Adventures in Thrifting Part 11: Vintage Bird and Fish Vest & Link Up On the Edge #248
I love thrift shopping for so many reasons including the lower price point than you would pay for new retail pieces. Being a lifelong bargain shopper, I get especially excited when I receive a coupon from my favorite thrift stores. A few weeks ago, I received a birthday coupon for 25% off my entire purchase at Thrifty Shopper and so I headed out for a day of shopping to cash in on my birthday deals.
On this particular thrifting adventure, I got a giant shopping bag full of wonderful things for just around $60. My newest obsession is oversized men’s button down shirts. They are so comfortable for lounging in and they offer a variety of styling options for women. I purchased 7 button down shirts in the most beautiful vibrant colors of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, lime green, teal, green pinstriped, and blue pinstriped). I also purchased a vintage pussy bow blouse, a boho maxi skirt, an embroidered boho dress, a black and white gingham dress, a two piece fringed black knit skirt and tank top set, and of course, this super fun bird and fish printed vest. That is 13 items for $60 which averages out to less than $5 per item. That is the kind of bargain shopping that appeals to me!
Let me talk about this cute little vest for a minute. It is from Casual Corner which was an American women’s clothing brand that closed its final stores in 2005. I have been learning how to more accurately date my thrifted finds using some tips of the vintage clothing trade. According to the RN number on the label of this vest, it dates somewhere between 1984 and 1989 depending on the formula used for calculation which definitely makes this piece vintage. The label also states that it is 100% cotton and made in the USA. However, I am not sure how the back of the vest or the lining are 100% cotton. It definitely feels and looks more like a polyester or rayon blend of some sort.
When I spotted the deep shade of orange and the whimsical print hanging on the thrift shop rack, it immediately caught my attention. I was a little disappointed to find that it was only a size medium. I have not worn a size medium on the top half of my body for at least 20 years but I figured I would wear it more as an accessory and who cares if my accessories are the wrong size. I obviously cannot button it over my bust, but I still like how it adds a little extra to my all white outfit.
I wanted to allow the vest to be the focal point of the outfit and so I went for head to toe white featuring another thrifted item…this puffy sleeved Zara button down shirt. My white cropped jeans are LC Lauren Conrad from a few years ago. And my white braided sandals are a new acquisition from Charlotte Russe. I am seriously crushing on the braided sandal trend right now. Charlotte Russe was having a shoe sale a few weeks back that was buy one pair, get the second pair for $1. I simply couldn’t resist, so I bought them in every color and heel height available for a total of 6 new pairs of braided sandals.
I know, I know, I am a terrible gluttonous shopper. I justify my shoe and clothing addiction with the fact that it is not some more serious addiction like heroin or meth. For all my shopaholic friends reading this, you are welcome to use that perspective the next time you are called out for too much shopping!
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Terri of Meadowtree Style shared her post, My Sew Sew Life-Vogue 1567; A Paco Peralta Skirt-Making & Styling. I absolutely adore this funky skirt that Terri crafted with her own hands. The unique cut and style is really eye catching and I am always impressed by Terri’s seamstress skills.
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Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.
Outfit Details: Vest-Thrifted (Casual Corner) / Shirt-Thrifted (Zara) / Pants-LC by Lauren Conrad (Old) / Shoes-Charlotte Russe / Jewelry-Happiness Boutique
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.
56 Comments
Nancy
Oh my goodness those sandals!! Love them. 6 pairs, I thought I was bad. The vest looks very pretty on that white and I like it better worn loose. I think this is a wonderful outfit!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Nancy! These sandals are really comfortable, too! They were under $30 a pair so they came to less than $15 a pair with the sale. I have two other pairs already photographed to share next week. I prefer to wear a vest (or blazer) unbuttoned, too, but sometimes it’s nice to have the option to close it. I definitely will never have that option with this size medium vest over my size xxlarge boobs! Haha. I hope you have a fantastic weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kellyann Rohr
I love to thrift and if I had been given a 25% off my whole purchase coupon I would have made a day of it and probably looked at every single item! Normally I’m drawn to colors and patterns and quickly look when the racks are so full.
Braided sandals? Oh yes, please! I would have done the exact same thing. They look great on you and the price cannot be beat.
Have a great weekend friend!
xo,
Kellyann
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kellyann! I definitely need to be in the mood for a thrifting adventure because it can get overwhelming when the racks are jammed full of things. But it really is fun to go a-hunting! Oh my gosh, these braided sandals are really comfortable, too. The retail price was under $30 so I paid less than $90 for 6 pairs. Haha. I tried to find them online to link, but they were not available. I hope you have a wonderful weekend as well!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kathrine Eldridge
I ran the downtown Chicago flagship store of Casual Corner back in the day! Love that you found this fun vest from that old brand. Oversized button downs are so on trend right now so those finds were great too. Love the pop of color with this monochromatic look! Thanks so much for the link up Shelbee.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kathrine! That is so cool that you ran the flagship store in Chicago! I do remember occasionally shopping in Casual Corner when I was younger but I was not really the targeted demographic at that time so it wasn’t my go-to place. But every once in a while I spot that brand when I am thrifting and I tend to like those styles more now than I did 20 years ago! I hope you have a wonderful weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Suzy
You find the BEST stuff from thrift stores, Shelbee!!! I’m super envious lol! If I ever make it to your part of the world again, we must go thrift shop shopping together so you can teach me all your secrets!! Wouldn’t that be fabulous?!
The vest is super cute. I love that you made it a real statement by teaming it with all white. And what can I say about the sandals?! 6 pairs?! Girl… you’re a woman after my own heart lol!!!!
Huge hugs
Suzy xx
P.S This week got away with me and I ran out of time to join the Goodbye / Good Buy post again!!! Hopefully, I’ll be back on top of things ready for the next one!!! Sorry! xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Suzy! Yes, we will definitely go on some shopping adventures if you ever make it to NY again! I am so bad when it comes to shoes! But they averaged out to less than $15 a pair. And they are so cute and comfortable. How could I NOT buy 6 pairs? Actually, I started out buying 4 pairs and then wore them and discovered how comfortable they are so I went back and bought 2 more pairs a few days later. Thankfully, the BOGO sale was still going on.
If you have some nautical outfits photographed, you can still send them to me. We aren’t posting until Wednesday, June 16, so there is still time to add more. Honestly, if you send me something by the 15th, I can definitely include you in the post.
Have a great weekend, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
I think the vest looks great with your outfit. And who cares if the vest isn’t your size. I honestly couldn’t tell until you mentioned it. I just liked the nice pop of colour!
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jennifer! I figured with a vest, I could definitely get away with it being a bit too small. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
mireille
This is pretty! I will have to try something like that maybe in the fall when it is not so hot!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks so much, Mireille! I can totally picture you wearing an outfit like this! I can’t wait to see what you create. Have a fabulous weekend, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jill
I used to shop at Casual Corner! That vest is such a great find! The print is so fun! Love your sandals too! Have a wonderful weekend!
Jill – Doused in Pink
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jill! I used to shop there, too! But only a little bit. I definitely remember the store though from the 80’s and 90’s, not so much in the early 2000’s though. Have a great weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lucy Bertoldi
I’m loving this whole white look with a pop of colour from that gorgeous vest! I’m so into men’s shirts too these days! And I love that you got an embroidered boho dress! I’m actaully styling one myself for our Thrifty Six!! Love that you got so many good things at your thrift!! Have a great weekend my friend xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lucy! I think I might be styling my embroidered boho dress for our Thrifty Six post as well! Although the maxi skirt I got is pretty freaking cool, too, so I might end up styling that instead. Ooooh…I might be able to layer the skirt under the dress. Hmmmmm…now my mind is all zippy with ideas! I am looking forward to seeing all of our looks for this fun prompt. Have a fabulous weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Ellie
What a great thrifting adventure and how wonderful to receive a 25% off coupon especially off everything you purchased that day! I think the vest looks great styled this way, instead of buttoned. Fun sandals too! I love the braided sandals trend, but don’t have any in this style yet.
Thanks for hosting the linkup, I finally was able to join in again 🙂
Ellie
Ellibelle’s Corner
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Ellie! I am always enticed by a special birthday coupon! My favorite stores know me too well. If they keep sending me deals, I will keep shopping! I am seeing braided sandals everywhere at every price point. I also got a pair from Shein for around $12. And these Charlotte Russe ones averaged out to under $15 a pair. So maybe my cheap price points will entice you be as bad as me and you will scoop up a pair or 7 of braided sandals for this summer! I look forward to checking out your new posts. Have a great weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Sally in St Paul
Can’t blame you for nabbing that vest–so cute!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Sally! I definitely could not leave this cutie behind in the store!
xoxo
Shelbee
Renee Open
I love white on people – It usually makes them so much more attractive to me than they already are!
I LOVE the puff sleeved shirt! And the whole outfit is just … you’re usual magic!
I also love that it was a thrifting post. As I’ve thought about my potencial slutty date night fashion series, Ive though … “I’m gonna have to talk about fashion in a ‘make shit rock for you’ kind of way. As most of my wardrobe has either been gifted to me or was found at Goodwill and off clearence racks.” I’m not going to be able to direct people to the article of clothing if they want it for themselves *Eek face*.
Have a lovely weekend friend and thanks, as always, for hostng!!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Renee, thanks so much! I don’t wear all white very often but I think you are right…there is something special about it that just brightens up people and allows their inner light to really shine through. So much of my wardrobe is thrifted or clearance so I rarely can link to my outfit pieces for readers either. That is probably one of the main reasons that I don’t have a gigantic fashion following! I think you should totally start sharing some fashion posts from a “make shit rock for you” perspective. Really, I think people just look for inspiration and ideas from us anyway so they can kind of go find what pleases them with a more open mind about preloved clothes. I hope you have an amazing weekend, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jessica A Jannenga
You find some great bargians thrifting! I do most on Poshmark, as I can’t stand for long periods, or the shops may interest me. Casual Corner brings back memories! In the 80s I worked in a mall that had one. That is such a cute vest and I love it with the all white look. I am eyeing those shoes too, very nice!
have a great weekend Shelbee!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydresedamdstylish.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jess! I remember occasionally shopping at Casual Corner in the 80’s and 90’s as well. It wasn’t my go-to place but I did go there sometimes. As much as I love Poshmark, I prefer in person shopping so I can feel and see the pieces up close. But Poshmark is a great way to shop second hand without the hassle of going out. And about these sandals…they are crazy comfortable and averaged out to less than $15 a pair with the BOGO sale. I have two other pairs already photographed and ready to share next week. I hope you have a wonderful weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Katie
Sounds like a wonderful haul from your favroite thrift store! I adore the print of your Casual Corner vest. It’s really interesting that you can date the items using the RN label. I always say this whenever you post about thrifting, but I really need to find some good thrift stores here! Hope you have a great weekend!
-Katie
http://www.hellokatiegirlblog.com/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Katie! The RN dating is really fascinating if you click on any of those links and read about it. I probably should write down the formula so I can actually check the date of the clothing while I am in the store. You definitely need to find a good thrift shop or two in your area! It is a fun way to add some diversity to your wardrobe. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lauren Renee Sparks
That vest is darling!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks so much, Lauren! Have a great weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Di
That is the cutest whimsical animal print vest! I love the way you styled it to really be the focal point of the outfit with all white. It sounds like you had a lot of fun and really made out well at the thrift shop, you can’t beat getting a bargain and a unique retro piece at the same time! Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Di! I was really pleased with the outcome of this outfit. I put the vest over a black and white gingham shirt dress the other day and that looked pretty cool, too. So I definitely have some fun styling options for this piece. I hope you have a marvelous weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
Awww…, thanks for the shout out for my saguaro post! I am honored. And I hope you’ll keep us apprised of your friend’s experiment in growing them from seeds. I have no idea what a brand new saguaro looks like!
Such a cute vest! I love the copper-ish color. Great tip about buying men’s shirts for lounge-wear. I need to try this out.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Michelle! It was my pleasure featuring your fun cactus post! I went back to scope out my friend’s FB post and now I can’t find it, darn it. Oh well. You should definitely check out the men’s section in the thrift shops. I do find some pretty great things there as well! I hope you have a fantastic weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Joanne
I remember Casual Corner! It nearly makes me cry though to hear that 80’s clothing is vintage! When did I get so old?! LOL What fabulous bargains though! You can’t beat $5 for a clothing item.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Joanne! Actually, in the fashion industry anything that is 20 years old or more is considered vintage. So clothing from 2001 is technically vintage. Now how old do you feel?! Haha. Have a great weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Sheila (of Ephemera)
Thanks so much for the link-party, Shelbee! I’ve added two links – I think you will enjoy the second one, as I am (sort of) showing off my house, including two artsy nude photos I did 20 years ago, which are framed and up on my walls. I’m very proud of them!
I say “PSHAW” to things fitting exactly! I have bought tons of vests, tops and jackets that are too tight in the bust (a problem for me, only if I think it is!), and oodles of things that are too big (a safety pin is my friend). I love this funky vest on you, and well done on your sleuthing for figuring out dates! I’m impressed by your use of the RN number!
I haven’t been thrifting as much as I used to since the pandemic, but I’m still buying most of my clothes second-hand. It’s such a fun way to shop – I always look for the bright colours and patterns too.
Have a fabulous weekend, m’dear!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Sheila, thanks so much! Ooooh, I am really looking forward to reading your posts this week! I think I need to do some more nude stuff again! It is super fun and really empowering to me. As far as buying the wrong size, I am always buying things that are too big and then pinning and belting and tying to make them fit. Sometimes I buy things too small like blazers and vests because they are always too small in the bust even if they fit everywhere else. But hey, we creatives find ways to make all sorts of things work, don’t we? Thrift shops were the very first place I felt comfortable shopping during the pandemic. Isn’t that a strange thing? I think because people kind of keep to themselves while digging through thrift racks and it was the people who scared more than anything during this pandemic! Oh how I do love to shop!
I was so excited to learn how to date my vintage pieces! I almost emailed you but then I figured with a quick online search, I might be able to figure it out on my own. Now I am really into this whole RN number trick. Haha. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Darlene
Oh, you sweet thing, Shelbee! I was scrolling down as I was laughing at your, “at least it’s not a meth addiction” reference!! Lol! When I saw you featured my photo with the other lovely ladies. Thanks so much, my friend! We are headed to Hawaii on Monday and I will be wearing this bright floral there for sure!! As to your look, I love that you paired that fun vest with all white. What a chic and classic look and feel! It does make me laugh to read that 80s clothes are vintage. If only I’d saved some of them!! Lol! They were a bit smaller, however. Oh, well. You are a totally skilled thrift shopper and my hat is off to you!
xx Darlene
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Darlene, thanks so much! I always drop that meth addiction line on my husband if he starts picking on me and my shopping habits! Haha. By the way, not only are clothes from the 80’s vintage, clothing from 2001 is actually vintage by definition! That is some crazy stuff, in my opinion. It was a pleasure to feature you, my dear friend. I hope you have an amazing trip to Hawaii! I look forward to reading about it when you return.
xoxo
Shelbee
Laura Bambrick
You have such a thrifting eye! I love that all white look and your braided sandals are super cute!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Laura! It does take some patience and a keen eye to spot the treasures hiding in thrift stores! Have a great weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Rena
Shelbee,
That vest was a great find. Gorgeous color and a fun pattern. It was smart to style it with white for an extra pop. I was very fond of Casual Corner back in the day and sorely miss them now. I’m always thrilled to find a garment from a long-ago US based brand and one that was actually made in US. And I would never call you out on your shopping habits ‘cuz retail therapy is real and necessary.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Rena! Casual Corner wasn’t really my style back in the 80’s and 90’s but I did shop there every once in a while because my style has always crossed multiple genres. I get excited when I find made garments that were made in the U.S. as well. They seem to be very rare. I do love a good shopping haul whether it is retail or second hand and you are right retail therapy is real and effective. It always boosts my mood to go shopping for clothes or shoes! Have a wonderful weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
LOL on your shopping. I am the worst when it comes about shopping. I pretty much hate it, So you make up for me.
Thanks for hosting and I hope that you are having a wonderful weekend.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Ha, I understand that shopping hatred, Patrick! Jeff is the same way. So it’s good that I love to shop because I have to do it for the both of us. I hope you had a wonderful weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Claire Justine
I love thrift shopping for the same reason. I got some real bargains a few weeks ago. I love your vest, such a great pattern. Love how you have styled it too. I would love to find one now I have seen yours 🙂
Thanks so much for linking up to The Weekend Link Up. I hope you can join us again tomorrow for Creative Mondays #TheWeekendLinkUp
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Claire, thanks so much! This is the first vest in this style that I have owned. It is such a fun piece. I have been on the lookout for more vests when I go thrift shopping as well. I want a menswear one with pinstripes. I hope you have a fabulous week, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Claire
Thanks so much for linking up to Creative Mondays too 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Claire!
xoxo
Shelbee
Leelo
That vest and sandals are so cool! And I love how you styled thos whole outfit! Well done!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Leelo! I really appreciate that. I hope your week is going well!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jacqui Berry
Nice all white outfit, and the blast of orange is perfect. Thanks for sharing with us Shelbee. Jacqui x
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Jacqui! I hope you are having a great week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Chickenruby
Love the waist coat and who cares if it doesn’t do up. Love your approach to shopping, all sizes all colours, I do this when I find something amazing like those sandals.
Thanks for linking with #pocolo
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much! I do love to shop (especially thrift shopping) and if something catches my eye I really do try to find a way to make it work! I hope you are having a wonderful week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Leslie Susan Clingan
I am not a very good thrift shopper but I don’t think our thrift stores offer many treasures, either. Have begun volunteering in a church clothes closet and have found 4 pretty great purses there. No clothes, though, yet. I think the vest is much more ‘you’ worn open. I think it would have looked constricting and restraining if it was buttoned up. It reflects your free spirit worn open with those airy white background pieces. Thanks for joining us for #agelessstyle
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Leslie, thank you so very much for this lovely comment! I agree that buttoned up tight is not really my style at all! I am much more free spirited than that. I hear from a lot of readers that they do not have very good thrift shopping in their areas. I will have to remember about church closets and rummage sales to recommend as an alternative. It is also yard sale season now which is a great place to shop for preloved treasures. How cool that you found 4 great purses! I hope you had a lovely weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee