Bang for your buck

As someone who spends their free time hanging upsidedown on a trapeze, rolling on the floor à la contemporary dance, twirling around a pole, staring at my toes in downward dog or dancing around with a hula hoop, I'm pretty hard on my aerobic wear. And after leaving behind a fair bit of it in France and Scotland when I moved back to Canada, I recently realized that I desperately needed some more active wear. I was a bit unsure where to go, since Lululemon was out of the question and I couldn't just drop into H&M for some cheap tank tops.

So while running errands in the neighbourhood a couple of weekends ago,  I decided to take a browse in the local Value Village, which is very handily located close to me on Queen East. I had been in a few times before to drop off unwanted clothes and household items into their donation bin, but I hadn't considered stopping in to take a look for myself.

I've only shopped at Value Village a handful of times in my life. When I worked at the Canadian Diabetes Association in London, we used to get a 50% discount since a big chunk of the organization's profits came from a donation agreement through Value Village (as do a number of charities), so I took advantage of that little perk now and then.

The second-hand chain is definitely grittier in terms of shopping experience, and it requires time and patience, something I don't always have a lot of. I much prefer carefully curated boutiques than stores with a ton of stock (one reason I've never been a big fan of Winners). I just get too overwhelmed when I have to comb through rack upon rack of fashion faux-pas, hunting for a small glimmer of gold in a sea of shite.

My expectations weren't too high as I began sorting through crammed racks of tanks, tees and cardigans, but I was happily surprised when I came across a few tops that were not only exactly what I was looking for, but they were in great condition, brand-name labels and CHEAP! Perhaps this wouldn't be so bad after all...

I walked out with three tank tops, one long sleeved tee, a cardigan, and my head held high - all for for less than $40!

(Yogis - don't judge me on the triangle!)

I probably won't be making frequent trips to Value Village, but at least I know where to go for all my workout wear and basics needs! $4 for an American Apparel tank? Who cares if it gets destroyed!

One of the best parts of the whole deal (apart from the fact that it IS a deal), is that your purchases and donations directly support community initiatives and local non-profit organizations. Cheap clothes AND good karma? Win-win!

THE DETAILS:
All gently used second-hand!
Labels: 

1. Long-sleeve green cotton tee - Joe Fresh
2. Grey ribbed racerback tank - American Apparel
3. Red(ish) spandex tank - no label
4. Grey cardigan - H&M
5. Cream modal tank (under cardigan) - Banana Republic