My Top Ten Thrift Store Finds for Summer 2021

1. Floral Crop Top

I got this crop top at Value Village during a 50% off sale for only $1.25. What an absolute steal! The only information about who made it is the brand name “Jirapron Shop” and the location “Chiangmai Thailand.” The tag also says made in Thailand, 100% cotton. There is no size information. As far as I can tell, this is not a big brand. There is no record of a brand by that name in Canada. My guess is that the top was both manufactured and originally purchased in Thailand by a tourist who brought it back to Canada. Whatever the case, it is a beautiful top with a very flattering fit.

2. High-Waisted Jean Shorts

I got these jean shorts for $4.50 at a Value Village 50% off sale. They are made by a brand called AB.look Jeans, which appears to be a Korean brand. I can’t find much information about the brand. What I have found puts the quality of the brand into question, but these shorts have lasted for years. I love them because they are the perfect high-waist for crop tops. I also love that they are slightly longer than the booty shorts I was finding in Canadian stores at the time. They’ve got great booty coverage.

3. T-Shirt with UFO Patch

This t-shirt is a perfect example of why you should always check out the men’s section at the thrift store. This is a woman’s shirt, but it was incorrectly labeled as a men’s, which is probably why it was priced so low (and also why it hadn’t been snapped up yet)! I got this shirt for only $2.25 at Value Village during a 50% off sale. It is made by a brand called Pull & Bear, which is based in Europe.

4. Red Fanny Pack

I got this phanny pack for $4.00 at Value Village during a 50% off sale. It was in brand-new condition when I purchased it. I was psyched when phanny packs and crossbody bags came back into style because they are super convenient, like having extra pockets. I like using this bag when I go to Summer events. It is especially handy when going to theme parks because you can wear it on rides and not worry about something happening to your stuff. It is made by a brand called Fouvor. Their current similar bags sell for around $20 new.

Bonus: This hat is also thrifted! I picked it up at a tiny thrift store in Tofino, BC. I didn’t record the price, but I think I paid around $3.75 for it. The patch on the top says “Westcoast Inland Search and Rescue Society.”

5. AEO “Soft & Sexy” Tank Top

I have always loved the line of clothes by American Eagle called “Soft & Sexy” because the clothes feel so nice, but I can’t justify buying them new. For that reason, I am always on the look out for pre-loved American Eagle tops, and am apparently quite good at finding them. This is the first of two “Soft & Sexy” American Eagle tops on this list. I got this tank top for $2.50 at Talize during a 50% off sale. So much cheaper than the comparable $18.71 tanks for sale at American Eagle right now!

6. Oversized Plaid Button-down

I got this plaid shirt in the men’s section of Talize for $5.00 during a 50% off sale. This is one of my all-time favourite thrifted finds! I am the kind of girl who throws a plaid on over every outfit during the Summer. I take this thing camping, hiking, and basically everywhere. It is super durable, which is great because I hope it lasts forever. It is made by a brand called Hobbs Creek, which appears to be a men’s outdoor brand.

7. Light-Weight Grey Dress

This simple Forever 21 dress has been around the world with me. I love it because it is light weight and packs small, making it ideal for Summer trips. I got this dress for $3.50 at Value Village during a 50% off sale. It is a classic, super simple design, with the added bonus of pockets. I don’t wear a lot of bright colours, so this is the perfect sundress for my style.

8. Flowy Floral Tank Top

This is the second American Eagle “Soft & Sexy” top on this list. I love the fit of this top. It is very flattering, but at the same time loose and flowy, perfect for hot days. Something about the colour pallet of the flowers gives me vintage vibes. I got it at a Value Village 50% off sale for only $1.50! I can’t believe someone didn’t scoop this up before the sale for the regular $2.99 price!

9. Black Athletic Shorts

I got these shorts for $6.99 at Value Village during one of my most recent thrift shopping trips. I believe I got 30% off with a coupon, the new strategy for sales during the pandemic to avoid over crowding the store. They are work out shorts from the brand Atmosphere. They are super light weight and breathable, which made them absolutely life saving during the recent heat wave on the West Coast. These shorts will be a Summer staple for me this year with the heat and all the camping/hiking trips I have planned.

10. Black Strappy Platform Sandals

These sandals are one of my best footwear thrifted finds. It is very rare that I find shoes that are cute that also fit me (I wear size 9 shoes). I got these sandals at a small charity shop where all the shoes were priced at $4.25 each. They are really comfortable and the soles are cushioned. When I purchased them they were in like-new condition and since then I’ve gotten good use out of them. They are made by the brand Aerosoles. Similar current sandals from the brand sell for over $100 new!