The Thrifty Six are Ringing in the New Year
How did we get to the end of the year so quickly? With the New Year fast approaching, Grace has chosen New Year’s Eve outfits for our thrifty theme this month. Before I get to fashion talk, however, first I am going to share a story, a kind of sad story, about my own New Year’s Eve tradition and it came to be.
When it comes to New Year’s Eve, I am very much a homebody. I have always been. I remember New Year’s Eve of 1990. I was 16 and it was the first year that I was invited to a party outside of my own home and I really wanted to go. But that meant I had to drive on New Year’s Eve to get to where I was going, or someone else had to drive me there, and my father was very opposed to any of us being on the roads on New Year’s Eve for any reason.
Being a bratty, selfish, invincible teenager, I didn’t care about his logic nor did I understand his fears so he had to resort to bribery to keep me home. He offered me an extravagant lobster, shrimp, and steak dinner at home if I would just stay in with him. Of course, I couldn’t resist such an offer and I conceded to staying home, thereby making big seafood dinners our New Year’s Eve tradition for the next four years.
In April of 1993, my father was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer and told that he had about 6 months to make his end of life preparations. He had made it past those first 6 months but New Year’s Eve of 1994 was the last New Year’s celebration I would spend with my father. I remember we ate so much food that night and in the morning, my father began complaining about severe bloating in his abdominal area. We assumed it was from seafood over-indulgence, but by the following morning he looked like he was 8 months pregnant.
I was packing my gear to head off to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with my college swim team when my father asked me to drive him to the doctor because he was too uncomfortable to drive himself. I don’t recall why he asked me and not my mother, but I do recall that I declined him because I was too busy getting ready for my 10 day training trip. I am assuming my mother took him at that point as I moved on in my selfish teenage ways.
I can’t remember the exact dates any longer, but I was only in Florida for the first few days of our training trip when I got a phone call from home at the motel pay phone (this was before all regular people had cell phones) telling me I should really come home because they didn’t know how much longer my father had to live. They had drained over 8 liters of fluid from his abdominal cavity that was a result of his lung cancer literally spreading throughout his entire abdomen. And the doctors didn’t know if he had hours, days, or weeks left, but they knew death was coming soon. So I was on the next flight we could find home.
I remember the flight home from Florida fairly vividly. I was 20 years old, had only ever been on an airplane once before, and it was a tiny little puddle jumper type plane for a 2 1/2 hour flight. Also I was flying alone and praying with all my might that my father would live long enough for me to say good-bye. I do remember crying basically the entire flight home. My father did live for another few weeks and departed this world in the late evening hours of January 22, 1995.
Ever since 1995, I don’t like to leave my house on New Year’s Eve. I think I have done it twice in 27 years. I went out to a fancy dinner and raging party for New Year’s Eve of 1999. Because it was 1999 and we had to party like it was 1999! Jeff and I went to a friend’s house party back in 2008 which was our first New Year’s Eve spent together and I have never again done anything more than chill out at home on New Year’s Eve. This year will be no different.
So while I enjoy creating fun and festive party outfits for you all, I most likely will be wearing my coziest loungewear and curling up in my favorite corner of the couch until I head to bed by 9:00 p.m. I no longer watch the countdowns on television because I rarely even know who any of the musicians and other famous people are, plus I really can’t stay awake long enough for that anyway.
Now let’s talk about my New Year’s outfit. This is something I would wear if I were to go out or if I were hosting a party. I found these Ann Taylor Loft sequined leggings at Solitary Consignment in the spring and I saved them specifically for a festive holiday look. My velvet tunic is also from Solitary Consignment, but I have had it for a few years. I liked the idea of an all black outfit with hints of a festive color so I added my deep red velvet booties and layered red necklaces. I added this black, white, and red plaid flannel duster as my jacket, a burgundy scarf, a black beret, and red and black houndstooth gloves as well.
While this duster looks ever so cozy and warm with its fur trimmed collar and cuffs, it really is just a lightweight flannel fabric that isn’t very warm for outdoor wear this time of year. But it is always a struggle to find the appropriate coat for layering over super long things. I grabbed this ivory boucle coat that I found at the Salvation Army thrift store a few years ago. It is one of my favorite coats and it looked well enough over the plaid duster, but I was still bothered by the mismatched lengths of things.
So, upon Jeff’s suggestion, I shed the duster completely and replaced it with just my coat for an entirely different but equally striking festive holiday outfit. In fact, I really can’t decide which look I like better. Do tell me your preference in the comments.
Regardless of which coat/jacket looks best, there is a higher likelihood that I would not wear either while indoors. So I needed the base layer to still be a cohesive and complete New Year’s outfit. I love luxurious fabrics and textures to create visual interest in an all black outfit. Photographing outfits that are heavily saturated in black can be a very tedious affair. If the lighting and shadows are off a tiny bit, you risk looking like a big blob of black in your photos. I find that the different textures and a bit of shimmer make photographing black clothing a little easier.
I really like this outfit in all 3 of its versions. It is sparkly and festive and very, very comfortable. Some of the sequins have shed from my pants but not too many. And they are as comfortable as any other leggings that I own. The velvet tunic feels more like a pajama top than a fancy dress up top. And the low block heel on my boots is ideal for all day comfort and style. Until I stepped in poo…
Keep scrolling a little bit more for that story. Might as well go from a sad story to a funny one to ring in the New Year with tears and laughter!
The last two photos below were actually the first few photos we took on this shoot. I saw this little spot of broken down trees off the path and I went bouncing back in there to pose. The ground was very muddy and sludgy and my red velvet boots just keep sinking into it. So we snapped a few photos quickly and I made my way back to the path only to discover that my right boot was completely covered in some kind of slimy wet animal poop.
Keep in mind that these are velvet…a fabric that is very absorbent. So not only was my boot covered in poo but it soaked right through my sock and onto my skin.
To add insult to injury, we had driven onto the Army post to take these photos and then run some errands on our way back. It is about a 20-30 minute drive from home and we still had errands to run after the poo on my shoe incident. Rather than drive back home for clean shoes, I wiped mine off the best I could with napkins and hand sanitizer and we went and completed our errands.
All I can say is that I have never been more grateful for mask mandates because I was stinky! But all the masked people just walked on by without raising an eyebrow because they couldn’t smell me. In fact, I couldn’t even smell myself with my mask on. What good fortune is that? However, there was a man and his service dog in one store. The man was wearing a mask, the dog was not. And the dog could smell me. Really smell me. It literally stalked me through the entire store giving me the stinkiest stink eye ever over my stinky shoes. It was really creeping me out! And making me laugh. This dog was hot on my trail and would not let me out of its sight. I actually am kind of surprised that the dog owner didn’t notice the weird behavior! But I made it out of the store no worse for wear and still stinky.
Worry not, when I got home, I immediately cleaned up my velvet boots with lots of soap and water and let them dry thoroughly so they are good as new and completely poo-free now! I hope I was able to give you a chuckle with this odorous story especially if I made you cry a little at the first story.
And now let’s check out the gorgeous New Year’s Eve looks styled by my fabulous thrifty friends.
The Thrifty Six is a group of international fashion influencers 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 to inspire you to shop second hand!
The Stylish Thrifters:
- Emma of Style Splash
- Grace of Graceful Rags
- Jane of Preloved-Vintage-Handmade
- Lucy of Lucy Bertoldi
- Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style
- Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge
Emma of Style Splash
“The parties may be canceled again but that won’t stop me wearing sequins! For a more comfortable New Year’s Eve outfit I’ve layered a multi-coloured sequin jacket that I bought on eBay over a sparkly jumper (also second hand) and velvet trousers. It’s cosy and warm but has plenty of sparkle and shine to see in the New Year!”
Emma
Grace of Graceful Rags
“Even though I’ve already shared this unique blue dress with the Thrifty Six before, I just knew I had to style it again for a New Year’s Eve look. I switched up my hair, added bedazzled fishnet tights, wore black furry accessories, and added some dramatic hoop earrings. My favorite part about this thrifted dress is the long sleeves—finally, a glitzy yet practical outfit for a chilly NYE!”
Grace
Jane of Preloved-Vintage-Handmade
“Desdemona Duchess of Deco…On New Year’s Eve, I’m going to an Art Deco themed Murder Mystery Evening…I’m Desdemona, Duchess of Daggerford (and all things Art Deco). I have an inkling I might be guilty as sin…Light was against me when taking these pictures but this 80’s vintage dress is black with sparkling silver sequins…and tiger stripes for the dangerous tiger I am! (Desdemona that is; not me, I’m a pussycat.)”
Jane
Lucy of Lucy Bertoldi
“Holiday dressing up is my favourite! Loving this quilted, hand-made, vintage maxi skirt-especially worn with this sparkly thrifted top and necklace. I snatched this skirt from Karalyne of Best Dressed Wallflower. Her vintage selection is superb, don’t you agree? Perfect for kicking off the holidays!”
Lucy
Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style
“I have been searching for years for the perfect golden top and I found it in a vintage shop nearby. It’s by Cilo and really old. I will definitely wear this top, probably with a black tulle skirt, I am not sure yet. However I love the combination with the green!”
Nancy
And me!
“I found these sequined leggings and velvet tunic at the consignment shop where I used to work. The top I have had for a few years but have never worn it. I bought the leggings in the spring and haven’t had an opportunity yet to wear them. NYE was the perfect reason to style them. I styled this outfit with two different coats…a long plaid duster jacket and a white boucle coat. I would love to hear your thoughts on which is better.”
Shelbee
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.
Outfit Details: Leggings, Tunic, Ivory Coat-Thrifted / Plaid Duster-c/o Zaful / Boots-Shoe Dazzle / Gloves-Target / Beret-TJ Maxx / Jewelry-All Old
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.
26 Comments
Kellyann c Rohr
Oh Shelbee, where do I begin? The poo on the boots that I love? Tragic. Oh my goodness, I cannot even imagine.
I’m with Jeff – he has great taste! I adore the outfit with the coat and even without – it is beautiful on you.
But the story about your dad and why you stay in for NYE – all the feels. We always get together with our best friends on NYE, either our house or theirs, I don’t enjoy big crowds.
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!
xo,
Kellyann
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Ha, thanks so much, Kellyann! I could have handled the poo on my boots so much better if I could have gone straight home and not been stalked by a service dog! I do enjoy sharing stories about my parents. It is one way that we keep them alive forever, isn’t it? I love that you gather with your neighbors for NYE. We have very cool neighbors all around us that could be an option here, too! I hope you have a lovely holiday, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Ellie
This is such a fun, festive and also comfy look! Love the sequin leggings! The boots and gloves finish off the outfit so perfectly! I used to go out on New Years Eve in my younger years, but now I really just enjoy being at home.
I can imagine the dog smelled it all LOL, but how lucky for you that non of the people could 🙂 Glad you were able to clean them after the incident as they are gorgeous boots!
Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy and Healthy New Year!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Ellie, thanks so much! I think it was an easy sell for my dad to keep me home on NYE because I don’t really like crowds very much at all! I remember the years that I worked in NYC, I stayed as far away as possible from the city for NYE! When I watch all those people crammed into Times Square, I have a panic attack so I can’t even imagine immersing myself into it! Eek.
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your family and a very blessed New Year, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
So much in this post, I don’t know what to address first! Okay, the outfit, I love all three iterations of this sophisticated look. I’m very partial to the duster – but I think I just like dusters. LOL! This is a wonderful New Year’s Eve outfit.
And OMG! The story about your stinky shoes and the dog stalker is hilarious! 🤣
We are homebodies too, and I always have been. I can’t recall ever going out on New Year’s – although I think I had a slumber party once as a young teenager. Besides the issues your father was concerned about, little, old introverted me just isn’t a fan of crowds. I love the story about how the sea food on New Year’s got started in your household. Your dad was a smart guy, bribing you, making it fun, instead of resorting to being a hardass. Do you still do the seafood tradition with your own family?
I wouldn’t be so hard on your young self for refusing to take your dad to the doctor. Your dad’s ill health was a lot to deal with for a young person on the cusp of starting her own life. And honestly, I don’t think people that age understand death. I didn’t.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Gah, Michelle, thank you for such a thorough comment! I am also partial to the duster with this outfit because I love the drama of dusters. Jeff liked the white coat better. But I am fond of all three!
The dog stalker was so freaking funny. And I kept trying to tell Jeff but he was trying on boots and nobody can hear anything when you try to whisper through masks! Haha.
My dad was a pretty smart guy! He utilized some fairly creative methods in parenting. We do sometimes continue with the NYE seafood tradition. If we celebrate at my sister’s house (which rarely happens because we all opt to just stay home), then we go full on seafood fest! But generally, I do incorporate some type of seafood into our NYE dinners. It just feels like the right thing to do, you know!
Strangely, by the time my father passed, I had already experienced pretty significant losses for a person my age so I had a much better grasp on death than most people even twice my age at that point. When I was 18, one of my freshmen teammates on my college swim team died from a heart attack on the pool deck during practice. That can really fuck up a teenager when you watch something like that happen. It was only 6 months after that when my father was diagnosed with cancer. Then that summer, another one of my freshmen teammates (and a guy that I had dated) died in a car accident. Followed by the death of my father about a year later. So my college years were filled with trauma and loss and I learned at a very young age how to process deep grief. My experiences have actually made me very cold hearted when it comes to death and grief. A good grief counselor I would NOT make!
But onto happier things! I hope you are enjoying the holiday season and settling into your new home even more!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
Holy crap! It’s freaky watching anyone die (I got that pleasure with my dad), but at such a young age? Yikes!
I lost my great grandmother when I was 18. We had spent summers near her in my teen years, so she and I were pretty close. Her biggest fear was of having to go to a nursing home. But she had a heart attack and died quickly. I remember that my primary feeling was relief that she wouldn’t have to go to a nursing home. I think I was more accepting of death then. But also, it’s not like losing a parent either.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
The first time watching someone die, at the age of 18, was very freaky. But by the time my father died and then years later when my mother died, I found a certain peace in the moment of passing and feel blessed that I was given the opportunity to witness it with both parents. I wrote an article about it on Medium (I can’t remember if I ever shared it on my blog. I might have.) Anyway, the article is There is a Certain Beauty in Death. It’s just how my perspective has evolved throughout my lifetime. I am glad that your great grandmother did not have to go to a nursing home at the end. At least there is peace in knowing that the end of her life was how she wanted it to be.
xoxo
Shelbee
Maureen
This is a great look for NYE, Shelbee. It’s classic and sophisticated. I love it paired with your duster coat. I am sorry to hear about your dad. I know it must be hard for you especially as you look back and also forward on this particular day. But on the same token, I am with you. I am way passed out even before the ball drops. Plus, my family is very casual. It’s rare that we dress up for anything. Actually if I never started this blog, I probably wouldn’t even try as hard as I do now to look presentable. In fact, the reason I only really ever post once a month, because it’s probably only once a month that we go out and have the opportunity to dress up! And I mean jeans and a nice sweater or tshirt! I hope your week is off to a great start and happy Monday!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Maureen, thank you so much! I enjoy sharing memories of my parents with you all. It doesn’t bring me all that much sadness anymore. I have lived more than half my life without my father so the grief has long been processed. Now it’s just happy memories that I have! Plus I feel his spirit around me often, always looking out for his baby girl!
I hear you on the casual dress. I don’t go out very often at all and mostly my blog outfits are worn for photos and then errands and then I immediately change back into my coziest, comfiest, sloppiest at home clothes. I swear my neighbors don’t believe that I am a fashion blogger because I always look like a plain old hot mess! But with an edge…haha…even at my sloppiest, I still manage to add some edge!
I hope you are having a wonderful week and a very joyous holiday season, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
Looking so very nice. I try not to go out on NYE. Too many idiots and everything is just too expensive, people jack up the prices for everything.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Patrick! Those are also very valid reasons for staying home on NYE! I hope you have peaceful relaxing night at home! I will be asleep long before your midnight arrives!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy
Wow, what a waterfall of words, lol. I love the outfit with the white coat the best. But what a story about your father. Luckely you have good memories. We are spending New Year’s Eve at home, just the two of us. We used to have all our friends over and have a lot of food. I loved that too. But it’s okay the way it is.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Ha, thanks, Nancy! You know once my words start flowing, they do go like a waterfall! I do have very fond memories of my dad. He was a character and he still makes me laugh…27 years after he died! That’s how freaking cool he was! I hope you and Gerben enjoy your quiet NYE at home. I am going to enjoy our quiet NYE at home as well!
xoxo
Shelbee
Theresa Boedeker
Cute story about the boots – glad they cleaned up. Sad story about your dad. We know so little in our teens, don’t we? Think great memories of your dad this New Year. Love the long plaid duster.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so very much, Theresa! Oh, I do always think wonderful memories of my dad! It has been way too many years for me to still feel grief and sadness. Now I just feel comfort knowing that his spirit has watched over me these last 27 years! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Marsha Banks
Oh, Shelbee, first you had me crying and now I’m laughing…exactly what you said! I do believe it’s harder when someone you love passes near a holiday. You want to celebrate, but your sadness and memories hold you back. I’m glad you were able to be with your father before he passed.
Isn’t that just the way things go? You step in poo and still have your errands to run! I have often thought the same thing about masks…they cover my mouth especially after eating chips and salsa!!
Have a fabulous holiday season!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh my goodness, Marsha, thanks so much! Sharing these memories doesn’t really bring me too much sadness these days. I have lived more than half my life without my father so at this point it is just fond memories that I hold. And he visits me often enough that I never really get the chance to miss him too much! His spirit is always around me when I need him!
As for the poo incident, my father quite possibly may have had something to do with that. He did find all poo humor very funny! Ha. I guess that’s where I get it from!
Happy holidays to you, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Pamela Graham
Anniversary dates always bring emotions to the surface particularly when they’re connected with Holidays. My own father was born on New Years Day and said his goodbyes on New Years Eve. He reached a good age and it appears that he had completed full circle. So bittersweet memories at turn of the year. The most important thing is always that we remember our loved ones with a smile on our face and love in our heart!
Both outfits are fabulous darling, dashing or sleek, great choices.
Have a very Merry Christmas with your lovely family and may your New Year bring you all you wish for.
Pamela xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Pamela, thank you so very much, my friend! Your words have brought me comfort and peace. And I do always remember my lost loved ones with much happiness! I feel the presence of both of my parents’ spirits around me often, always watching over me. It has been so many years since both of them passed that sadness and grief are distant memories at this point. It is only fond and loving memories that I have now. My New Year’s Eve tradition with my father was a really nice memory to revisit in this post! Thank you for reading it! I hope that your Christmas is filled with joy and love. And may the New Year hold many blessings for all of us!
xoxo
Shelbee
Grace
Shelbee, this was an emotional rollercoaster of a post! The holidays always make me think of loved ones who have passed, but it’s nice to celebrate with new family as my cousins and siblings start to get married. Thinking of you this holiday season. <3 And that poo story was too much, especially the dog chasing you around! Ha! I also love your outfit. Those sequin leggings are so cute yet practical. I never go out on New Year's either, so I hardly dress up… that's just for the blog I guess lol.
Miles of smiles,
Grace
gracefulrags.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Grace, thank you so much, sweet friend. The holidays definitely have a way of stirring up all sorts of old emotions, don’t they? But we get through and each year brings a new set of feelings! I love that you are so intuitive and appreciating the holiday transitions as your family members grow up and start their own families. And OMG, the stalker service dog! Seriously, you should have seen the way it was staring me down. I think it wanted to eat me or kill me or maybe it just wanted to smell me! I have no idea, but it was a comedy that only happens in really life! I hope you have a fabulous Christmas and New Year!
xoxo
Shelbee
Emma Peach
Such a sad story about your dad, but lovely that you stay in on NYE in his memory. I think it’s a very overrated occasion and I hate starting the new year with a hangover. I love your fabulous sequined leggings! I’d have been fuming to have stepped in poop in those gorgeous boots! At least you can see the funny side! Wishing you a wonderful Christmas!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Emma. NYE is definitely overrated! I would never be able to tolerate a huge NYE crowd either. I panic when I watch NYC Times Square stuff on NYE on television. I would probably die from anxiety if I tried to attend such an event! So staying home is fine with me. As for my boots, I have to laugh about it or else I would be fuming! But most of my shoes are inexpensive because they get ruined in the winter weather anyway so I don’t get all that upset about some dirt (or poo) on my feet! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Gail
Oh Shelbee that’s a sad story, beautifully told. We always stay in on New Year’s Eve, and go to bed at the usual time (ahead of midnight, although the fireworks usually wake me up). I can only remember one NY Eve ever where I went out! I find drunk people a bit scary if the truth is told. I love uour outfit and have pinned it. Have a special NYE celebration at home with your lovely family.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Gail! I find drunk people rather frightening as well. I am such a mellow pothead to my core that loud drunken behavior really makes me anxious so I stay far, far away from environments like that! NYE in NYC makes me anxious just watching it on television. Haha. I hope you have a lovely quiet NYE at home as well, my friend. And a very Merry Christmas!
xoxo
Shelbee