THRIFT STORE HAULS AND KENNETH KOLE BAGS
I’ve been slowly adding a mix of new and vintage pieces to my wardrobe lately, and a few of you actually reached out asking about my shopping hauls—so I thought it would be easier (and more fun) to share everything here all at once.
Where we live, we’re lucky to have quite a few thrift stores and consignment shops within a couple of hours in different directions. Some are tucked into small towns, others are a bit more well-known, but all of them tend to carry a mix of gently used clothing, new items, and even household finds. I actually enjoy the process of it all—the searching, the browsing, and especially the surprise of what you might come across.
Before I head out, I usually make a list. It keeps me focused, because otherwise it’s very easy to get distracted by things I don’t really need. This time around, I had a pretty specific set of items in mind:
- Medium-weight winter peacoat
- Quilted jacket
- Tan or camel-colored blazer
- Jewelry—earrings or necklaces
- Sunglasses
- Black handbag
- Skincare and/or lip gloss (something new to try)
With that list in hand, I ended up visiting shops in four different small towns. It turned into one of those full days of wandering, trying things on, and just enjoying the process. And by the end of it, I was actually able to find everything I had set out for.
One of the first things I checked off the list was a winter coat. Once November rolls in, where we live, a proper coat isn’t optional—it’s essential. I ended up finding a Faded Glory houndstooth winter coat, and it honestly surprised me how good of condition it was in. There’s very little wear, and for $7.00, it felt like one of those rare finds you don’t think twice about.
What I really like about it is the weight and length. It’s a medium-weight black and gray houndstooth, and it comes down a bit longer than some of the peacoats I’ve owned in the past, which I appreciate on colder days. It also has a detachable hood—something I didn’t expect but definitely like—and the pockets are deep enough that I can easily slide my phone in without worrying about it falling out.
The rest of the pieces came together in their own way throughout the day, but this coat felt like a strong start to the haul—practical, comfortable, and exactly what I had been hoping to find.
I’ll share the rest of the items soon as well, but I just wanted to start here and say thank you to those of you who reached out. It’s always nice to know these little shopping adventures are something you enjoy following along with too.
I’ve been a longtime fan of Kenneth Cole bags. For years, I carried one of their faux leather bookbags—it was one of those pieces that just worked. Sturdy, reliable, and big enough to hold everything I needed (and then some). It went everywhere with me for the longest time, until one day I decided to sell it. I’ve thought about that bag more than once since then.
So today, I decided to treat myself and add a black handbag from Kenneth Cole to my collection. I spent a little more than I usually would, but it felt worth it. I’ve learned that when something is well-made and truly fits your style, it’s not just a purchase—it’s something you’ll reach for again and again. And if I’m being honest, I’ve had my fair share of handbags over the years… bought, loved, and eventually let go. There are definitely a few I wish I had kept.
I also picked up a blazer that I’m really excited about—a camel-colored one from Briggs New York, and it was under $5, which still surprises me. I’m often cold (thank you, thyroid issues), so layering is kind of a necessity for me. A good blazer makes such a difference—it keeps my shoulders warm and instantly pulls an outfit together. I can already tell this one will become a go-to. It works as a neutral, so I’ll wear it with my usual black pieces, but I can also see it paired with jeans and boots for something a little more relaxed.
Living where we do, layering isn’t just a style choice—it’s practical, especially through fall and winter. Last year, quilted pieces were everywhere on the runways, and I ended up finding a blue quilted jacket from Christopher & Banks with a corduroy collar that I absolutely love. It’s comfortable, easy to wear, and those oversized pockets? Perfect. I can toss my phone on one side, keys on the other, and head out the door without juggling everything in my hands.
And then there are my sunglasses. Aviator sunglasses have been around forever—since the 1930s—and there’s a reason they’ve stuck. I had a pair I really liked, but I scratched them up pretty badly, so I was happy to come across a blue pair recently. I usually go for mirrored or gradient lenses because they help disguise the fact that I’m wearing prescription glasses underneath. It’s not a perfect solution, but it works for me—and for $1.00, I wasn’t about to pass them up.
Lately, I’ve also been noticing more women over 50 embracing statement jewelry, and it’s made me reflect on my own habits. When I was younger, I chose jewelry based on color—matching everything to my outfits. But over the past couple of decades, I’ve mostly stuck to simple silver hoops. Easy, familiar, and they go with everything.
This time around, though, while wandering through thrift store aisles, I made a point to do something different. I slowed down and really looked at the necklaces—different shapes, textures, pieces that stand out a little more. It felt like a small shift, but a meaningful one. Maybe it’s just another way of letting my style evolve, one piece at a time.
Pearls are said to symbolize many things. I personally like pearls because I feel they look classy against the dark blouses I wear. I have a few strands of faux rope pearls and will happily add these. My favorite way to wear pearls is bunched and layered so I purchased these two necklaces for $1.00 each.
As I wrote in a previous post, I spend more money on skincare than makeup. On my way back from thrifting, I couldn't resist stopping in at Marshall's. You can find many major beauty brands there. On this trip, I purchased the Retinol A cream and the Buttercream lip gloss from Butter London.
Thanks for reading today! I enjoy your emails and comments! Do you shop from lists- what bargains have you found?