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Sunday, November 15, 2015

Hitting the Right Cords

I bought these green cords last summer at Hand-Me-Ups for .99 cents. At worst, I reasoned they would be good for gardening and cleaning if I didn't like the fit. I finally got around to trying them on, and as they seemed presentable I wore them out for an afternoon at the park.


I don't typically try things on at thrift stores unless it is terribly expensive. When we're talking a few dollars, even if it won't fit me, it will fit someone I know and a good find can be passed along. I bought a .99 cent vintage Lily Pullitzer dress this week. I am not the Lily Pullitzer type (at all) but it was too good to pass up. Someone will want it. Over the years, I've developed a good sense for what will fit by looking at it. There have been unflattering items, but by and large, I've had very few purchased items of clothes I simply couldn't use. I don't go by size labels. These cords are labeled an 8 US. That's madness. I have another pair of cords (pink) that are a size 16 and are quite snug. Carry a measuring tape in your pocket, and if there's any doubt, set it flat and measure. I'm at the point now where I rarely need it and can eyeball the fit from a quick glance, but I still wouldn't dream of going out without a measure. I consider it part of my, "Thrifting kit" like a small flashlight (for spotting holes), a lint roller (for when I accidentally pick up something covered in cat hair) and some moist towelettes because some thrift stores aren't as clean as they could be.

Outfit Particulars:
Ralph Lauren wool Polo polo neck (that was redundant) Retail, years ago
Suede jacket-Dots, about 16 years ago (has matching suede trousers)
Talbots corduroys- Hand-Me-Ups
Esprit curduroy handbag-Goodwill
Ankle boots-K Mart
Earrings-Hand-Me-Ups
Fragrance-Jicky (the reformulated version)



I'll keep this short and sweet as it is late, and I have a busy week ahead. I hope you have a great week full of fun and interesting things.

9 comments:

  1. I'm remembering the 'Whoosh' sound corduroy pants make when you walk- particularly flares.
    You look very 1974 'earth tones' in that outfit, a lot like my 4th grade teacher Mrs Langdale. She was a favorite of mine.
    I always have a measuring tape in my purse as 1) marked sizes are wildly inaccurate as you say & 2) I'm usually shopping for a variety of sizes & shapes for all the members of my Indian tribe.
    Carrying baby wipes is a must here India and Nepal as nearly everything isn't as clean as it could be. Let's not even discuss toilet facilities (or the lack thereof).

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  2. Ooh, those lovely shades of green and brown look so good on you. Bibi's right, the outfit has a fabulous 1970s teacher vibe! Or the big sister of one of Charlie's Angels!
    I always have a tape measure with me too, and rarely try clothes on in charity shops. I can usually judge whether something will fit me, and I can always sell or pass on any item that doesn't work on me. It makes shopping so much easier and quicker! xxx

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  3. That's a fab outfit - as ever I am in awe of your powers of accessorizing; the earrings and bags bring out the colours in the fabrics so brilliantly.

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  4. @Bibi
    I've been enjoying your changing profile pictures because I get to have a really good look at your perfect brows. You're really convincing me to have mine done.

    Yes, I've found out that "toilet" in many places can mean a rarely cleaned hole in the ground...and that was just the airport ;)

    @Curtise
    The only teacher I remember clearly from the 70's wore pullovers that I'm sure were knit (not very expertly) by his mother. One featured a train-you can't un-remember that. We gave him a lot of shit about his fashion choices.

    @ Mim
    Thank you. I tend to wear the same colours over and over which makes buying shoes and bags easier.

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  5. I'm dubbing this ensemble "Goody's mallard moment" -- and that's a good thing, because I consider mallard drakes more handsome than peacocks. The flash of green teal makes the browns and grays so vivid!

    And I'll admit to crystal envy: those bits of emerald earrings are sensational.

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  6. Nice colour those cords are. I haven't worn cords for years, but I think I might not be able to walk as the pile in the fabric would get stuck when my divine thighs try to move! I hardly ever try things on in thrift shops, unless like you said, it is a little more expensive. If I don't like what I buy on me or the fit is WRONG I pass it on or re donate. Haven't had to many cock ups.

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  7. @Beth

    Mallard! Love it! Quack.
    The earrings are plastic but shhhh...don't tell anyone.

    @Sue
    My thighs rub together, but I don't give a toss.

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  8. LOL... Thanks for the corduroy memories flashback, Goody :)

    I was the proud owner of two pairs from 1976 to '79 ( one bottle green and the other tan in colour ) and still smile remembering the " whoosh whoosh " sound they made while walking... and they looked great with polonecks and butterfly collared shirts.

    I had a jumper similar to the one you're modelling I lived in for most of the colder months :)

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  9. @Cee
    You're not the first to tell me I'm wearing something you owned in the 70's. I take it as a supreme compliment.

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