Feb 11, 2021 - But I digress...
Just yesterday, I nabbed this Zero+Maria Cornejo shearling* from her fall 2019 collection on the Real Real for around $375—which is roughly $2,000 less than it sold for when it was in stores, and this has legit been the highlight of my week. You?
*If you’re wondering where I stand on fur, my philosophy is that if I’d eat an animal, I’d wear that animal.
Share this post:
Kim France
I was born in Houston, Texas in 1964 and have lived in New York City since 1988. I had a long career in magazines, working at Sassy, Elle, New York, and Spin, and in 2000, I founded Lucky magazine, which I edited for ten years.
Comments
I was born in Houston, Texas in 1964 and have lived in New York City since 1988. I had a long career in magazines, working at Sassy, Elle, New York, and Spin, and in 2000, I founded Lucky magazine, which I edited for ten years.
A Yigal Azourel half zip lambs wool and leather pullover for $30 on poshmark. So toasty!
Oooh, and a gorgeous silk Tucker blouse for $15
I’m super new to Poshmark but am not a fan. I bought a sweater that smelled like sweat and perfume and a “like new, only worn twice” hoodie with, it turns out, a decidedly non-mentioned and non-photographed hole. Think I’m limiting myself to “new with tags” from now on.
If it’s any consolation, Poshmark is indeed a crapshoot, but when you score, you score. I have disputed a few things that were not as marked, esp if I paid more than $20 for them.
I’ve bought (and sold) quite a few things on poshmark and never had a problem. One of the best things to do is check the seller’s “about” tab and read the comments left by and for them.
A $645 pair of Sandro pony hair lug platforms on Poshmark for $30.
I was at Nordstromm Rack, and just walking out and found a Nili Lotan leather coat marked down to $165 down from $1700! And it fitted like a dream 🙂
Vince black leather pants for $100 reduced from $1000 when the Neiman Marcus off price store closed in my neighborhood. I love them so much and have worn them dressed up and down [pre Covid] so that they probably average out to $10/wearing at this point.
I got a silver sequin Coach “Poppy” bag from Ebay for 100.00, retailed for about 500.00. I know because I bought the black sequin one brand new and paid full price about 10 years ago. Looks like new and included bag.
I haven’t been shopping much this year due to having no where to go but, the last few scores have been freebees from my mom. Since she retired from work and public life she’s been passing down her jewelry and accessories: recently, two antique 18k Art Deco bracelets and classic Chanel flap shoulder bag in mint condition. I’m Just waiting to be released from the pandemic!
Love the shearling Kim! I am terrible about getting deals minus stardust’s 20% off sales but am feeling inspired by all these comments. Well done everyone!
I once ordered a $400 Lafayette 148 Dress from Nordstrom. I received TWO in the box. I called customer service to iron out the issue. They looked up my order and said, “We can’t find your order in the system at all. You haven’t been charged. And you can’t even return them because we don’t have a record of it. I’ve made a notation and you can keep both dresses.” I gave one to a friend who offered to pay for it, but I declined. Win win.
Remarkably, I had this same issue with a Nordstrom order — two men’s shirts arrived, instead of one. They happily accepted the return, despite not finding the order. I couldn’t bear to keep both, because Nordstrom has absolutely the best customer service policies around and I knew I’d feel guilty, every time I saw it.
A classic navy blue APC peacoat from the RealReal that was *free* due to a $30 site credit and shipping was under $20.
Found the most beautifully cut Vince coatigan at TJ Maxx on clearance for $99 down from $499. The way the shoulders are cut is just stunning. I tried it on and my heart skipped a beat. It makes me feel so chic.
I am curious – what was different about the shoulder?
Hearing of all these scores warmed my heart.
SAME! This is retail therapy at it’s very best!
Excellent Max Mara puffer from Beacon’s Closet last month for $39.95! Btw, there’s a nice black Maria Cornejo dress (size 4) on their website that I’m surprised no one has snatched up yet for $65.
A mint condition Marc Jacobs Venetia bag, like the one on the cover of the original Lucky Shopping Manual, for $115 on eBay. Hardly used, original tags and Bloomingdales receipt included. I’ve been coveting it for years. Now I just need to start leaving the house again.
Nothing dramatic, but several pairs of James Perse twill and sweat pants off Nordstrom Rack for ~$140 off. Been living in them during pandemic times. I’d fallen in love with the Velvet sequin top you had featured all the way back in 2019 (https://www.girlsofacertainage.com/shopping/a-party-in-a-top-part-1/) and just saw it on Nordstrom Rack for over $100 off. I nabbed it, but alas, I didn’t like it on me. That would’ve been my happiest score, if only it had flattered me.
Parajumpers down coat (retails for about $800-$1,000 normally) with tags on for $40 at Beacons. Most recently, a stunning, reversible shaved shearling with leather side at Vintage Thrift for $100 (30% off the original sale tag!). I had been to so many places in the Garment District– shopped Vince and Theory for shearlings, and was going to give up and splurge on the Joseph Brittany coat.
What is Beacons? Do they have a website? Thanks. You totally scored with Parajumpers. I have a couple and they’re the warmest, most well-made parkas and ski jackets. One that’s 10 years old looks brand new, so enjoy yours.
Beacon’s Closet! It’s a consignment store chain in NYC.
A Brunello Cucinelli cardigan, sheer black linen with with teeny black sequins scattered all over (even in the lining, so pretty) for $180 on theRealReal. All Brunello retails for at least $2,500 (why God whyyyyyyy), so I felt like I was stealing it. If I ever leave this house again, I’m wearing it everywhere.
Around Thanksgiving I ventured into a couple of outlet stores and scored a pair of quilted pants from Lululemon (after missing the boat on some R13 ones during an online sample sale) that were already marked down to $99 (from maybe around $200+?) but with the in store promotion were $69–and I have worn them SEVERAL times this winter. Perfect thing for outdoor socializing, dog walking and some snow activities. I also got a cute black flannel shirt. On Posh, I bought a great thick ribbed pullover half zip Zadig & Voltaire sweater (like new, but not NWT) for $108, which I am also wearing a ton this winter. P.S. I am super picky about what I buy on Posh (I sell more than I buy) but like another person said above, if you dispute your purchase that it wasn’t as advertised, you can usually be refunded.
I just scored a Slade for $105! yaaas.
No big steal, but my sister gave me a Catbird Jewelry gift card for Christmas. I finally broke down and ordered the Ballerina bracelet. I just received it and love it SO much. It is delicate but perfect!
I got a vintage Lanvin necklace on Ebay for $$150! I’ve been stalking it for years, and the complete boxed sets of three interchangeable pendants are priced in the $thousands, though I’m not sure what they actually sell for. I got one with only the green pendant, which is the only one I wanted anyway.
LOL I found one here for $550 in case you want to see it
https://recessla.com/products/bijoux-interchangeable-pendant-necklace
OH, that’s gorgeous!
Oh, these are all so good (and Kim, I want that coat, it looks good enough TO eat!). Sadly my “scores” lately have been shoes that aren’t on sale, but that make me feel good anyhow. But my best deal was a black and brass vintage Hollywood Regency lamp, thrift store for $5, looked it up online and similar ones are hundreds of bucks on Ebay and First Dibs….so hooray.
I got a thrift store big score lamp too! Mine was a working Artemide Ora Ito One Line desk lamp that sells new for around $850, and I got it for $10. So happy that day.
A black Mackage puffer coat for $29 at my local consignment shop. 😊
I just found the coolest black COS top, new with tags, at the thrift store for $3. It’s not something I’d normally have picked out for myself online (I don’t have COS locally) but it’s so good on.
Saw it on your blog. Looks great 🙂 I think I have the same top in nude.
Share your blog address?
I bought a pair of slightly used Manolo Blahnik suede slingbacks for $3 at a benefit sale which I gave to my sister because they were too small. Still, I’m proud of that score!
Kim, I like your philosophy on fur. I don’t eat beef or lamb/sheep, but I do wear leather and shearling. My requirement is that it has to be ethically sourced. Same goes for down!
I got a Max Mara coat for $700 – sleek black wool with zip out down puffer liner – (originally 2K) at the Nordstrom anniversary sale in the middle of July. I find the best winter basics at high end department stores in July – cashmere on the clearance rack, etc. Too bad the coat is too nice to wear anywhere but work or out so it’s been sitting in my closet.
I saw these beautiful chalcedony and gold earrings by Dina Mackney in a local boutique last year, but just couldn’t justify spending the money. But when I went on Mackney’s website, I found the same pair in sterling, on sale for half off, and grabbed them. And I wear them so often and they give me such pleasure, partly, I’m sure, because I feel so damn clever for finding them.
I don’t even think I remember my last great score. Dang! I need to score more! My philosophy on fur is, “It’s not me, but if it’s already IN the world as a jacket, it’s OK to purchase/wear.”
A gorgeous Sonia Delaunay wool scarf with a really low edition number, in mint condition from the estate of a woman who used to work in fashion, scored on EBay for $175 Canadian. I’m spending way too much money on EBay… But the musty smell finally wore off the scarf enough to wear it to a meeting yesterday, and it made me so very very happy!
At least 75% of what I buy comes from Yoox.com, an amazing Italian discount designer site that has brands to make a label slut smile and others you’ve never heard of. They regularly mark things down more and then more. The quality is phenomenal, so even if I’m buying a pair of chinos, I can score a pair of $400 pants from Yoox for the price of a similar, but much cheesier, look at Zara. My latest finds were a $575 Stella Jean print silk shirt for $125, $625 wool and cashmere DSquared2 trousers for $90 and a pair of $750 Giuseppe Zanotti suede and leather brogues for $115. I do love getting a deal, but part of the thrill of my Yoox addiction is also finding wonderful stuff that I don’t see anywhere else. Mazeltov for your fabulous new shearling, Kim.
Mine is not nearly so dramatic, but I got a pair of JCrew black loafers for $50. They are my new favorite shoe. I’ve also gotten two colors of Rag & Bone’s Slade blazer (black and black cherry) for $300 each (normally $550).
PLease share where you are picking up the R&G Slade for half off!! I have been stalking one of those for over a year!
I just got the Slade houndstooth at $220. Saks has the army, navy, camel colors left on clearance last I checked. I got the camel last year at half off.
Zappos for the black one. I got the black cherry one on eBay.
Like others, I got my Slade (in olive green) on deep sale from Saks. The Saks and Bloomingdales sales can be very worthwhile.
I bought a R&G Slade camel jacket at Saks on sale in the Before Times . Wore it a few times before lockdown, haven’t worn it since. Occasionally, Saks will have a sale, but you have to move fast for the good stuff.
Two Chan Luu scarves at my local Goodwill for $2/ea.
You win.
I’m a thrift store treasure hunter! My local Hospice store is such a great stop for me when I feel the need to shop. I feel good about helping the charity too. In reality, I don’t need a thing, so trying not to shop otherwise.
Two weeks ago I found a beautiful Equipment blouse. It’s black with a pattern of pink, cream, and magenta flowers. It still had slight folding creases in it, I don’t think it’s ever been worn. 9 dollars.
After having it cleaned, I’m going to wear it for a glamorous at home Valentines dinner with my honey!
I scored a pair of brand new Rag & Bone boots from a consignment store for $30…I’m not sure they knew what they had…I looked them up online and they were originally $575. Score!
My savings discounts were nowhere as huge as yours, but I snagged two rings I’ve been eyeing for a long while now from Stone & Strand’s Valentine’s sale, so they were 15% off. Then I also pulled finally succumbed to Alex Mill, by getting their new Jacques sweater at 15% off, too.
I thrift a lot so (with time and effort) get a lot of unique pieces. A Marni puffer coat for $3 was one of my favorites. Recently I found a Adrienne Papel vintage silk paisley print wrap top with shoulder pads that’s a show stopper. Definitely a going out top, for when we can go out again.
When I was on the East Coast this past summer our local Last Call had its final sale before closing their doors forever (just typing that phrase makes me sigh with grief). A truly good friend of mine went to the last sale and picked up for me a pair of Celine boots I’d been hankering. I don’t know what the original price was, but I scored them for $149. And even though I’m not going anywhere except to walk Betty, I love seeing them on my closet shelf. Sidenote: I received my Negative Underwear bras and they are every bit as comfortable as Kim claims. Truly worth every penny. (for reference I wear a size 34 C {one boob is a B and the other a C, but I detect no obvious rumpling on the small boob side}and purchased a size 2)
What a score – I’d feel great about that one, too! My pandemic in-person shopping excursions have been very few and very far between but I scooped up a clearly never used vintage 70’s Bonnie Cashin Coach saddlebags for about $100. It is still unused (sigh) but I smile when I look at it.
A Barbie-pink lightweight parka from Patagonia’s Worn Wear resale site. I used a store credit as well, and the total came to about $50. The parka is perfect for my now-daily walks. I also got a lovely Kowtow dress from the RealReal. I’m so glad they’ve expanded their brand list.
Amazing! There’s nothing like the rush that comes from a great shopping score. I recently found a pair of never-worn Dansko Beatrice clogs at a thrift store for $8, and two NWT Athleta leggings for $3 each. Not exactly high-dollar items, but exciting finds nonetheless.
That coat is gorgeous!
So jealous.
Haven’t done much treasure hunting these days..but I miss it. A lot.
Kinda small potatoes but I did buy just by that Nili Lotan shirt dress you posted in the fall online from Nordstrom rack. $100. Not bad since it was marked down from $400 something.
A vintage Pucci shirt for $5 at a Buffalo Exchange and a pair of lemon yellow patent leather Repetto flats from a bin marked $3 at a thrift store in Brooklyn. Also some cute yellow vintage Fiesta Ware plates for maybe $1 at a church thrift shop in Brasstown, NC. This post makes me really miss going to NYC and thrifting at Housing Works, etc.
I thrifted a large (24 inch?) Pucci silk twill scarf from the 60’s or 70’s for $2. It was in perfect condition. I wore it in Vegas with a cropped black trench when I renewed my vows for my 20th wedding anniversary.
I love reading about people’s thrift and super sale finds! I have a booth in an antiques mall, so I thrift snd shop estate sales constantly to find things for that. I always cruise through that clothes while I’m at it, but I don’t live I. A particularly stylish or wealthy area, so really great scores are rare. Still, they do happen often aren’t identified by whoever does the pricing as any different than basic mall brands. Sooo.., I’ve had a few stand out scores: an Isabel marant sweater for6.99, an eksander jacket for $12, recently a pair of cydwoq shoes for $24. It’s always worth a look.
You are lucky. In LA even the vintage is overpriced.
This is not sexy at all BUT I have succumbed to the need to wear house shoes to support my back. But my feet like to feel free, and sweat a lot (sorry) so I can’t do fuzzy/furry. I was shopping at the outlet mall and stopped in the Crocs store and bought a pair of sandals. At checkout I was told they were BOGO, so I got two pairs for under $20. Mint green and orange sherbet are not exactly chic, but they are useful!
In the 1980s I was a young and broke opera singer who needed concert clothes. I found a silk chiffon Dior gown in a pile at a very un-hip second-hand clothing place in a very un-hip little town in Michigan. For 25 cents. A QUARTER. I wore that thing OUT, because: A QUARTER. Those days are gone, sigh.
WHOA.
A specific pair of Marni Fussbett sandals that I had been trying to find for AGES. They are even better than I thought they’d be. I cannot wait to wear them the second it turns warm where I live.
I found a vintage Jil Sander blazer for $12 + 50% off while thrifting a few weeks ago and last night I picked up a pair of new Beek sandals for $14.95. However, I think my best score was last year when I found a new Vetements Granny Bag at Last Chance for $50.00 (original retail was $3,850).
I love beer sandals. I find they run small: usually I’m an 8 but with geeks I need the 9.
Am also a thrift store fan: I bought a bottle of Camélia Intrépide by Atelier Cologne for $7, or about 95% off. The Victoria’s Secret perfume next to it was tagged at $15…!
I’ve recently discovered Tibi and have scored two blazers I think I’ll live in, to wear with my beloved denim.