Velvet with The Thrifty Six

When the theme ‘velvet’ was announced for this month’s Thrifty Six collaboration, I knew right away I wanted to style this blue, fish-like dress. I don’t wear velvet very often, let alone secondhand velvet. But I quickly remembered I brought this blue dress to school this quarter—with the highly unlikely hope that I would have a reason to wear it—and the velvet leopard print overlay fit the theme perfectly.

I purchased this dress during spring break while visiting family in Las Vegas. My mom and I made our quintessential stop to my favorite thrift store, and I was feeling a little disappointed with the selection as I wandered through the isles of clothing racks. Then, on the end of one of the racks, I spotted this dress. At first, I thought it was super funky—and not necessarily in a good way. But being the person I am, I lovvve trying things on, even when (or perhaps most especially) I think they will be outlandish.

As you probably guessed, I tried the dress on and actually fell in love with it. The velvet leopard print, patches of sequins, and mesh sleeves made for so many fun, unique details. It fits like a glove, and the back is also gorgeous, with a v-cut and ruching along the center seam for the most flattering fit. Even though this dress isn’t particularly revealing, I still feel incredibly sexy in it.

I decided to throw my hair in a slicked-back low bun because otherwise I worried my long locks would get caught in the sequins (and cover the beautiful v-shape in the back). I also think this dress would look really cool with a super sleek high ponytail, maybe even with extra rubber bands down the ponytail (aka a bubble braid). I would be lying if I said I didn’t feel slightly like a red-carpet celebrity in this look.

My initial thought was that this dress would look so badass with big silver hoops (like the ones I wore here). But those hoops belong to my mom, and I don’t have any clip-on alternatives here at school. I decided on these vintage blue clip-on earrings instead because my ears definitely needed something to visually fill the space around my face. They weren’t my first-choice accessory, but they still look cute!

I felt slightly ridiculous taking these photos on campus Saturday morning. Sometimes I still feel embarrassed taking pics in public—especially when I’m this dolled up—so I usually try to take my pics on the weekends when campus is dead. I thought I would be in the all-clear at 11 o’clock on a Saturday, assuming that most students would be sleeping in and hungover after a wild Friday night. Unfortunately for me, there was some sort of sporting event going on, so several families and groups of people watched me strut across campus in this booty-licious dress and heels early in the morning. I’ve never felt more like I was doing a walk of shame.

I so wish I had an excuse to wear this look out! I absolutely love it and will some day find a reason… maybe for my 22^nd birthday in November. I also think the long sleeves make the dress a more practical option for New Year’s Eve than a sleeveless dress where you would freeze your booty off. Oh, and did I mention this piece was only $24? What a find!

Be sure to check out my thrifty friends’ velvet outfits below:

Lucy of Lucy Bertoldi:

“When it comes to garments and fashion, for me it’s primarily about texture, print and pattern. This fun quilted, velvet jacket has it all! I found this gem at an estate sale where the lady in question had 2 of these magnificent 80s jackets. I only turned around a moment to let my friend know where I was that one of the jackets had already gone -before I could even glance at which one I’d prefer! I guess this was the one meant to be. It’s a tad big on me, but I make it work! It has to work!”

Emma of Style Splash:

“I love wearing velvet in autumn and winter as it’s such a luxurious fabric. I have several velvet jackets – almost all of them preloved. This deep red one only cost a few pounds from a charity shop. It’s a great way to dress up jeans and boots!”

Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge:

“I found this burgundy velvet blazer at a thrift shop about 15 years ago and I have worn it every fall and winter since I acquired it for just a few dollars. I cannot remember what I paid for it but it was less than $10. I have definitely gotten my money’s worth on this piece! My dress is a recently thrifted acquisition that worked perfectly with my velvet blazer and tall velvet boots.”

Jane of Preloved-Vintage-Handmade:

“Velvet, gateway to the fourth dimension… Gaze into the depth of a velvet gown and feel its intensity… the dramatic absorption of light is total and absolute… it holds secrets – a gateway to the fourth dimension? Sumptuous, regal and luxurious, reserved for the twilight hour… it’s a mystical enigma desired and cherished throughout time… Can you tell I love it!!!!”

Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style:

“I really had to dig deep into my media library for something thrifted in velvet. I knew I had a dress but I wasn’t sure if I had ever photographed it because I actually didn’t like the dress at all. And I sold that dress years ago. So I could not find a photo. I scrolled through all my photos and finally….finally……there was this dress with velvet polka dots on it! That’s all I have in velvet. I don’t like velvet, it feels weird and, well I just don’t know, I don’t like it. Never have and never will. But I am glad I found a bit of velvet on this gorgeous wrap dress.”

. . . . .

Are you a fan of velvet? Do you wear it a lot or, like Nancy, is it a fabric you can do without? Let me know in the comments! And have a great rest of your Monday.

Miles of smiles,

Grace

Blue Dress: Thrifted, $24 | Silver Heels: CL by Laundry via DSW, $40, last worn here | Silver Clutch: DSW, $5, last worn here