thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge

The Thrifty Six are Shining Bright in Metallics

January 15, 2024 / 20 Comments
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge

Emma chose this month’s thrifty theme and it sparked some seriously shiny sartorial magic to help us sparkle in the new year. In our preloved metallic styles, my five friends and I present you with shimmery outfit inspiration for those who are environmentally friendly, on a budget, and craving some sparkle.

The Thrifty Six is a group of international women with a passion for preloved fashion 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! 

When we play our monthly thrifty style game, the challenge is to make sure the item representing the theme is a preloved piece. It could be purchased at any variety of secondhand stores such as thrift stores, consignment shops, charity sales, online resale markets (eBay, Postmark, Vinted), garage or yard or estate sales, or flea markets. The preloved item could also be a hand-me-down, a regift from someone else, or an inherited item as long as it was owned by someone other than a full price retailer before it got to me.

When I create my thrifty outfits for this group, however, I like to incorporate as many preloved pieces as I can to show a truly sustainable and budget friendly outfit. I generally fail at creating an entirely preloved outfit because I often wear hats and I always wear shoes and I rarely purchase either of those things secondhand. I have a few pairs of thrifted shoes and boots and even fewer preloved hats. Footwear has to be clean and barely worn and hats have to be able to go in the washing machine if I am buying them used.

thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge

I guess I don’t need to clarify that my hat and boots were both purchased new. So were my tights. Another thing I don’t tend to buy secondhand unless they are new in the original packaging at the thrift shop. And my belt. Thrift store belts are generally garbage so I don’t even look for them when shopping secondhand. But I have transitioned to investing in higher quality belts that won’t need to be replaced after a few wears. My arm warmers (they are the same as the ivory ones that I wore in today’s SIA post) were purchased on clearance from Kohl’s so long ago that they are probably considered vintage by now. Although they are not preloved, wearing new things until they are vintage is also being kinder to our environment than getting stuck in the throw-away mindset of our culture.

I know, I know, that is quite a few pieces of my ensemble that do not fit into this thrifty challenge, but the main components of my outfit (my shirt, skirt, scarf, earrings, necklace, and bag) all came to me secondhand-ish.

First let’s talk about this amazing and fabulous teal and gold fringed scarf. I was searching through the thrift store scarves for pretty prints, patterns, and colors to add a rag curtain when I spotted this beauty for $1. I scooped it up with every intention of cutting it into rag strips but after laundering it, I realized that it was a gorgeous piece of art and I simply could not put the blade to it. So I rescued the scarf from the rag pile and have been wearing it on repeat ever since.

And then it ended up saving the day when Emma announced metallics as our thrifty challenge.

thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge

I have a total of one preloved garment that has a metallic effect and I just wore it for last month’s thrifty Winter Wedding theme. I could have restyled the dress for this post but it is the kind of dress that doesn’t offer very many styling options. It’s kind of a one and done deal and the only thing I could restyle would be my shoes and earrings. That’s kind of boring to me so I had to think a little harder about how to showcase metallics in a thrifty way.

And then the scarf that I have been wearing on repeat was right there, already around my neck, when I remembered that it was preloved and perfect for this challenge. Then a few more secondhand items with a bit of sparkle started to surface. The black brocade skirt, which was purchased secondhand years ago, has a bit of shiny thread in the pattern. The black turtleneck was in a very large clothing donation from a friend to make more rag curtains. It has silver pinstripes which were perfect for this outfit. I wore it, I photographed it, I almost kept it. But I don’t want or need more things. I want less things at this stage of life so I have already cut the black shiny pinstripes into strips for a future rag curtain project.

Just before Christmas, I purchased these copper and turquoise earrings from a local flea market booth that specializes in preloved jewelry. I wrapped them up and put them in my Christmas stocking and I have worn them at least half a dozen times since. My teal beaded lariat necklace was not purchased but rather it was handmade by my dear friend Michelle and gifted to me. And the gold purse is not a purse at all. It is a wine cooler that was gifted to me long ago. I don’t drink wine so I don’t really need a bag to keep my wine cool but it does make for a really fun purse.

thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge

Although I have already chopped up the turtleneck (it was really tight, not very comfortable, and has 3/4 sleeves which I hate), I will definitely be wearing this outfit with a different black turtleneck soon. I am thinking it will probably come with me to North Carolina next month!

Now let’s check out the sartorial metallic magic that my thrifty friends have created.

The Thrifters:

Emma of Style Splash
Style Splash
“I bought this vintage 1950’s jacket on eBay ages ago but couldn’t decide how to wear it. When I chose the theme of metallics, I didn’t immediately think of this jacket but it gave me the push to style it. I’ve layered it over a blouse from The Hippie Shake and added a belt I bought in a charity shop. I had a hard time deciding what trousers to wear – not wanting to choose black because that would have been the easy option! So I opted for leopard print instead…it is a neutral after all!”
-Emma
Grace of Graceful Rags
Graceful Rags
Graceful Rags
“I immediately thought of this velour ombre dress when the metallics theme was announced. It’s silvery and shimmers at the top before melting into a jet black. I paired it with thrifted snakeskin booties and hand-me-down black crystal earrings. Throw on a leather jacket and sheer tights and you’re good to go for a winter date night!”
-Grace
Jane of Preloved-Vintage-Handmade
Preloved-Vintage-Handmade
Preloved-Vintage-Handmade

“My Metallic Chameleon… Metallics is the T6 theme for January, perfect for me, I have it in spades! I chose this skirt because it’s one the oddest things in my wardrobe, I call it my Chameleon skirt! You’d be forgiven for thinking it was purple but it’s much more complicated than that… …it seems to change colour depending on it’s surroundings and the intensity of the light… …it can appear to be blue, green, black and sometimes even neon pink but it’s always metallic!”

-Jane

Jodie of Jodie’s Touch of Style
Jodie's Touch of Style
“I have a ton of metallic items, but this pair of silver jeans caught my fancy when I was thrifting last year. Of course, it didn’t hurt that they were only $1. I wore a column of color with the grey turtleneck and then added this fabulous fuzzy, pink jacket that I found on Poshmark. Even though the metallic jeans are skinnies, I think the combat boots make them more contemporary. You should see the pink ring up close. It’s from Nancy’s giveaway years ago and I love it to death!” 
-Jodie
Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style
Nancy's Fashion Style
“The dress is gold and silver and the material is quite hard to wear and does not provide any warmth at all, hey, but it is beautiful. The jacket has copper and gold wire and was actually in my giveaway bag. Until I saw this photo and thought, no, I’ll keep it for a while! The boots are not pre loved but they are gun metal! So this is an Uber metallic outfit!”
-Nancy
And Me!
thrifted fashion, preloved style, thrifty style, little black skirt, metallic scarf, cowgirl boots, winter bohemian style, Shelbee on the Edge
“The only preloved garment that I have in metallic is the dress I wore for last month’s Winter Wedding prompt so I had to find something else for this challenge. Fortunately, I had recently picked up this gorgeous wrap in teal and gold for $1 at a local thrift store. When I bought this scarf, I had intended to cut it up to add to a rag curtain but it was just too pretty so I kept it to wear instead. I am so glad that I did because I have been wearing it on repeat! My skirt was thrifted years ago and has a tiny bit of shimmering metallic thread going through it. The turtleneck, which has barely visible pinstripes in silver, was in a bag of clothing donated to me for my rag curtain projects. I ended up keeping a few things for myself from that donation! My copper and turquoise earrings were purchased from a booth specializing in preloved jewelry at a local flea market. I gifted them to myself for Christmas this year. My necklace was handmade by my dear friend Michelle, my gold bag (which is actually a wine cooler) was gifted to me many years ago, and everything else I purchased new at some point. Keep shining bright, my radiant friends!”
-Shelbee

How do you plan on sparkling in the new year?

Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Joining these Fabulous Link Parties.

Outfit Details: Turtleneck, Skirt, Scarf, Earrings-Preloved / Belt-Torrid / Boots-Durango / Hat-Wona Trading / Necklace-Handmade and Gifted / Bag-Gifted / Arm Warmers-Kohl’s / Tights-Old

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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