• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Email
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

The Bolet Collective

For the modern woman seeking personal empowerment, professional development, and the luxurious life moments that happen in between.

  • Home
  • LIVING
  • CAREER
  • WELLNESS
  • STYLE
  • About Me
  • Contact

The Top Four Glamorous Items to Look For When Thrifting

Feb 26 2021 Leave a Comment

Growing up, I was never the girl with the latest fashions. My parents prioritized other things financially and I’m thankful for that. But if I wanted to look good, I had to get creative. Thrifting for me started out of necessity, but has continued well past that point. I absolutely love the thrill of finding unique and high quality pieces at an incredible price. I have even furnished entire apartments out of Facebook Marketplace and thrift store finds and the majority of my wardrobe is secondhand by choice.

Today, clothes are built for a season, and not for a lifetime. The clothes I thrift tend to be vintage or from high end consignment stores with a higher level of craftsmanship. Yes, I do still shop at the H&M’s and Zara’s of the world, but I gravitate towards basics and solid colors that I can mix and match with my more eccentric thrifted pieces and I always take advantage of their holiday sales.

I genuinely find so much joy and excitement in the search. I have found Burberry purses shoved in the back of the accessories rack and a Christian Dior two piece suit in the blazer section. I’ve also found high quality new with tags cashmere sweaters for $4.00, a 16 book Harvard Classics collection, and random DVDs of my favorite childhood movies that are not available online. Each of these finds made me so excited to stumble upon them that day.

However, not all items are made alike. In fact, the majority of the items won’t be and it’s why most people get overwhelmed when they initially start thrifting. This is why it’s important to train your eye to know what to look for and where to search first. When thrifting, I tend to look for high quality fabrics, structured craftsmanship, and pristine condition. I can scan a rack without touching anything and I immediately know what is high quality and what isn’t. I’ll select the pieces that stand out or double-check the tags for information on the material breakdown, but 90% of the time, I’m right. However, I’ve also noted that there are certain pieces I’m more likely to find and will therefore pick up more often.

These are my personal favorites.

Silk Scarves

This is my secret to instantly dressing up an outfit or adding a pop of color without committing to anything over the top. I tend to stick to a neutral color palette when I get dressed and specifically love to dress in black and white, but I still like to have fun incorporating some accents here and there. A silk scarf is a luxurious touch to any handbag and can be tied loosely through the bag loop or secured in a floppy bow. It can also be worn tied in a variety of ways around the neck for that extra Parisian flair. Silk scarves make you feel instantly put together, I can’t describe it. My favorite silk scarf that I thrifted was one I picked up in Boston with the names of each US President embedded into the pattern. Today, these luxurious touches are seen less frequently, so wearing them is an instant standout.

Handbags

This could be the large oversized leather totes that I use to carry my work items or the smaller, more formal beaded bags that I use for dinner outings and special dates. Don’t get me wrong, I love designer handbags and they’re absolutely stunning. But at the moment, I’m focusing on saving and investing my money and it’s not the time for me to splurge on a high-end item. I don’t feel like I’m missing out though because I’ve built a vast collection of fun and quirky handbags that match any occasion and that I genuinely always get compliments on. They’re usually always under $10.00 and I love the intricate beading and handles that different bags come with.

Belts

I’m more recently a belt person, but it’s only because I’ve thrifted some truly beautiful belts that instantly level up an outfit. Usually, thrifted belts are made out of a higher quality, as opposed to the synthetic leather commonly seen, and they include real leather or brass elements that give the piece a longer lifetime. I use them to cinch in flowy blouses and dresses for additional definition in the waist or to wrap up a loose jacket in the wintertime. I’ve even used chain belts as the ultimate statement necklace too!

Blazers / Jackets

This is my all time favorite thing to thrift. I have a massive collection of high quality jackets and since I live in the Midwest, they get year round use. I love how a beautiful coat instantly makes an outfit more put together and formal and it adds immediate drama to a look when draped over your shoulders. I especially tend to gravitate to long coats that hit below my hips, so they look even more put together than a short cropped jacket that is seen more frequently today.

In addition, thrifted coats are typically older and have much higher construction quality due to the craftsmanship standard of previous eras. This may be shown with real brass buttons, triple interior linings, wool or other high quality fabrics, and additional structure to the garment. Cheap blazers tend to hang off the body, whereas a high quality vintage one will immediately have structure and presence to it.

Final Thoughts

Thrifting wasn’t as trendy as it is now when I was growing up, but I’m a lifelong advocate for the frugal fashion one can find. I’d much rather spend my money on an investment that will reap additional returns or on a night out with friends or on a weekend vacation. If you’re confused on where to start looking when thrifting, these four areas are an incredible spot to try first. You’re more likely to find high quality items here and once you start training your eye to know what to look for, you won’t have to spend hours sifting through racks of clothing or accessories. You can simply scan and gravitate towards those stellar statement pieces.

For additional styling tips of some of my favorite thrifted pieces, check out my Reels on Instagram @theboletcollective.

Related Posts

  • Valentine’s Day At Home Guide – Amazon Edition
  • Holy Grail Drugstore Makeup Staples
  • Must Watch 1950’s Films For Fashion Inspiration
  • Are Pageants Even Relevant To The Modern Woman Today?

Categorized: STYLE

Reader Interactions

GET UPDATES!

Previous: Failure is Not The Final Destination – Fail Forward
Next: How to Compliment Others with Confidence

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


I started this blog as my own personal and curated collection of experiences meant to guide, to inspire, and to inform. When I'm not running The Bolet Collective, I'm usually snuggling with my Boston Terrier Luna Mia, working as a data privacy consultant, thrifting vintage clothing, or watching films from the 1950's.

Looking for something?

welcome

THE BOLET COLLECTIVE

Check out our newest article below!
CLICK HERE

Instagram

theboletcollective

theboletcollective
📝 I have a journal where I keep a running list 📝 I have a journal where I keep a running list of quotes, podcasts, books, and other forms of media that I want to read or listen to, but I feel like I’ve run out of things lately. I ended up spending way too much time scrolling in Instagram or TikTok, so I’m asking you instead! 

What are some of your favorites books, articles, blogs, podcasts, etc? Share in the comments below! 🤍🕊

Here are some of my personal favorites: 
Podcasts • Style Your Mind 
Book • The Four Agreements 

Meditation, journaling, gratitude, self love, self care, flowers, spring ottd, home decor, affirmations, routine, green, spring, Pinterest aesthetic, hustle culture, ambition, success, rest 

#chicagoinfluencer #chicagoblogger #lifestyleblogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblog #latinablogger #latinabloggers #latinabloggersconnect #latinablog #chicagochicblog #selflove #selflovejourney #selfcare #selfcarefirst #gratitudequotes #journalingcommunity #journalingideas #pinterestaesthetic #winteroutfit #winterfashion
Controversial opinion… But I’m over hustle cu Controversial opinion…

But I’m over hustle culture. I’m over “the grind” and sleepless nights and self sacrificing personality. That doesn’t mean I don’t strive to be ambitious, to push myself, to challenge myself, and to aspire for more, but more so that I don’t make my mental and physical health the price I pay to reach my goals. 

So many influential entrepreneurs and successful people have a core routine and set of habits that enable their focus and balance in life while simultaneously pursuing their goals. What makes this possible is the elimination of noise, of doing extra stuff that we don’t want to do, or of saying yes to things that rob us of our energy. So instead of trying to do everything and anything, they focus on their core important things and channel their energy between that and self maintenance. 

So for today, consider the following…

•What plans are you saying yes to that you don’t actually want to go to that end up robbing you of your time?

•What conversations are you entertaining that aren’t inherently valuable to have?

•What relationships are you keeping around because of familiarity but that actually don’t serve you or the betterment of your life? 

•What excuses are you making for yourself and for your time? For the things you eat, for the things you consume, you listen to?

We can still be successful and ambitious and pursue the things that are out of our comfort zone, but I’m prioritizing time to sleep, to rest, to sit, to play, to listen, to absorb, and to just be as my own definition of productivity for this season of life. I’m working on eliminating the noise and making space for the things and people that bring me joy. 🤍🕊

What do you think about hustle culture? 

Meditation, journaling, gratitude, self love, self care, flowers, spring ottd, home decor, affirmations, routine, green, spring, Pinterest aesthetic, hustle culture, ambition, success, rest 

#chicagoinfluencer #chicagoblogger #lifestyleblogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblog #latinablogger #latinabloggers #latinabloggersconnect #latinablog #chicagochicblog #selflove #selflovejourney #selfcare #selfcarefirst #gratitudequotes #journalingcommunity #journalingideas
in my “my turn” era 🕊💫 wishing you all a in my “my turn” era 🕊💫 wishing you all a productive week 🤍

#chicagoinfluencer #chicagoblogger #chicagoblog #leopardprint #homedecor
Since I’m usually on the go, one of my favorite Since I’m usually on the go, one of my favorite things to do is to order books from Amazon and have a little collection with me to read on long trips or on the airplane. 

I recently picked up, “14,000 Reasons to Be Happy” mostly because I was curious how you could possibly fit thousands of things into one tiny book.

However, it’s proven to be a huge delight in the sense that I love flipping to a random page and journaling my favorite things that the book mentions. When I’m trying to practice gratitude and I get stuck on what else to write, this is such a fun way to highlight the little and minute things we sometimes overlook.

Here are some of my favorite reasons: 
• being the only one awake in the morning before a big trip
• stained glass windows
• your first paycheck at a new job
• trying again later
• hand painted pottery
• pastry chefs
• sidewalk cafes 
• taking fewer things seriously
• cherry blossom season 
• better results from order and harmony 
• library sofas 
• the flickering lights before a show is about to start
• poems carved in monuments or statues 

What are some of your 14,000 reasons to be happy? Share in the comments below, I’d love to know! 🥰❤️

self love, self care, gratitude, meditation reflection, journaling, daily journal, affirmations, positivity, flowers, yoga, mental health, mindfulness 

#chicago #chicagoblogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblogger #midwestblogger #ootd #pinterestaesthetic #florals #selfcare #affirmationsoftheday #affirmationsdaily #lifestyleblog #lifestylebloggers
“The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to “The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return." 🌹
 

A major round of applause to what is now undoubtedly my favorite Broadway production I have ever seen. I had to match the fit to the occasion ❤️🥰 

@moulinrougebway @broadwayinchicago 

broadway, theatre, musical performance, chicago, lingerie, blazer, nyc style, parisian style, feminine style, street style, pinterest girl, city life, nightlife outfit, outfit ideas, monochromatic look, fashion inspo

#outfitinspo #colorfulfashion #fashioninspo #chicago #chicagobroadway #aesthetic, #outfitideas #poseinspo #ootd #femininestlye #photoshootideas #nycstyle #celebritystyle #broadwayinchicago #parisianstyle #influencer #chicagochicblog
just two gals on moving day 📦🛋 calling Chic just two gals on moving day 📦🛋

calling Chicago home has always been one of my favorite things. 

for the last seven months, I carved out a space in the West Loop area for the first time after a summer spent hopping around apartments and cities.

This home quickly became my source of peace and security when I needed it the most. It housed my solo dance parties with headphones in after a fun workout, my gal pal sleepovers with sushi on the coffee table and a rom com playing, my dinner parties with my family, and a playground for Luna Mia’s random zoomies. I even hosted Thanksgiving in this space, as my family shared a roasted Turkey and many laughs. 

i hosted friends who had always opened their doors to me whenever I needed a place to stay and this space gave me the opportunity to return the favor. I met my partner during this time and this space gave me the comfort of being in a quick walking distance to both of our apartments while we shared first dates and special moments together. This home allowed me to pop into the coffee shop downstairs for my favorite empanadas and the fact that it faced West meant that I was spoiled with the most amazing sunsets on a regular basis.

I wallpapered my bathroom hot pink and bought a marble fireplace mantle for all of the glamorous vibes and every morning felt like a hotel stay to me with Luna curled up by my side. I installed oversized artwork, put up my own Christmas tree, watered my plants and mental health, and even had a vintage Italian guestbook that I would have my friends and family sign whenever they visited me. 

my West Loop home gave me little and big luxuries in so many ways, but perhaps more importantly, it reminded me that what we want and desire is never out of reach if we take the time to define it. While I'm sad to be leaving this space for my next adventure, I'm so glad I made a home, even if for just a temporary moment. 🔑🏡
▪️Cheesing hard because it’s Friday and I’ ▪️Cheesing hard because it’s Friday and I’m planning a self care weekend 🖤▪️

How do you unwind?

I booked a massage and am perusing all of the sales lately at Deciem, YSL, and Sephora and can’t wait to get some of my holiday shopping in. I also think I’m going to put my Christmas tree up this weekend too.😍❤️▪️
.
.
.
.
.
#chicagoinfluencer #midwestblogger #latinainfluencer #chicagolifestyle #chicagolife #holidayseason
▪️Black satin romper + that Chicago skyline 🤝 ▪️ peep the tiny vintage velvet purse 🥺

Ive been staying low key lately and I can’t wait to go out and get dressed up again. 🥺🥰 
.
.
.
.
.
#chicagoblogger #midwestblogger #lifestyleinfluencer #latinablogger #chicagolifestyle
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Categories

  • CAREER
  • DISCLAIMER
  • LIVING
  • STYLE
  • WELLNESS

THE LATEST

Holy Grail Drugstore Makeup Staples

The Key Elements to a Healthy Dating Experience

My Secrets to Success in the Corporate World

Must Watch 1950’s Films For Fashion Inspiration

A Pandemic Parable and Why Some Lessons Are Harder To Learn

How to Compliment Others with Confidence

The Top Four Glamorous Items to Look For When Thrifting

Failure is Not The Final Destination – Fail Forward

What You Need To Know About Your Personal Finances

How a Peony Shortage Sparked a Conversation Around Self-Love and Self- Care

Are Pageants Even Relevant To The Modern Woman Today?

26 Things I Learned By My 26th Birthday

Have I The Courage To Change?

Valentine’s Day At Home Guide – Amazon Edition

Easy Tips For Improving Your Presence On Zoom Video Calls

The Bolet Collective Origins

“Are You Seeing Anyone?” Yeah, My Therapist. Thanks For Asking.

Affordable Fitness Hacks for Amping Up Your Quarantine At Home Workouts

How to Make Sound Money Decisions When Furnishing Your First Apartment

Moving Into Your First Apartment? Here Are The Things You Need To Know

GET UPDATES!

Leave us your email to receive new entries, tips, and special offers only for you! Don´t miss any updates!

Follow me

  • Email
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

My philosophie

“Raise your standards and the universe will meet you there.” – Danielle Laporte

Footer

ABOUT ME

The Bolet Collective is run by Samantha Bolet. It's a virtual community to grow professionally, develop personally, and seek wellness in our everyday lives. Read More…

STAY CONNECTED!

Leave us your email to receive our monthly newsletter! Don´t miss any updates!

Privacy Policy

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

  • Email
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

The Bolet Collective: [bow-lay] noun. 1. a virtual community meant to inspire, to guide, and to inform. pursuing personal empowerment, professional development, and the luxurious life moments that happen in between.

theboletcollective

theboletcollective
📝 I have a journal where I keep a running list 📝 I have a journal where I keep a running list of quotes, podcasts, books, and other forms of media that I want to read or listen to, but I feel like I’ve run out of things lately. I ended up spending way too much time scrolling in Instagram or TikTok, so I’m asking you instead! 

What are some of your favorites books, articles, blogs, podcasts, etc? Share in the comments below! 🤍🕊

Here are some of my personal favorites: 
Podcasts • Style Your Mind 
Book • The Four Agreements 

Meditation, journaling, gratitude, self love, self care, flowers, spring ottd, home decor, affirmations, routine, green, spring, Pinterest aesthetic, hustle culture, ambition, success, rest 

#chicagoinfluencer #chicagoblogger #lifestyleblogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblog #latinablogger #latinabloggers #latinabloggersconnect #latinablog #chicagochicblog #selflove #selflovejourney #selfcare #selfcarefirst #gratitudequotes #journalingcommunity #journalingideas #pinterestaesthetic #winteroutfit #winterfashion
Controversial opinion… But I’m over hustle cu Controversial opinion…

But I’m over hustle culture. I’m over “the grind” and sleepless nights and self sacrificing personality. That doesn’t mean I don’t strive to be ambitious, to push myself, to challenge myself, and to aspire for more, but more so that I don’t make my mental and physical health the price I pay to reach my goals. 

So many influential entrepreneurs and successful people have a core routine and set of habits that enable their focus and balance in life while simultaneously pursuing their goals. What makes this possible is the elimination of noise, of doing extra stuff that we don’t want to do, or of saying yes to things that rob us of our energy. So instead of trying to do everything and anything, they focus on their core important things and channel their energy between that and self maintenance. 

So for today, consider the following…

•What plans are you saying yes to that you don’t actually want to go to that end up robbing you of your time?

•What conversations are you entertaining that aren’t inherently valuable to have?

•What relationships are you keeping around because of familiarity but that actually don’t serve you or the betterment of your life? 

•What excuses are you making for yourself and for your time? For the things you eat, for the things you consume, you listen to?

We can still be successful and ambitious and pursue the things that are out of our comfort zone, but I’m prioritizing time to sleep, to rest, to sit, to play, to listen, to absorb, and to just be as my own definition of productivity for this season of life. I’m working on eliminating the noise and making space for the things and people that bring me joy. 🤍🕊

What do you think about hustle culture? 

Meditation, journaling, gratitude, self love, self care, flowers, spring ottd, home decor, affirmations, routine, green, spring, Pinterest aesthetic, hustle culture, ambition, success, rest 

#chicagoinfluencer #chicagoblogger #lifestyleblogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblog #latinablogger #latinabloggers #latinabloggersconnect #latinablog #chicagochicblog #selflove #selflovejourney #selfcare #selfcarefirst #gratitudequotes #journalingcommunity #journalingideas
in my “my turn” era 🕊💫 wishing you all a in my “my turn” era 🕊💫 wishing you all a productive week 🤍

#chicagoinfluencer #chicagoblogger #chicagoblog #leopardprint #homedecor
Since I’m usually on the go, one of my favorite Since I’m usually on the go, one of my favorite things to do is to order books from Amazon and have a little collection with me to read on long trips or on the airplane. 

I recently picked up, “14,000 Reasons to Be Happy” mostly because I was curious how you could possibly fit thousands of things into one tiny book.

However, it’s proven to be a huge delight in the sense that I love flipping to a random page and journaling my favorite things that the book mentions. When I’m trying to practice gratitude and I get stuck on what else to write, this is such a fun way to highlight the little and minute things we sometimes overlook.

Here are some of my favorite reasons: 
• being the only one awake in the morning before a big trip
• stained glass windows
• your first paycheck at a new job
• trying again later
• hand painted pottery
• pastry chefs
• sidewalk cafes 
• taking fewer things seriously
• cherry blossom season 
• better results from order and harmony 
• library sofas 
• the flickering lights before a show is about to start
• poems carved in monuments or statues 

What are some of your 14,000 reasons to be happy? Share in the comments below, I’d love to know! 🥰❤️

self love, self care, gratitude, meditation reflection, journaling, daily journal, affirmations, positivity, flowers, yoga, mental health, mindfulness 

#chicago #chicagoblogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblogger #midwestblogger #ootd #pinterestaesthetic #florals #selfcare #affirmationsoftheday #affirmationsdaily #lifestyleblog #lifestylebloggers
“The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to “The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return." 🌹
 

A major round of applause to what is now undoubtedly my favorite Broadway production I have ever seen. I had to match the fit to the occasion ❤️🥰 

@moulinrougebway @broadwayinchicago 

broadway, theatre, musical performance, chicago, lingerie, blazer, nyc style, parisian style, feminine style, street style, pinterest girl, city life, nightlife outfit, outfit ideas, monochromatic look, fashion inspo

#outfitinspo #colorfulfashion #fashioninspo #chicago #chicagobroadway #aesthetic, #outfitideas #poseinspo #ootd #femininestlye #photoshootideas #nycstyle #celebritystyle #broadwayinchicago #parisianstyle #influencer #chicagochicblog
just two gals on moving day 📦🛋 calling Chic just two gals on moving day 📦🛋

calling Chicago home has always been one of my favorite things. 

for the last seven months, I carved out a space in the West Loop area for the first time after a summer spent hopping around apartments and cities.

This home quickly became my source of peace and security when I needed it the most. It housed my solo dance parties with headphones in after a fun workout, my gal pal sleepovers with sushi on the coffee table and a rom com playing, my dinner parties with my family, and a playground for Luna Mia’s random zoomies. I even hosted Thanksgiving in this space, as my family shared a roasted Turkey and many laughs. 

i hosted friends who had always opened their doors to me whenever I needed a place to stay and this space gave me the opportunity to return the favor. I met my partner during this time and this space gave me the comfort of being in a quick walking distance to both of our apartments while we shared first dates and special moments together. This home allowed me to pop into the coffee shop downstairs for my favorite empanadas and the fact that it faced West meant that I was spoiled with the most amazing sunsets on a regular basis.

I wallpapered my bathroom hot pink and bought a marble fireplace mantle for all of the glamorous vibes and every morning felt like a hotel stay to me with Luna curled up by my side. I installed oversized artwork, put up my own Christmas tree, watered my plants and mental health, and even had a vintage Italian guestbook that I would have my friends and family sign whenever they visited me. 

my West Loop home gave me little and big luxuries in so many ways, but perhaps more importantly, it reminded me that what we want and desire is never out of reach if we take the time to define it. While I'm sad to be leaving this space for my next adventure, I'm so glad I made a home, even if for just a temporary moment. 🔑🏡
▪️Cheesing hard because it’s Friday and I’ ▪️Cheesing hard because it’s Friday and I’m planning a self care weekend 🖤▪️

How do you unwind?

I booked a massage and am perusing all of the sales lately at Deciem, YSL, and Sephora and can’t wait to get some of my holiday shopping in. I also think I’m going to put my Christmas tree up this weekend too.😍❤️▪️
.
.
.
.
.
#chicagoinfluencer #midwestblogger #latinainfluencer #chicagolifestyle #chicagolife #holidayseason
▪️Black satin romper + that Chicago skyline 🤝 ▪️ peep the tiny vintage velvet purse 🥺

Ive been staying low key lately and I can’t wait to go out and get dressed up again. 🥺🥰 
.
.
.
.
.
#chicagoblogger #midwestblogger #lifestyleinfluencer #latinablogger #chicagolifestyle
Load More... Follow on Instagram
  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • DISCLAIMER
  • Terms of Use

Copyright ©2023 The Bolet Collective : For the modern woman seeking personal empowerment, professional development, and the luxurious life moments that happen in between.- Theme by Lovely Confetti

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT