13 things I *didn't* buy at the thrift store

and why I put them back

I took a lot of photos of clothes during my thrifting spree in January—some sent to friends for their honest opinion in the moment, some to use as a jumping-off point for a future vintage search, and some just because they were weird or funny. Thought it might be interesting to see a sampling of things I picked up and didn’t end up with! (If you enjoy this,

Kendall Flavin

just posted something similar with photos from her trip to the Manhattan Vintage Show.)

I loved the color of this Benetton sweater (I think it’s from the eighties based on the tag) but it was a wool/angora blend that was just slightly too itchy.

Liana Satenstein recently wrote about the magic of an in-house collection, which was on my mind as I read this label (‘The Works’ by Saks Fifth Avenue). This sweater was a silk/wool blend—not my color, but I appreciated the quality.

Out of character for Pendleton, but beautiful. However, it was an angora mix that was slightly itchy, and on me, a short-sleeved sweater reads very twin-set/beginner office wardrobe (though I love them on other people).

Eddie Bauer. Solid sweater, but I don’t love the colors or the pattern, and I wasn’t sure about the v-neck. If I bought it, I think I’d wear it but I wouldn’t ever be excited to pull it out.

I loved the neck and the ribbing on this cotton turtleneck sweater/tee, but I cannot own another royal purple winter top (I’m at three right now).

Ugh. I really loved this. This isn’t the best color on me (color analysis be damned, I just don’t think it’s the greatest), but I would have gotten it if it had fit. As you can see below, it was a little too small.

100% wool, and the colors were bait for the magpie sector of my brain, but it was a bit itchy, and I had a feeling it would just sit in my closet.

Not my style, but reminded me of something I would have gone crazy for in fifth grade.

I will be thinking about this Diane Von Furstenberg blouse for years to come. 100% silk. I couldn’t even get it over my shoulders, but I tried. Hate to think of it languishing on the rack.

Yes, this is a cotton vest, and it’s Liz Claiborne (check and check). But it’s also very long (not the silhouette I usually go for) and not my favorite color. Put it back without even trying on and felt good about it.

An old GAP cotton sweater? Substack bait! It was oversized, which isn’t usually an issue for me, but the material was so heavy that it was drooping rather than hanging off my body.

What is this? lol. I was drawn to the color combo, which I’ll try to use as outfit inspiration in the future. Though this shirt (?) was too small for me, I wouldn’t have gotten it even if it were my size—I only wear black to workout in, and rarely wear a crop that severe.

Not 100% cotton, or else I would have gotten it—this is more aligned with my current collection of workout clothes.

What’s your process when you’re shopping IRL? Is it different for thrifting vs new clothing?