thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge

The Thrifty Six are Getting Romantic

February 16, 2026 / 14 Comments
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge, The Thrifty Six
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge

Jane chose this month’s Romantic theme because February is the month of Valentine’s Day which is her very favorite day of the year.

It is not my favorite day. It is really just a day. However, I do have fond memories of my father giving me a chocolate rose every Valentine’s Day, but I haven’t really paid much attention to the holiday since he died decades ago.

While I do appreciate the occasional bit of romance, I don’t really consider myself a romantic person. My husband often sprinkles small romantic gestures into my life but he doesn’t really consider himself a romantic person either. In fact, early in our relationship, we were discussing this very topic and I kindly pointed out to him, “Aw, baby, you don’t have a romantic bone in your body.” Proving my point, he replied, “I have a romantic bone I’m gonna put in your body.” Ha.

He definitely has honed his romance skills over the years, surprising me this Valentine’s Day with my favorite candy and a ring camera for our front porch. I have been wanting one ever since last summer when the deer ate all of my flowers and I thought there was a flower bandit in the neighborhood!

thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge

He also just bought us a new washer and dryer. Despite our many efforts to repair the washing machine, it has finally reached the end of its life. The ole girl had a good run and washed a lot of laundry over the past decade, but it’s time to put her out to pasture.

Both machines had issues a few years ago and we managed to fix both with the help of YouTube and prayer. It hurts my thrifty soul to give up too quickly on such large machines. My conscience won’t allow me to just toss something of that size into a landfill so we made our very best efforts to repair these machines. After exhausting every possible fix for the washer, the spin cycle just didn’t want to spin anymore. So for the past few months, I have been wringing everything out by hand. My hands and wrists will be thankful tomorrow when my new machines arrive.

So now you know…ring cameras and laundry machines are romantic to me!

thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge

I don’t need sweet nothings or somethings or whatevers whispered in my ear. I need creative fixes to keep old things working and sometimes to make them new again. The real way to my heart is through the thrift shop door! Which is exactly where I fell in love with this black satin robe a few months ago.

I knew it was the perfect piece to showcase for this month’s thrifty challenge. I layered it over a preloved red turtleneck, an old red tulle skirt, and a wide black belt. I added heavy black tights and a lightweight black duster cardigan underneath the robe for extra warmth.

To keep with the red, white, and black color palette of the robe, I bookended my outfit with my new white cowgirl boots and my white Panama hat. I completed this romantic ensemble with a thrifted black beaded necklace, a triple strand of pearls, and pearly earrings. In Greek mythology, it is believed that pearls are Aphrodite’s tears of joy so they were the perfect choice. Also, pearls are one of my favorite things to search for in thrift shops. A lot of my pearl jewelry is thrifted. Like little gifts from Aphrodite, the goddess love, sprinkled around thrift stores, flea markets, and estate sales, for people like us to find!

thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge

Do you consider yourself a romantic?

Now let’s have a look at how my thrifty friends have gotten romantic. Click on the links or images below for details about each outfit. 

The Thrifty Six is a group of international fashion lovers who meet once a month in our little space on the internet to share our thrifty outfits. On the third Monday of every month, we will all share an outfit based on a theme that features preloved wardrobe pieces. Shopping and reselling preloved clothing is so much better for the environment and you can find some of the best fashions in thrift or charity shops. The Thrifty Six are here not only to inspire you to shop second hand but to also get creative in your closets.

Emma of Style Splash
Style Splash
“My heart print blouse is my go-to Valentine’s Day piece. This was another item I hunted down on eBay for months…and it was worth the wait! Romance is in the everyday things for me, rather than grand, expensive gestures. So to reflect that, I’ve styled the blouse with jeans and trainers.”
-Emma
Jane of Preloved-Vintage-Handmade
Preloved Vintage Handmade
“This is Gothic Romance…
Melancholic Victoriana walks the modern runways of Paris, London and Milan.
Vampiric silhouettes fascinate the bright young things of 21st century fashion.
The sinister aesthetic captures our collective imagination through style, culture and the arts…
Lace layered over satin, a cinched waist, a demure neckline…
…velvets, silks, taffeta and damask in harmonious symphonies of darkness!
‘Romance’ is the T6 theme for February, this is ‘Gothic Romance’, a timeless beauty that will never fade…”
-Jane
Jodie of Jodie’s Touch of Style
Jodie's Touch of Style
“My crew’s theme was to add in romantic details but not be too girly (for some reason, many women frown on that…shocking, I know). Anyway, my entire look (besides jewelry & purse) is thrifted.
It’s hard to see, but I’m wearing a tiara and long gloves…I was influenced by the movie Downton Abbey!!!”
-Jodie
Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style
Nancy's Fashion Style
“I’m not romantic at all, and Valentine’s Day means nothing to me. And I’m not into the color red either. Haha, but I have a pre-loved red sweater and even red ankle boots, and a red flower brooch too. Well, look, romantic enough for me!”
-Nancy
Sally of Within a World of My Own
Within a World of My Own
“For this month’s Romance theme, I went all in with a classic Valentine’s Day color for a ‘pretty in pink’ version of one of my go-to winter outfit formulas! My thrifted pieces are the light pink pants, quilted vest, and pink Cheshire Cat striped scarf. I wouldn’t typically wear ballet flats with this kind of outfit, but I liked the additional feminine touch they added.”
-Sally
Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, red tulle skirt, black silk floral robe, white cowgirl boots, winter boho style, Shelbee on the Edge
“Romance to me is red, black, and white, satin and tulle, drizzled with some pearly goodness. Because pearls are believed to be tears of joy shed by Aphrodite, the goddess of love. My black silky floral robe is a recently thrifted beauty and I was very pleased for the chance to dress her up. My red turtleneck and black beaded necklace are also preloved thrift store finds.”
-Shelbee 

I hope you have enjoyed this edition of The Thrifty Six! If you would like to see more preloved outfits created by this budget- and environmentally-friendly group, please stop back on March 16, 2026, to see how we style Jodie’s theme…Necklines. This should be a fun one to interpret! Until then, happy thrifting.

Keeping it on the edge, 

Shelbee

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.

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14 Comments

  • jodie filogomo

    February 16, 2026 at 10:56 am Reply

    Crack me up at your definition of romantic things…and a flower thief?? In our neighborhood, it’s the bunnies.
    I just love how you created an incredible outfit…thrifting is the best.
    XOXO
    Jodie

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      February 17, 2026 at 5:15 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Jodie! Oh my gosh, the flower bandit! My next door neighbor and I could not figure out what happened to our flower beds last summer. We thought it was some neighborhood kids stealing the flowers despite the fact that we noticed, and commented upon, the deer poop in the front yard. When our husbands pointed out it was the deer eating our flowers, we laughed so hard. Every time we bring it up, it sends us into fits of giggles. If I had a camera, I would have known right away it was the deer and I wouldn’t have been blaming innocent humans all willy-nilly!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Marsha Banks

    February 16, 2026 at 10:32 pm Reply

    Shelbee…I was laughing so hard, the bed was shaking about the romantic bones!!! Your husband sounds a lot like mine. We have had to replace more washing machines in the last ten years than in all the other years combined. I think they really have built in obsolescence. Anyway, your outfit is definitely swoonworthy! I love that robe with the flowers scattered across the back. Your bookends are just fabulous, too!

    Once upon a time, Mike was a bit more romantic, but after more than 50 years, I think he’s run out of steam! I’d rather get something I can plant in the ground than a card anyway. He would spend several dollars on a card. I am weird and dislike getting cards because all I’m going to do is put them in recycling! I’d rather have a rose bush or another perennial!

    https://marshainthemiddle.com/

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      February 17, 2026 at 5:07 am Reply

      Oh, I married him for his sense of humor! He has an uncanny ability to say exactly the wrong thing at exactly the right time and it is one of his most endearing qualities! I always tell my kids to find someone who makes them laugh every day. Laughter and healthy communication are key ingredients to a successful marriage…as I am sure you know! I also hate greeting cards. They seem a ridiculous waste of money for fireplace kindling. When we were kids, my father always gave us a $5 bill instead of a card and I have continued that tradition with my kids. Except now cards are like $10! But my kids don’t know that so I just give them $5 in lieu of a card. LOL

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Your True Self

    February 16, 2026 at 11:03 pm Reply

    Hi, Shelbee – Very humorous and well-written piece! My husband and I are like you: we went through the exact same experience with our washer and dryer. My son flew me out to visit him in L.A. for my birthday and when I got back, my husband surprised me by having installed four new windows in our dining and living rooms. Actually, I’m pretty romantic, but hubby isn’t. I’m girly and he’s manly. All in all, that’s a good combination. Lol! Thanks for the entertaining stories – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      February 17, 2026 at 5:01 am Reply

      Aw, Angie, I love that story! Thanks so much for sharing it with me and for the lovely compliment. I definitely appreciate sweet little romantic gifts like flowers or inexpensive trinkets, but it’s the big stuff that we need more at this stage of life so great job to your husband for that amazing surprise!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • mireille

    February 20, 2026 at 10:30 am Reply

    What a beautiful outfit against the snowy backdrop! I love the addition of the kimono: I need to remember to wear mine throughout the year, not only spring! Appliances are not fun to have to replace, but it our modern times, we do need them! They sure make life easier. We finally replaced our dishwasher last year after years of dealing with it not really dishes clean.
    http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      February 21, 2026 at 7:04 am Reply

      Mireille, thanks so much, my friend. I used to not wear my kimonos in winter because it is too cold. But I have a small collection of light weight long dusters in mostly solid neutral colors that are great to wear underneath kimonos in winter. A tee shirt, a light duster, and a kimono feel the same level of warmth as a tee shirt and a sweater or sweatshirt. The dusters are generally barely visible so they don’t impact the aesthetic very much but they definitely keep me warm and expand my wardrobe’s versatility! Oh, these appliances are something else, aren’t they? There are some I can do without but others are necessary…like laundry machines! Our dishwasher broke in 2020 and we didn’t replace it for about a year because I don’t mind hand washing dishes. Hand washing clothing is an entirely different game! Hahaha. I hope you have a lovely weekend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

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