Anything I can buy at the mall, I can get at a thrift store. But that’s old news. Thrifting is the best because I find things I can’t buy at the mall, things I can’t find online, things I couldn’t otherwise afford, and things I’d never even think to look for. That’s the funnest part about the hunt. And this week, I bagged on of my best (and maybe favourite?) thrifty finds EVER. Two words:
Yup. I thrifted a Betsey this week! Now before I go ahead and reveal my steal, I’m going to tell you a bit about my girl Betsey – Chick is crazy.
For real – you will be hard-pressed to find another living designer as zany as our Bestey. She’s tacky, she’s trashy, she’s punk rock – and, almost unexpectedly, she makes beautiful clothing that transcends all the gimmicks and the glitter. If you want to get a good taste of Betsey’s aesthetic, look no further than her most recent Spring 2012 show:
Sparkles. Taffeta. Rhinestones. Lace-up platforms. Lightning bolt earrings for goodness sake! Not exactly my style (unless I finally live my dream and go as Jem for Halloween). But before you dismiss the wacky and wonderful ways of Betsey, I want you to look closer at the construction of her work – the cut of the dresses, the incredible florals, the soft chiffons and feminine silhouettes – they’re there, they’re just hiding. Have a look at some of Betsey’s other creations:
Betsey first found her voice within the “youth quake” scene of the 1960s and 70s, rubbing shoulders with Andy Warhol and the The Velvet Underground. She developed a bold, brash, and beautiful style, and at 69 she is still sending it down the runway every season. Betsey creates original and lovely things that any woman, from Katy Perry to Kate Winslet could wear. The week, I thrifted an amazing Betsey Johnson black floral slip dress at the Salvation Army, and if it weren’t sleeting outside, I’d be wearing it right now.
I found this dress while on the hunt for vacation wear for my trip in March (that’s become a bit of a problem – all I’m buying lately are pieces strictly meant for the beach, not practical for a Canadian in the great white North). I pulled this dress from the rack and tried it on before even looking at the label. I was honestly amazed at how well it fit my body. The lines were perfect. The fabric was so soft, and the simple, effortless construction made me realize this wasn’t a Walmart brand. The label, “Betsey Johnson New York” means it’s a newish find from the mid 2000s. It also means it likely cost upwards of $250 when it was new. If you look on the current Betsey Johnson website, similar pieces are going for $300 or more. And I paid $6.99. Amazing!
I’m purposefully not giving you a full view of this dress, because it looks so much better on than it does on the hanger. So, you’ll have to wait until I’m frolicking in white sands and salty waters in March to see that. I won’t be wearing this with lucite heals or leather glovelettes à la Bestsey. I’ll be wearing it with flip flops and maybe a jean jacket. But either way, March can’t come soon enough. It only seems appropriate to end of this post with Betsey’s signature show-closing cartwheel:
A true original. Let’s hope we’re all still cartwheeling at 70.
The Thrfting Gods must be smiling on you!!! What a great find! I can’t wait to see the pictures of you in this dress. Will you be cartwheeling?
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They were good to me last week! Here’s hoping I stay in their favour 😉 And yes, I’ll need to learn how to cartwheel to do this dress justice!
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Nordstrom Rack always has Betsy Johnson jewelry on sale for cheap. I love picking up items there.
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Yet another store us Canadians don’t get to enjoy 😦 I bet Betsey makes fabulous accessories!
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Love that print! Nice find.
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Me too! I’m a sucker for a sweet floral.
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Reblogged this on THREADerati.
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Nice find! I can’t wait to see it on you. I hope I am doing cartwheels at 70! She’s ca – razy.
xo L.
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I know right? I can’t even do a proper one now!
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So punky (my phone autocorrected that to ‘pinky’?! Still appropriate I guess) and pretty. Great combo.
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Haha, true enough! It’s a pinky/punky combo.
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what a great find. she is for sure my favorite! i can’t wait to see it on!
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The only Betsey Johnson piece i’ve ever owned was a floral skirt my cousin bought me when I visited her in San Francisco the summer before I went into 6th grade. I loved that skirt, probably wore it once a week, and still can’t bring myself to get rid of it!
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I totally understand! Save it for someone else to inherit 🙂
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Betsey Johnson is the best!
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So where in March are you going to wear this find?? I have passed on your blog address to a number of my friends and we are enjoying your creativity. Keep up the excellent shopping, perhaps one of these days BFM will also be my friend.
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Hi Marilyn! We’re headed to Cuba – can’t wait. I’m happy you’re enjoying the blog, my mission is to convert all my readers to the thrifting life! ;)!
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I love Betsy’s never energy with her designs and what a find for you! Yes, the troubles of living in the great white north and reading too many magazines with spring fashions already or shopping for a vacation in your case!!!
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So true – I was getting “Spring Fashion Preview” in the beginning of January, and now it’s messing with my head!
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Love Betsey! Even better when it’s thrifted! I’ve found a few pieces too, both new and old. It’s always an unexpected treat, makes me wonder who’s bonkers enough to get rid of BJ!?
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Totally. I’m so thankful for all the crazies out there with exploding closets – and I’m reaping alllll the benefits.
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As soon as I saw this post I added your blog right away to my blog checking list. Betsey has been my fave designer since around grade 4! Love her so very much. I remember finding one of her wallets at a discount store for about $10 around 5 years ago. That and a make up bag are the only Betsey items that I own. I am in awe (and quite jelly) of your find! Can’t wait to see pictures of the whole thing! Congrats.
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Excitement! Can’t wait to see it in all its glory! I first heard of Betsey while reading my Sassy magazines back in the day (I miss Sassy!). Betsey was featured several times. So fun and such a colorful outlook on life.
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I know! Her personality is as inspiring as her clothing.
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