Instagram Page for details in the coming week. There will be prizes and loads of style inspiration…hope you come join the fun!

What I Wore

A look for each month of the year, can you guess which pieces are thrifted?

Featured Thrift Piece: Dolce & Gabbana Lace Shell | ThredUP

See more of this look in Sharing Holiday Traditions (HERE)

Featured Thrift Pieces: Jenny Kayne camel wool coat and Gap leather aline skirt | ThredUp 

See more of this look in I Can’t Believe It’s Thrifted (HERE)

 

Featured Thrift Piece: DVF Printed Wool Oversized Scarf/Wrap | ThredUP

See more of this look in Style Over 40: Effortless Uniforms, 10 Essential Pieces (HERE)

Featured Thrift Piece: Theory crochet dress | Repeter Consignment Boutique, Los Altos

Featured Thrift Pieces: On repeat, Dolce & Gabbana Lace Shell | ThredUP and Smythe tweed jacket | The Real Real

See more of this look in If You Like it Wear it! My Eclectic Style (HERE)

Featured Thrift Pieces: House of Harlow slip dress, Prada wedge sandal | ThredUP and Monserrat de Lucca crochet bag | Poshmark

See more of this look in Hello Dress! Savvy Tips for Shopping Second Hand

Featured Thrift Piece: Anthropologie yellow peplum shell | Repeter Consignment Boutique, Los Altos

See more of this look in, Summer Style: How to Wear Brights with Stripes (HERE)

Featured Thrift Piece: BCBG printed wrap top | ThredUp

Featured Thrift Pieces: Hinge crochet kimono, Sanctuary printed top | ThredUp and DIY repurposed jeans

Featured Thrift Pieces: Free People crochet tunic | Millie Mango Resale, Burlingame and Stuart Weitzman Wedges via my annual Spring Sip and Swap clothing exchange with girlfriends.

More on how to host your own clothing swap in, How to Host Your Own Clothing Swap – Second Hand Style (HERE)

Featured Thrift Pieces: Curio crochet sweater and DIY frayed hem jeans via the annual Sip and Swap and Tote | ThredUP

Featured Thrift Piece: Joie floral blouse and Desigual sweater dress via Sip and Swap (read more here)

How to Make Your Wardrobe Work for You – Spring Transition (HERE)

So, how’d you do?

Were you able to pick out the Thrift Finds? Were you surprised which pieces were thrifted? 

Do you like to incorporate second hand pieces into your wardrobe? Why do you love to thrift?

I hope you join us on Instagram next week where you’ll find loads of fabulous style inspiration!

I’ve had requests this year to share my tips on how I find thrifty designer deals while shopping second hand stores and online retailers…coming this Friday, my guide to successful thrifting will be available to read here on AskSuzanneBell.com!

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all for supporting my little place here on the web in 2017…here’s to more fun with style in 2018!

Cheers!