Dress for less - the thrifted work wardrobe

Over the summer I had the unique experience of having a film crew take over my home for three days to create an episode of the TLC show Extreme Cheapskates.

I never sought out to be a television star. While I'm perfectly happy going out into public with my camera for outfit photos and posting them here on the world wide web, the thought of being filmed for cable television was terrifying. The casting director reached out to me to be on the show because of the blog, and I wasn't sure my cheap ways were extreme enough, but the producers seemed to think so; who was I to disagree?

Fortunately every crew member I got to work with was wonderful, patient, and happy to share more than a few laughs with me. Filming a tv show is hard work, and I have a lot more admiration for those who find themselves in front of a camera every day.

While I can't giveaway any of the episode, and of course I have no idea what made the final cut, the premise of my segment is that I want to put together a fall look book featuring only thrifted items, and wouldn't you know it, I managed to drag Meg and my sister into the action.

I hope you will all watch my cable television debut tonight on TLC's Extreme Cheapskates at 9PM ET/PT!

Here is the post I put together for the episode, with my fabulous fall look book:


I am an avid thrift shopper, I truly believe shopping secondhand is the best way to curate an amazing wardrobe of high-end pieces for pennies on what the exorbitant retail prices are.

Many people who aren't familiar with the ways of thrift shopping become easily discouraged after one trip that does not yield a good piece, or overwhelmed by the volume and at times, disorganization of secondhand stores. When you shop secondhand, you do end up saving money, but spending time.

I decided that I would give myself an ultimate thrift challenge - in one day, thrift pieces and put together six, chic, professional looks, all for under $10 each (excluding accessories).

How did I get all these clothes for so little? The Goodwill Outlet Store. Bin upon bin of clothes and bags, all sold by the pound. Lots of refuse, but plenty of gems. Beaded tops, cashmere sweaters, leather bags. On trend items like jumpsuits and kimonos are mixed in with classic pencil skirts and blazers to create the looks you will find below.

I hope you enjoy them, and yes, (nearly) everything here is thrifted!

Lydia Look 2.jpgLydia Look 2-1.jpgLydia Look 2-2.jpg
The Rundown
Beaded Wool Shell Banana Republic via Goodwill Outlet
Black Blazer Vintage via Goodwill Outlet
Leopard Pencil Skirt  Vintage via Goodwill Outlet
Black Pumps Ferragamo via Roundabout
Bling Earrings c/o JoJo Loves You
Alphabet Necklace c/o Gorjana
Bracelet The Cavernous Jewerly Box
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via SweetOliveJewerly

Anna Look 2-2.jpgAnna Look 2.jpgAnna Look 2-1.jpg
The Rundown
Floral Sweater Kohls via Goodwill Outlet
Blue Capri Pants J.Crew via Sarah's Cupboard
White Sandals Ferragamo via Coco's
Black Bag Vintage via Goodwill Outlet
Knot Bracelet Banana Republic

Meg and Anna.jpgMeg Look 2-2.jpgMeg Look 2-1.jpgMeg Look 2.jpg
The Rundown
Leopard Sweater Jones New York via Goodwill Outlet
Black Pleated Skirt Vintage via Goodwill Outlet
Black Pumps Dolce & Gabbana via Uptown Consignment
Leather Portfolio Clutch Thrifted via Goodwill Outlet
Opal Ring Thrifted via Coco's
Snake Ring Brilliant Imports

Lydia Look 1.jpgLydia Look 1-2.jpgLydia Look 1-1.jpg
The Rundown
White Embellished Tee J.Crew via Goodwill Outlet
Polka Dot Pencil Skirt Vintage via Goodwill Outlet
Black Bag Vintage via Goodwill Outlet
Bling Earrings c/o JoJo Loves You
Alphabet Necklace c/o Gorjana
Bracelet The Cavernous Jewerly Box
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via SweetOliveJewerly

Anna Look 1-2.jpgAnna Look 1-1.jpgAnna Look 1.jpg
The Rundown
Pinstripe Jumpsuit Vintage via Goodwill Outlet similar
White Blazer Forever 21 via Goodwill Outlet
Red Bag Vintage via Goodwill Outlet
Black Pumps Dolce & Gabbana via Uptown Consignment
Gold Necklace Thrifted

Meg Look 1-2.jpgMeg Look 1-1.jpgMeg Look 1.jpg
The Rundown
Top Silk Road via Goodwill Outlet
Floral Kimono Sonnetts Design - Rhode Island via Goodwill Outlet
Jeans Mother c/o Marshalls
Pumps Manolo Blahnik via Roundabout
Clutch Thrifted via Goodwill Outlet
Necklace Thrifted
Opal Ring Thrifted via Coco's
Snake Ring Brilliant Imports

38 comments

  1. I can't wait to see the show! I love all of these looks and I so wish I had the patience to go thrift shopping. You always find such great pieces.

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  2. We all look pretty good if I do say so myself! Can't wait to see the episode tonight!!!!
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

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  3. Amazing outfit!, very chic and elegant !!

    I have a giveaway in my blog dear :)

    Kisses

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  4. Awesome that you're in a show-- that's amazing! Love the dotted skirt on you :)

    <3 Daisy
    Simplicity Relished

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  5. How exciting, I look forward to watching it!

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  6. CONGRATS! I have tried thrift shopping and just did not enjoy it. All of your styles here are Great. You have the eye for styling outfits and they all look Marvelous. I have to watch the show. .

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  7. This has got to be THE coolest thing, congratulations! I don't have a TV, otherwise I would totally watch. If they post the episode online or something, do let us know!

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  8. How exciting!!!!!! That's so amazing - can't wait to watch it. You're a star!

    Courtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines

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  9. I think that is so cool Lydia! I made a note to watch it. Very happy for you!
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  10. What? $10?! That's pretty extreme to me. I have my mother in law recording it for me so I can watch it later since we don't have cable. I'm excited to see someone I "know" on TV!

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  11. This is so exciting! I now officially have cable so I can watch. Cute outfit - congrats!
    xo Annie
    New England Romance

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  12. wow so many amazing looks for such terrific deals. I have seen that show before and no way you are considered a cheapskate in my opinion. I don't like paying too much for my clothes either and I rarely do. let us know when the episode airs. thanks.

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  13. That is so exciting! I don't have cable (boo!!!) but I will try to find a way to watch your show for sure! I love all of these thrifted looks! How exciting! That striped jumpsuit is my JAM and your first look is perfect! Awesome Lydia!

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  14. What a cool opportunity! I really wish I had cable so I could watch your episode. I'll definitely check if I can find it online.

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  15. Brilliant! I don't know of this show, but I am happy for you. Will hope to check it out online. Congratulations!! :) xo
    Moto-Chic Style

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  16. That is so exciting! I really like your look, especially that skirt! I can't wait to see the episode! I always love to see people I know on TV as it doesn't happen that often!

    Nicole
    Nicole to the Nines

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  17. I'm so excited to 'know' someone who will be on the show! I caught a marathon of that show once and I am not sure how you will compare to the extremes I've seen. -Like eating from garbage cans. Have you watched many episodes now, particularly since filming?

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  18. OMG! How exciting! I'm totally watching. I seriously need to learn a thing or two about thrifting. These outfits are amazing, professional and super stylish at the same time. I can't believe you got them for under $10 each! ~Cynthia

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  19. I DVR'd the show when you first mentioned it. I am so excited to watch it. So much fun!!!

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  20. I have your episode set to record tonight on my DVR! I can't wait to see it! These looks are all amazing! I love that jumpsuit and that gorgeous pleated skirt you found! I wish there was a Goodwill outlet near me!

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  21. These outfits were all under ten dollars each?! That's incredible! I definitely don't have the patience to devote to thrifting but I really admire what you manage to do with your shopping hours and I will be hunting down your episode once it airs (because I don't have a TV, but that doesn't mean I'm going to miss out!)
    xox,
    Cee

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  22. How awesome to be on a show!! Congrats and you did awesome with your finds!!

    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlife.com

    P.S. Hope to see you tomorrow for TBT Fashion link up.

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  23. So, so amazing! I can't wait to watch! Love that skirt :)

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  24. Wow! Look at you being on tv! That's sooooo cool!

    Love the outfit!

    - Sarah :)
    www.thecrownbijoux.blogspot.com

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  25. I just saw the show!!! Wow I need to go shopping with you!!
    xo,
    Yaudy
    http://yaudycristinafashionista.blogspot.com/

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  26. I hadn't even read this post yet, but I was watching the show like "Hey! I know her!" Keep up the great, thrifty work!

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  27. So exciting!! You are the master thrifter. Love all of these looks!

    Nikki
    thefashionablewife.com

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  28. Wow, you truly outdid yourself. All of these looks are amazing!

    www.dressed2dnines.com

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  29. This is so cool! Love all the outfits!

    www.plogstyle.com

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  30. Well, I love all the outfits, Yes! Amazing and congratulations for the show.

    www.chic-on-thrift.blogspot.com

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  31. YAY! that's so awesome I'm so sad I missed the show I went to bed too early last night and I am just reading this. will check for reruns or online.

    xo
    PinkSole

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  32. I loved watching your segment last night!! I told my husband - I kind of know her...on the internet...yayyy haha anyways, I totally admire your thrifty ways!! I need to do something searching for some better deals!

    Maggie
    www.PolishedClosets.com

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  33. You're fashion-savvy faaaaaaaaamous! :) Congrats, girl! :)

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  34. Excited! I don't think your ways are extreme indeed, but I'm excited to see you on TV! :)

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  35. Great job !
    I hope to see the show… it's probably already on line right ? You know my brother was on a reality cooking show this weekend, i have not seen it either :(
    My heart belongs to your sister's jumpsuit+white blazer… the look is fabulous!

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  36. I saw your IG post about this the other day and recorded the episode. I watched it last night, so cool that you had this opportunity! And I never even knew there was such a thing as a Goodwill Outlet store!

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