The best finds are unplanned.

Two years ago, while traveling to my in-law’s house, I stumbled upon one of my favorite wardrobe pieces in the most unexpected way. We had been on the road for hours when we had to stop at a busy bus stop to fix a flat tire. While my travel companions were focused on getting the car sorted, my eyes wandered, and across the road, I spotted a small thrift shop.

At first, I wasn’t planning to go inside, I was just idly observing. But then, something caught my attention: a stunning black chiffon gown was displayed outside on a mannequin. The dress had the most minimal yet elegant design, an invisible zipper at the back, and a lovely flare that made it look effortlessly chic. I imagined how beautiful it would look on me. Without a second thought, I crossed the road and walked into the shop, excited to try it on.

But excitement quickly turned to disappointment. The dress was too small. I tried pulling and adjusting it, hoping it would magically fit, but it was no use. I was heartbroken! I had already envisioned how I would style it, picturing myself looking classy and confident, only to have reality crush my hopes.

While I was still lamenting my bad luck, the seller pulled out a different dress, it was a navy blue after-dress. The moment I laid my eyes on it, I figured It was exactly the kind of after-dress I would like to include in my wardrobe: a soft, stretchy fabric, long sleeves, a delicate floral design subtly woven into the material, and just three simple buttons. Even better, the navy blue shade complemented almost all my jeans and several of my bright-colored tops.

Long sleeved	soft	and simple

I eagerly tried it on, and to my delight, it was a perfect fit! The fabric hugged my body in all the right places, and it felt incredibly comfortable. I could already tell this would become my go-to outfit for casual days. The original price was $7, but after some good-natured bargaining, the seller agreed to let me have it for $5—a fair deal, considering the quality.

Feeling satisfied with my find, I took one last look around the shop before taking my leave. That’s when my eyes landed on the footwear section. A part of me thought, Why not? If the clothes here are so affordable, the shoes might be even better! So, I decided to check it out.

As I scanned the shelves, a beautiful pair of white Crocs stood out. They were the perfect balance of comfort and style—easy to wear, practical, and effortlessly chic. The best part? They had a two-in-one feature, meaning I could wear them as both sandals and slippers. Honestly, I was instantly sold!

However, when I tried them on, there was one tiny problem: they were slightly big. For a moment, I hesitated. Should I get them, or should I let them go like the black chiffon dress? But unlike the dress, these Crocs were still wearable, even if they were a little loose. Plus, they were the only pair available, and I just couldn’t resist!

White	simple	and chicky

The original price was $9.50, but after some negotiating, I managed to get them for $7.70. At that point, I felt like I had truly scored some amazing deals that day. Do you know that the best finds are the ones you never planned for? Yes! And I love how unplanned it was. I rarely go out with the intention of shopping for clothes, shoes, or accessories. Instead, I keep a mental list of things I need but don’t urgently require. That way, whenever I unexpectedly come across a thrift shop, I check to see if anything matches my list.

This strategy has helped me build a wardrobe filled with unique, high-quality pieces at unbeatable prices. While many people chase after trends, I prefer timeless, well-made outfits that I know will last for years. That navy blue after-dress has since become one of my favorite pieces. I wear it all the time, and no matter how often I wash it, it still looks as good as new.

All images are mine.

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