31 Dec Thrifty Threads: Vintage Christian Dior Coat

Thrifty Threads 365 is a fashion challenge where I will only thrift shop for an entire year. I’ll show you how it’s easy and wallet friendly to satisfy your style needs with secondhand finds. For full details, check the original post here.

Today is the last day of 2014, so that means it’s the final day of Thrifty Threads 365! For the entire year I’ve solely relied on clothes and accessories from the thrift shop, without spending a single dime on new clothing {excluding underwear, of course!}.

What better way to close the challenge out than with a statement making coat? I scored this vintage Christian Dior* double breasted coat from the massive Salvation Army coat sale and I’d say it was $23 well spent!

Since I live on the East Coast, having a warm coat is an absolute must. I’m definitely not one of those women who feel a coat or layers cramp her style. I need to be warm at all times! This beauty does the job by keeping me toasty and everything about it is impeccable. The color, high collar, velvet trim. Just perfection. Well, the only not-so-perfect thing is that I popped one of the buttons right before taking these pics!

While I never go thrift shopping with the intention of finding designer goods, it’s always great when you find one! $23 way be “expensive” to some people for a thrifted garment, but I always say you should factor in the cost-per-wear ratio before buying anything, whether it’s thrifted or not. A coat is something you’ll get tons of wear out of, so yeah, $23 is certainly wallet-friendly. I break down the whole cost-per-wear ratio and “should I really buy it?” in my book, Looking Fly on a Dime: How to Find Fabulous Fashion at Any Thrift Shop & Make the Cheap Look Chic {it’s currently just 99 cents on Amazon}.

Thrift Tip: If you ever find yourself overwhelmed at a crowded thrift shop or warehouse sale, seek out bold colors, which are easy to spot a mile away. I know it can be a bit intimidating wearing such a bright hue, but take a chance and try something new. Maybe it’s a fire engine red coat, bold floral scarf or non-neutral blazer. The great thing about having a standout piece is that you can make it the focus of your outfit and keep everything else nice and simple. Don’t forget, this is a perfect time to thrift shop due to all of the holiday and end of year donations. And if you need additional outerwear tips, check out this post on how to thrift shop for a winter coat.

This coat just makes me feel so ladylike and dainty. I added chandelier-style earrings, also from the Salvation Army, and Michael Kors gloves I borrowed from my cousin.

Stay tuned as I’ll run down my Thrifty Threads 365 tally and share how much I spent on clothes and accessories in 2014!

*In a previous post I mistakenly identified this coat as Oscar de la Renta, but it’s definitely Christian Dior.*

Have you ever thrifted a winter coat? What’s been your favorite thrift find for December or the year?