Cheap Thrill

All thrift store shoppers have stories of finding that one incredible bargain - a designer piece at a dirt cheap price, a beautiful vintage item in immaculate condition, or just an incredibly flattering outfit for a couple of bucks.  It's the thrill of the hunt that keeps so many people going back to places like Goodwill, Value Village, flea markets, rummage sales, etc.  There is a little place in my neighbourhood called the May Court Shop, which is a consignment store run by volunteers, and the profits go towards breakfast programs for children.  On most days, the stock consists of primarily conservative styles from labels like Talbots, Eddie Bauer, Smart Set, etc. but occasionally, there will be an item that catches my eye, like this red spring coat....

The colour was great, the fit almost perfect (the sleeves were a little short), but the best part was...

Recognize the pattern in the lining?

Yep, the holy grail of trench coats.  Had it have been one of the traditional beige trench style, with a belt, I would not have been nearly as excited, and probably wouldn't have looked at it in the first place, but I was drawn to the orangey-red colour, and a simple, unadorned cut.  The coat itself was $15, it cost me $25 to get the sleeves let down, so a total of $40 for a Burberry, in beautiful condition.  It's the rare gem like this that makes the time and effort searching through racks and racks (or piles and piles) of stuff all worthwhile.