Saturday Goodwill Haul: I Found a $298 Theory Blazer for $11 (And 4 Other Steals)
Y'all. Y'ALL. I need to talk about what happened to me this Saturday because I am still not over it and it's been three days.
So you know how I always say the Goodwill on Piedmont in Buckhead is my spiritual home? Well, she did NOT disappoint this weekend. I walked in at 9:47 AM (yes, I timed it — more on why timing matters in a future post) and walked out at 11:15 AM with five pieces that would've cost me over $580 at retail.
I spent $38.47.
Let me say that again for the people in the back: THIRTY-EIGHT DOLLARS AND FORTY-SEVEN CENTS.
Tamara was with me and she literally grabbed my arm when I pulled that Theory blazer off the rack. We both screamed. The lady next to us in the blazer section gave us A Look but honestly I do not care because do you know what I was holding??
The Haul Breakdown
1. Theory Etiennette Blazer in Black — $10.99
Retail: $297.99 at Nordstrom
This is the one. THE one. If you know Theory, you know the Etiennette is their signature fitted blazer and it retails for basically three hundred dollars. Mine is a size 8 (Theory runs a touch big so it fits my size 10 self perfectly through the shoulders with a little room in the waist).
The fabric is this gorgeous stretch wool that doesn't wrinkle. I checked every seam — no pulls, no stains, no weird smells. The lining is fully intact. The buttons are all there. Someone donated this blazer and I need to send them a thank you card.
How it fits a size 10: Theory's Etiennette has a slightly nipped waist which is PERFECT for us curvy girls. It hits right at the hip so it doesn't ride up over your butt. I can button it comfortably over my chest which is not always a given with blazers at this price point.
2. Equipment Slim Signature Silk Shirt in Navy — $7.99
Retail: $230.00 at Saks
Equipment silk shirts are one of my holy grail thrift finds. They pop up more often than you'd think because rich women cycle through them fast. This one is the Slim Signature style in a deep navy — no stains (always check the armpits on silk, I'm serious), and the silk still has that beautiful drape.
Size medium fits like a dream. Tucked into high-waisted pants with that Theory blazer? I look like I make six figures. I do NOT make six figures. But nobody needs to know that.
3. Vintage Coach Leather Belt — $4.99
Retail: ~$128.00 (estimated, vintage)
This was hiding in the accessories section coiled up between two pleather nightmares. Solid brass buckle, genuine leather that's already beautifully broken in, and that classic Coach quality you can feel the second you pick it up. It's a medium which hits me perfectly at the waist for belt-over-blazer looks.
4. Zara Satin Midi Skirt in Emerald Green — $5.99
Retail: $45.90 at Zara
Ok this isn't designer but I don't care because this SKIRT. It's that satin slip-skirt style that's everywhere right now, in this rich emerald green that looks incredible against my skin tone. It has an elastic waist (bless) so the size medium fits my hips without gapping at the waist. No snags in the satin which is honestly a miracle for a thrifted satin piece.
5. J.Crew Cashmere Crewneck in Oatmeal — $8.49
Retail: $118.00 at J.Crew
Soft. So soft. I saw that little cashmere tag peeking out from the rack and I snatched it like my rent depended on it. It's a classic crewneck in oatmeal, size large (I like my sweaters a little oversized). Minor pilling under the arms that my $12 fabric shaver will handle in about 90 seconds.
The Final Damage
| Item | Retail Price | Thrift Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theory Etiennette Blazer | $297.99 | $10.99 | $287.00 |
| Equipment Silk Shirt | $230.00 | $7.99 | $222.01 |
| Vintage Coach Belt | ~$128.00 | $4.99 | $123.01 |
| Zara Satin Midi Skirt | $45.90 | $5.99 | $39.91 |
| J.Crew Cashmere Sweater | $118.00 | $8.49 | $109.51 |
| TOTAL | $819.89 | $38.45 | $781.44 |
(Tax brought it to $38.47 but who's counting at that point.)
Why Buckhead Goodwill Hits Different
I'm gonna keep saying this until everybody hears me: the neighborhood matters. The Goodwill on Piedmont Road in Buckhead gets donations from people who live in $2M condos and swap out their entire closet every season. That's why you find Theory blazers and Equipment silk shirts on a random Saturday.
Compare that to some of the locations further out where you're mostly gonna find fast fashion and worn-out basics. I love ALL Goodwills but if you're hunting for designer labels, you go where the money lives. Period.
I also hit this location specifically on Saturday mornings because they put out new stock Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. By Sunday the good stuff is picked over.
What I Passed On
Because part of being a smart thrifter is knowing when to say no:
- A gorgeous Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress that was a size 4. Pain.
- A Michael Kors bag that had some questionable staining on the interior lining. Not worth the risk.
- A pair of Stuart Weitzman boots that were stunning but had a cracked sole. Resoling would've cost more than they were worth.
This Week's Outfit Plan
Monday I'm wearing that Theory blazer with black skinny jeans and the Coach belt. Tuesday the Equipment shirt is getting tucked into my favorite wide-leg trousers. Wednesday through Friday I'll be rotating in the sweater and skirt.
Five new pieces. Four work outfits. Thirty-eight dollars.
That's the budget style life, baby. See y'all next Saturday.