I’ve been thrifting since I was a child. I have very distinct, early memories of waking up on Saturday morning to go with Mom to the local AmVets’s thrift store. Character print tees for 25¢, rifling through racks of poufy old prom dresses, and digging through piles of vintage knick-knacks for things that caught my child’s magpie-like eye (and I could afford with my allowance or convince Mom I needed). Thrifting has been as much an economic necessity as a creative outlet (refashioning, anyone?). I may not be quite the thrifting maven that some are, but I do enjoy a good few hours at my favorite haunts, seeing what new treasures I can find for a few dollars!
This 1960s nightgown is a bit frou-frou, I will admit. But I’ve always wanted one of these obnoxiously pink, floaty garments from the early to mid 60s. They’re so much more fun than pj pants and a tank top for nightwear, don’t you think? (A little bit of Doris Day glamour!) Now all I need is to tease my hair up into a bouffant, find a pair of marabou trimmed mules, and fix myself a mocktail… hehe! Best part yet? The thrift store had originally priced it at $6.99 (more than I’d pay for vintage lingerie–this particular store knows their stuff and tends to be a bit higher for vintage), but had been marked down to $1.75 (more my speed)! It needed a little TLC: a good wash, a few threads snipped here and there, and the old neckline lace removed (it was shattered in spots) and replaced with some vintage lace from my stash. It’s not perfect by any means, but wearable–which is what I intend!
Have you found any interesting thrift finds recently? Things have actually been really picked over here, so I was surprised and utterly delighted I actually found this nightgown! There have been far too many days lately I’ve actually left the thrift stores empty handed… But thrifting tends to be very “feast or famine”–which is probably why I keep stopping by my favorite places just in case!
P.S. Thank you all so, so much for your heartwarming comments on Monday’s post! I cannot begin to tell you what they meant to me and how encouraged I am. Thank you for hanging in there as I get my footing again with blogging, and being so understanding!
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This nightgown is great! Absolutely love the colour combo! Sam xox
The nightie is amazing and not obnoxious at all. If I lived close to your or if I was your sister, I would totally and one hundred percent steal it from you! I’m not too much of a thriftier but I wish I was. I guess it’s because I work for a fashion company where I receive free samples all the time.
Just a curious question – do you know of any online thrifting stores?
I love it!
Mom
I was talking with someone today in the Columbia area, and the thrifting there is spare, too. It must all be in Baltimore!
Gorgeous gown! I’m so jealous! Unfortunately, even though I keep an eye out, we don’t have much Vintage goods going around here. So I’m stuck to looking all over the internet for something close to a good price range. Enjoy your beautiful find, and Happy Vintaging!
Stunning nightgown… Lucky you!
That is an excellent nightgown!
I get blogger burnout probably more than others. Summer heat ever helps. Much hugs!
It definitely is ‘feast or famine’ most of the time! I’m finding I have less luck thrifting (or, op shopping, as it is more commonly known here) at chain charity stores because a lot of them seem to have become very ‘curated’, and try to display their stuff like a boutique shop (which is not necessarily bad), and put quite high prices on things…. I figure people who like secondhand-shopping don’t care as much for neatly laid out charity shops. Personally, I like to have a good rummage through a dirty bin full of stuff, and lose myself in dusty piles of clothing!
It’s beautiful! It has been ages since I’ve been thrifting, I just haven’t had the time and/or inclination. Now I have a desire to go out thrifting.
Hi Casey,
It looks wonderful! Very Doris Day indeed!
I’ve always had a soft spot for her!
I hadn’t responded to Mondays post, but I think you are brave to admit it, and not just stay away for ever. Even though that would be your choice as well, of course.
I have this way of putting pressure on myself, even (or especially?) with something like blogging. Because I don’t want to waste anybodies time? Because I’m afraid people won’t like it? Because I’m really not that interesting? Which is stupid, I know, And when I do write I do DO it for me. And I know for myself, the longer I wait the harder it gets…
Luckily there are puppies to keep us occupied (but can also cause a for a lot of worries from time to time).
What I wanted to say is, take your time, I’ll keep reading!
How is your hand? Hope you’re feeling better!
Sarah
(aka. OldeSarah)
I thrift a lot and have for many years. My most interesting finds were an amazing vintage dress homemade entirely from 1940s and 50s ties. The dressmaker did not use a pattern either. It is a delight! That an a early 1970s record from my husbands great uncle’s Mexican rock band- Signed by his great uncle! And I must say that we live nowhere near his great uncle!
So pretty! I need more fancypants sleepwear (mostly so I can give that white slip you sent me a break every once in a while! Ha! I wear it ALL THE TIME, no lie!), I love floating around the house & pretending I’m not in my pajamas
Isn’t it funny how thrift stores can alter your perception of prices? If I found a nightie like that in a vintage store for $6.99, I’d be all over that thing like white on rice. But $6.99 at a thrift store?? “Ewwww, why is that so expensive!!” hahaha!!
Unfortunately, I have to avoid the thrift store right now because we are EXTREMELY tight on money (moving this month, and I very well may end up paying rent at two places! Argh!). I am going to let myself lurk the flea market this weekend… but I really consider that more like a museum where I’m allowed to touch everything hehe
That nightie is so pretty, and so much more stylish than my current shorts and a vest top for bed!
I’ve just bought a strapless jumpsuit in a local charity shop (I think they’re the UK equivalent of thift stores?). It looks hideous on me, but the fabric is so pretty I’m going to cut it up and hopefully make a blouse.
Oh gosh, that’s amazing!
I haven’t been thrifting in AGES, it’s so sad. (Not for clothes, anyway.) I have to fix this soon.
HI Casey
Until I ran across your blog, I had never stepped foot in a thrift store, but that has changed. My Hubby & I cruise the thrift stores in our area regularly. We call it treasure hunting! We have found lots of interesting stuff. We inherited an old bedroom suite which we have now decorated up with lamps, dolies, and other nick-nack from the same era. All treasues from the thrift store that we ‘stole’ for only a few dollars!
Thank you Casey,
Take care
Patty
What a great find! Gorgeous. Haven’t I seen this in a 60′s movie? I love thrifting–have done it since I was a kid. Caught the bug from my Aunt Glady. If you drove anywhere with her, you needed to be holding onto the armrest as a hard right or left could happen without warning when Aunt Glady saw a “rummage sale” sign in a shrub! And off we’d be down a country road in search of treasure. There was such a sense of adventure with her. Thrift shops where I live have a double whammy going on–they cull out the great pieces and send them to the city (to a partner shop) where they can get a higher price for them and then raise prices on the remaining items in the store.
Looooove this piece! Such a good find!
Most recently I’ve hit it pretty good with the vintage sewing patterns. I posted some of my recent finds here: http://www.roadtotheheart.com/2012/07/thrifting-diaries-vintage-sewing.html
I love thrift shopping and finding vintage pieces, I just wish I knew of good places with even better prices. This night gown is so pretty.
What a lovely ethereal thing. Great finds are still out there Casey! I miss you thrifting buddy
Can I just say that I love it when thrifters disclose what they pay for and are willing to pay for vintage and thrifted finds? It is so very insightful and helps keep things in persepective. I live in NYC and “picked over” and “over priced” only begins to describe my situation. Anyway, I just love thrifty posts!
Gorgeous nightgown..delightful mix of pink and cream. And I”m a sucker for lace, I tell you. Any combination….Besides the mocktail you mention, this nightie calls for furry slippers.
that is so pretty. Great job finding it for such a small price!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was given a load of beautiful old vintage hats from a woman who is in her 80s and a gorgeous old dress she handmade but I’m going to be selling them all. I can’t picture myself actually wearing some of the items out because I’d ruin them with my Midas touch for endangering certain vintage.
Yes very Doris Day!! Love it. Thrift stores have been pretty picked over here too, guess they are gearing up for Fall – hope so anyway!
Sweet little find – draped in candy floss!!
I found a pair of pants in a double layered silk chiffon that were hand painted and beaded. Fairly modern, research dug up the designer usually sells for $300+ on items. I paid 5 dollars and all I had to do was secure a bead string and fix the inseam. TA DA!
:O That is incredible. Diggin’ it.
That’s certainly a lot cuter than my sleeping outfit, which is usually cotton pants and an old t shirt that I’ve retired from day-to-day wear. Couldn’t see myself wearing it (let’s face it, the grungy pants and t shirt may be unsexy, but they’re oh-so-comfy!) but I’d like to own one, just in case I ever did wear it!
Thrifting in the charity shops is always hit or miss. I recently came upon an 80s stash of all the brands I couldn’t afford then, Esprit, Pappagallo, Laura Ashley. The quality of the Laura Ashley cottons is very fine. That was a midweek find, no rhyme or reason to it. I’ve been following your blog for awhile, but just realized you’re from the DC area. I was raised there too. You’re still finding the kind of thrift clothing that I could score in Baltimore in the late 80s. What luck! Your recent find reminds me of my Grandmother’s closet, pink and shiny. Fabulous!
I came upon my favorite ever thrift store find about a year ago: 3.5 yards of 54-inch wide plum-colored brushed twill fabric. It is so soft and lovely! Even better? It was 50% off so it was only $2.50. I made a spring/fall coat out of it and still had some left over. I found it at my favorite thrift store, The Economy Shop, in Oak Park, IL. They have a whole section dedicated to fabric and crafts, which I suspect they mainly get from estates. I rarely walk out with nothing and often with multiple bags. And best of all, the section is run by a couple of older ladies who know a lot about sewing AND are super encouraging. As I write about it, maybe these ladies are my favorite thirft store find!
Ooooooo…..vibrant 60s pink! Squeal! Love it! Bet it looks gorgeous on (I automatically thought Doris Day as soon as I saw it too,lol).
Thrifting over here in Brisbane, Australia, is so so. We dont get anywhere near the amount of wonderful finds that you gals would in the States. If I still lived in Melbourne I might have more luck. If I do manage to find something I’m doing backflips with joy. I think that’s why I’m so desperate to learn how to sew…..so I can make the items that I can never find.
Wow this is so beautiful, You’re so right that it’s so much more fun to wear a sleepingdress than the usual pyjama. And you definitely made a good deal!
What a cheerfully marvelous hue – so girly and upbeat! Not much in the way of thrifting treasures on this end lately either. Pre-70s pieces are getting soooo much harder to find while thrifting these days, but the possibility that there’s still a few out there always gets me out of bed bright and early on days when I’m going thrifting – as great pieces like this prove, you never do know what’s lurking out there for a total song!
♥ Jessica
your very lucky to still be getting anything of interest at the thrift stores, in the UK we don’t get anything older than the ’90′s or things that have come from budget stores anyway
…..
it’s so sweet, but they get very warm if you plan to wear it to bed
I had a white double layer bri-nylon one in the 70′s which had gone a little off colour..
so i dyed it pale blue and wore it for the first night of my honeymoon …luckly it was in December
I agree with jax, it’s quite dire herein the uk. I went to 6 charity shops yesterday (thrift stores) and it was over priced secondhand clothing that was budget o start off with – and I’d agree the 90′s was the oldest thing I could find. The charity shops totally ‘get’ the vintage thing here, so it disappears to be sold separately. I even thought about buying old curtains and things to use as practice whilst I learn dressmaking- but oh gosh, these faded bits of cloth were so overpriced!
This is a gorgeous gown!Such a pretty nightieGreat job finding it for such a small price, Casey!! Thank you!!
Casey you spoilt spoilt girl! I so want one of those nighties. Thank you for sharing about your thriftiness, you have inspired me to go shopping on Saturday. I am currently learning to walk out empty handed or with just one item and now getting better value for my money. This week I’ve been working on converting a size 8 strapless dress with 3 tiered gathered skirt into a skirt that will fit my size 16 bod. I paid $3.50 for it & it looked very new. I’m learning sooo much good stuff. Thank you.
What a pretty nightie! I have a few that I found at thrift stores or inherited…my favorite is a deep aqua probably from the 60s. In the summer heat these feel so nice and cool to sleep in.
I love your blog and all your recreations of vintage outfits, so I hope you can still continue in whatever way you need to…even ‘tho I don’t have a blog I understand burnout, so be sure to take time for yourself.
I’m kind of addicted to thrift stores…I call it my cheap therapy. I usually shop for vintage house stuff & vintage books or whatever we are in need of. Yesterday I bought an xxl yellow chenille robe that I will use for sewing pillows or quilts (I’m not good at clothes sewing but have recently been sewing Barbie doll clothes)…if the robe was in my size I’d wear it instead as I do love my chenille robes.
Love this! It reminds me of my grandmother, but in a good way
I’ve recently sewn some nightgowns from some sheer chiffon from a couple vintage 60s patterns, and am loving them! Super comfy, super cute, and a little bit sexy 
This is adorable!!! What an awesome find!
Casey,
I’ve been following your blog for a while now and just wanted to say that your style is so incredibly inspirational and I absolutely adore everything you make and share on your site. I’ve wanted to learn how to sew for years and years now, and every time I look at another one of your sewing projects I feel more and more inspired… so I’ve finally decided to take the plunge and teach myself. I know this will be incredibly difficult so I thought it may be worth asking you (and I would greatly, greatly appreciate it if you are able to share your advice, but if not, I am also just glad to let you know how awesome you are); what type of sewing machine do you use? If it is a particularly complicated/ advanced one that you think would be too difficult for a beginner, do you have any recommendations for a machine more suited to new seamstresses?
Thank you very much for your time if you are able to write back. Either way, I hope you know how sincerely inspiring your creativity and talent are!
♥
Hi, Casey!
That delicate nightgown! I am enchanted!
Incidentally, I am so enchanted that I think I’ll (try to) copy.
I’m not as good a seamstress as you, but at least I managed to make a dress … of course with the help of my mother … hahahahaha
Sorry if i not commented on your last post … : (
You are right to do things like that make you happy.
I’m happy for you!
Kisses from Brazil …
PS: Remember that I use google translator, then probably some words will come out disjointed.
I love how the nightgown looks like something that Trudy would wear on “Mad Men.” She’s the nighty queen
I thrift compulsively and weekly. Last month I found my first vintage thrift store find: a lacy early 1960′s wiggle dress and a blue velvet 1950′s hat!! This week it was 38 books printed in Norwegian (I am studying the language; books are hard to come about)!
Lovely! It reminds me a nightgown I had as a girl, though rather sexier of course. It really was a steal!
I don’t comment often, but I do follow your blog and I was so happy to see your previous post. You’ve made a great thing here and I’m so happy that you choose to share your hobbies with us!
AEveryone needs a little frou-frou sometimes
It’s lovely!
I JUST bought something sooo similar on Etsy for a photo shoot the other week. LOVE this!
Oh my, that looks marvelous!!! I bet it looks so good on you! Oh I know how it feels when you find something precious like that at the thrift stores, wow! I must admit I find it easier to purchase vintage things online, so I can look up for what I need more easily, but when it comes to vintage clothes it’s always a surprise for the sizes…ah well!
Anyway, I love your blog, it is always so inspiring Casey! I’ll be following your new thrifting and crafting adventures! <3
Just love this find! Out here in L.A. even the thrift stores sell their best vintage online, so I rarely see cuties like this. Keep sharing, it’s fun!
I love this! I’ve been looking for a peignoir set with this frou frou feel for ages. How glamorous to get ready in!
Thank you for your inspiring blog! You have such a great style + I love all your beautiful details you add to your blog posts! If you’re interested in adding to your vintage clothing, please check out my beautiful selection of hand picked vintage http://stores.ebay.com/blackbirdvintage
Have a great day!!
Stefanie
Hi Casey,
Yes, I too have the thrifting habit. Almost all my clothing, purses and jewelry are from either second-hand stores or vintage stores. Would probably get my shoes there if they carried a size 10. Love your tutorial on victory rolls. I love the new site, and do keep on writing. I know that it is hard, but who else will tell us about her life as a blogger and vintage clothing collector?
I love it! I love everything 60′s. I have 2 vintage nightgowns similar to this in my shop ‘Gypsy Plunder!
Doris Day/Rock Hudson movies are the best!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/GypsyPlunder?ref=search_shop
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