Some thrift finds feel like a little bit of movie magic. On the @RebeccaWoods YouTube channel, Rebecca takes viewers along on a trip to Value Village, where a wide leg skirt with a 1950s feel turned out to be the find of the day. The price tag told the real story. Rebecca says they were trying to sell it for 100 bucks, and Rebecca paid $8.

“Hey everybody, welcome back to my channel. My name is Rebecca. So today we are at Value Village. I’m so excited,” Rebecca begins. The mission: tall leather boots and wide leg trousers.

A Skirt With Audrey Hepburn Style

The skirt is the moment. “I love wide leg things, both skirts and pants. So, obviously I love this thing. It feels very Audrey Hepburn, very 50s, which I think is fun.”

Rebecca shows how to wear it with a tight gold top and a cream belt, a combination that plays up the full shape of the skirt. A fitted top with a full skirt is a classic mid-century look, and the belt gives it a defined waist.

Then comes the price. Rebecca says the brand is one Rebecca thinks sells business to business. “They were trying to sell it for 100 bucks and I got it for $8. So, I’m very happy I got this skirt and I think I’ll be wearing it a lot this summer.”

Not Every Price Tag Was A Win

Rebecca is also honest about what did not impress. Looking at a blue and white stripe blouse with gold buttons, Rebecca says, “I don’t know if it’s worth $10 though. Their prices are absolutely insane.” It is a reminder that thrift prices vary, and a store with a famous name does not always mean low prices on every rack.

The Surprise Pants

The other find was a pair of pants. They turned out to be Forever 21, which Rebecca admits is “not like me at all, but your girl is desperate.” The reason for the choice was fit. “I really wanted some pants that just fit me better. And these are stupidly comfortable, probably because of the 2% spandex.”

That is a useful lesson for any shopper. Comfort and fit can matter more than a label, and a small amount of stretch in the fabric can make pants easier to wear all day.

How To Find A Vintage Style Piece At The Thrift Store

Rebecca’s skirt is a good model of what to look for. It is not necessarily from the 1950s, but it has that feel. If you want a retro look without a vintage price, here are some tips.

• Look at the shape. Full skirts, high waists and wide legs are all classic mid-century silhouettes.
• Check the fabric. Read the tag for the fiber content and feel the fabric. Heavier, well-made cloth drapes better.
• Do not rely on a famous label. Rebecca thinks the skirt’s brand sells business to business, which shows a good thrift find can come from anywhere.
• Try it on. Waistlines vary, so test the fit before you leave the store.
• Style it simply. A fitted top and a belt, as Rebecca wore, make a full skirt look polished.

Check The Price Before You Buy

The $8 skirt is a good deal in part because it is compared to a $100 price Rebecca says the brand was asking. But Rebecca also shows that thrift stores can charge more than expected on some items, like that $10 blouse. Before you buy, compare the price to what the same thing might cost new or at a vintage shop. If the tag seems high, wait for a sale day or try another store.

Caring For Your Thrifted Skirt

Once a piece comes home, a little care goes a long way. Wash or dry clean it according to the label, and if the tag is missing, start gentle with cool water and air drying. Press a full skirt on low heat, using a cloth between the iron and the fabric if you are unsure. Check the hem and seams for loose threads and fix them before they grow into holes. A needle, thread and ten minutes can make a thrifted piece look like new.

Tall Boots And Wide Leg Pants

The trip began with a hunt for tall leather boots and wide leg trousers, both wardrobe staples that can be expensive new. Thrift stores are a smart place to look for them because leather boots, when cared for, last a long time. Check the soles, the zipper and the leather for cracks, and make sure the calf fits comfortably. Wide leg pants are a forgiving cut that many shoppers find flattering, and they pair well with the same fitted tops that work with a full skirt.

The lesson from Rebecca’s trip is easy to remember. Go in with a list, keep an open mind and be ready to walk away from a price that does not make sense. Sometimes the best find of the day is the one you did not know you were looking for.

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