similar white lace sheath dress, similar white leather purse with bamboo handle, Bulova two-toned watch, similar Marc Fischer nude suede pumps, dainty birthstone necklace, dainty birthstone bracelet, and pearl detail hoop earrings
Spring Means Pretty Lace Dresses
Spring has officially sprung, and I couldn’t think of a better way to welcome April than with this stunning white lace sheath midi dress — a total gem I found for just $5 at Uptown Cheapskate in Lake Forest, CA. Yes, you read that right!
This dress, by Love x Design, originally sold at Nordstrom, then made its way to Nordstrom Rack (where it was tagged at $44.97), and finally ended up at Uptown Cheapskate — with all the original tags still attached. It features a delicate lace overlay with a soft nude lining and midi length that feels both elegant and feminine — hello, springtime perfection.
To complete the look, I styled it with a vintage Talbots genuine leather bag I thrifted for $5 during a visit to Santa Barbara. The bag’s classic structure and rich texture elevate the outfit beautifully. Talbots has a bamboo handle and wicker bag that is available now and is quite stylish too for spring and summer!
Together, this outfit cost me only $10, and it’s proof that you can look like a million bucks — without spending it. And that brings me to today’s post: I often get asked about the difference between thrift stores, consignment shops, and resale boutiques, so let’s break it all down!
Thrift Store vs. Consignment Shop vs. Resale Shop: What’s the Difference?
Thrift Stores
- How it works: Thrift stores are donation-based. Items are given to the store, often to support a nonprofit cause (like Goodwill or Salvation Army).
- Pricing: Extremely affordable, typically the lowest price point.
- Pros: You can find incredible deals, one-of-a-kind pieces, and even designer items if you dig a little.
- Cons: Inventory is less curated and may require more time to search through.
My Talbots leather bag? Thrifted in Santa Barbara at The Alpha Thrift Store for just $5 — real leather, vintage, and totally timeless. Don’t you love the bamboo handle and bamboo button detail?
Consignment Shops
- How it works: People bring in items to sell. The shop displays them and splits the sale price with the owner after the item sells.
- Pricing: Higher than thrift stores but still much lower than retail. You’ll find designer, seasonal, and often current styles.
- Pros: Items are usually gently used, organized by category/size, and higher quality.
- Cons: Less budget-friendly than thrift but still a great value for the condition and curation.
Resale Shops
- How it works: Resale shops buy items upfront from sellers and resell them for a profit. Stores like Uptown Cheapskate, Crossroads, and Plato’s Closet fall into this category.
- Pricing: Mid-range pricing, more than thrift, less than traditional consignment.
- Pros: Trend-focused, seasonal selections, and carefully curated inventory. Most items are in great condition or new with tags.
- Cons: Inventory changes fast — so when you find something good, snag it!
My white lace dress by Love x Design (see this midi dress in pink)? Originally from Nordstrom, then Nordstrom Rack ($44.97), and I scored it for $5 — new with tags — at Uptown Cheapskate! Here is another lovely white lace dress that’s available at Nordstrom Rack and is worthy of a spot in your wardrobe closet.
Why Shopping Secondhand Is Always in Style
Shopping secondhand is one of the best ways to:
- Save money
- Reduce waste
- Build a unique wardrobe
- Support sustainable fashion
You don’t need to sacrifice style or quality — you just need to know where (and how) to look.
Debbie’s Tips: How to Shop Secondhand Like a Pro
Go often: Inventory rotates quickly — visit regularly to find the gems.
Scan for fabric and stitching quality first. Look for cotton, silk, linen, and leather.
Check for tags: Sometimes you’ll find brand-new items (like I did)!
Know your sizes & try things on: Sizing can vary by brand or era.
Stay open-minded: You never know what you’ll find — let the pieces surprise you!
Accessorize: Bags, shoes, and belts can make an outfit pop.
Let’s Recap
My $10 outfit — a brand new Nordstrom dress by Love x Design and a vintage Talbots leather bag — is a perfect example of how you can look effortlessly chic on a budget. Whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or just getting started, understanding the differences between thrift, consignment, and resale shops can help you shop smarter and style better.
So the next time you need something “new” for your wardrobe, try shopping secondhand first. You just might find your next favorite outfit… for the price of a latte, milkshake, or acai bowl.
Ready to Thrift Like a Pro?
Check out your local shops and start building your one-of-a-kind wardrobe today. And if you find something fabulous — tag me on Instagram! I’d love to see your look-for-less finds.
P.S. I love lace dresses, especially white ones. If black is your vibe check out this stunning black lace midi dress .
Bonus: Where I Find Luxury Handbags & Designer Pieces for Less
You already know I love a good deal — and that includes luxury handbags, fine jewelry, and elevated wardrobe staples. While thrift stores and resale shops are amazing, there are also online platforms that make luxury shopping affordable and accessible. Here are some of my favorite places to score authentic designer items for less:
One of the most trusted platforms for pre-owned luxury handbags, accessories, and fine jewelry. Their authentication process is top-tier, and you can often find gently used (or even new) pieces from brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermès.The RealReal
A luxury consignment site that carries high-end clothing, bags, shoes, watches, and home decor. Everything is authenticated, and prices drop the longer an item is listed — so you can snag major deals if you keep an eye out.
The original treasure hunt! From vintage finds to current-season designer pieces, eBay is a goldmine for savvy shoppers. Just be sure to buy from trusted sellers with solid ratings, and look for items with “Authenticity Guarantee.”Mercari
A user-friendly marketplace app where you can find brand-name fashion at a steep discount. I love Mercari for its easy negotiations, fast shipping, and wide variety of listings — everything from Zara to Gucci.
Great for both everyday fashion and designer steals. You can follow closets you love, make offers, and even bundle items for a better deal. Plus, it’s a great place to both buy and sell gently loved items.
Perfect if you want to test drive luxury. You can rent designer bags for special occasions or buy them pre-loved. It’s a fun way to rotate your look without the commitment — or the splurge!
Tip: Set alerts on these platforms for specific brands or styles you’re eyeing. You’ll be the first to know when a deal pops up!
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