Thrifty Threads

Welcome to another installment of Thrifty Threads, AKA Most Stylish Compact-y Outfit, where readers model their favorite secondhand clothes.

A Compact-y outfit is used or recycled, from Goodwill, a thrift store, or a consignment shop.

I'm so happy to have Kristen from The Frugal Girl as today's model, in a repeat performance. This black dress was the inspiration for the Thrifty Threads series. Kristen had posted a photo of this dress on her blog, along with a bunch of other items she'd bought at Goodwill. Her head was cut off, and she said she usually wore the dress with black boots, and I thought to myself, "I wish I could see it like that." And the idea started percolating in my head, how fun it would be to see people's secondhand scores and how great they look in them.

Kristen bought this cute Charlotte Russe dress at Goodwill for $5, and the New York & Company camisole for $3. She says she decided the neckline was cut a little too low, but that the camisole neckline isn't usually crooked. I'm just glad her son likes to take photos, so she could send this one to me. Doesn't this make you want to go thrift store shopping right now? Kristen wanted to let everyone know that she bought the boots on clearance at Target for $14 before she started shopping at Goodwill.

Kristen probably doesn't need any introduction for most of you, but for those of you who haven't read her fabulous blog, she's "The Frugal Girl," and she totally rocks. I know that word is overused, but in this case it's true. Her blog is jam-packed with awesome recipes, fantastic tips, and she's the inspiration for taking photos of rotten food so we can all try to waste less. If you ever wished you had a best friend or older sister who just knew how to do everything, and had a great attitude about sharing it with you, that's Kristen. If you've never read her blog, you're in for a treat. And you might start baking your own bread!

Thanks Kristen for sending that photo of the dress that started the series. Readers, it's your turn. Put on your favorite thrift store scores and send me a photo at barton.angela@gmail.com. I always need more photos, so keep them coming! It is so much fun to do this Thrifty Threads series, and I'll do it as long as I continue to get your emails. Remember, I would love to get photos of children or toddlers, and guys- I would LOVE to hear from you. Only one brave man has participated so far.

Do you shop secondhand? I wonder if it's getting easier or harder because of the recession. I think there are a lot more people shopping thrift stores these days. Tell us about it in a Comment. And click here to check out previous installments of Thrifty Threads.