Every season, I head to thrift stores to find new items for my wardrobe and clear out pieces I no longer love. To keep my selections focused, I create a Pinterest board—without it, I’d end up with a bunch of beautiful things that I’d never wear or that don’t go together. My Pinterest board has become my go-to solution.

I start by finding looks that inspire me, which often means turning to 80s or 90s movie icons. Recently, I watched the 80s movie Once Bitten with Lauren Hutton—pure eye candy. So this season, I’m channeling the 80s femme fatale vibe. I’m also inspired by Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct and adding a touch of 90s Winona Ryder to my board. With these influences in mind, I start planning my thrift store hunt, keeping an eye out for pieces that fit these iconic looks.

Here's a list of items I’ll be on the lookout for based on this mood board. But first, I always go “shopping” in my closet before making any new purchases to make sure I’m not buying too much or duplicating items I already own:

Oversized Blazers: Structured, vintage-style blazers in black or dark colors.
Leather Jackets: A classic, cropped black leather jacket with a slightly oversized fit and defined waist.
Black Sweaters: Chunky knit sweaters in black or dark shades—I’ve been into deep burgundy lately.
Beret: A stylish black beret or similar hat.
High-Waisted Jeans: Vintage high-waisted jeans with a baggy fit. I’ll likely search in the men’s section for these and modify the waist, as the men’s section often has good-quality non-stretch jeans.
Leather Pants: Black leather pants or trousers—my go-to winter staple every year.
White Button-Down Shirt: A crisp, oversized white shirt. The men’s section is a great place to find these as well.
Vintage Jewelry: Statement pieces like gold-toned and silver-toned rings, necklaces, or earrings—think spirals, chunky designs, crosses, chains, and chokers.
Chunky Knit Cardigan: A soft, cozy knit cardigan in neutral tones.
Structured Blouse: A vintage blouse with a structured design in white or black.
Statement Earrings: Bold, vintage-style earrings.
Simple Black Dress: A minimalist black dress with a clean, tailored cut.
Dark Fedora Hat: A dark-colored fedora or bowler hat.

Armed with my mood board and a clear list, I'm excited to hit the thrift stores and find pieces that fit perfectly into my wardrobe. Thrifting with a plan helps me stay focused and avoid impulse buys. Happy hunting!

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Quick Thrift Finds: How a Mood Board Keeps You Focused