Thrift Store Threads: Couples couture, fashion fearful symmetry – Worcester Mag

Worcester Magazine receives stories from individuals, but also couples, sharing their experiences of shopping and styling together.

Perfect pairing

“So excited!” Carol Parker of Worcester wrote to share the fashion finds for herself and her husband, Dennis, reflecting their personal style, and favorite labels.

Dennis founds two LL Bean shirts, in a condition like new, for $12.99 at Savers in Worcester, where Carol found a Talbots blouse, also like new, for $7.99.

Their luck didn’t stop there. Carol found a pair of Talbots slacks, again like new, and also $7.99, at the thrift shop of the First Congregational Church in Holden.

Shopping for two can present twice the adventure, and twice the enjoyment.

With Valentine’s Day approaching, consider sharing stories and photos of you and your spouse, significant other, or life partner in magic and maybe a little mayhem.

Creature comforts

Animal patterns permeate our fashion world. Perhaps it’s something that dates back to humanity’s earliest artistic expression, with likenesses of birds and beasts painted on cave walls, a time when people saw animals and themselves as part of the same environment.

Also, humans like pattern, and we admire nature for creating it, even as it inspires awe, as poet William Blake wrote in his poem, “The Tyger.”

“What immortal hand or eye,/Could frame thy fearful symmetry?”

Clothing, shoes and accessories imitating the designs of leopard, cheetah, snake and zebra can be found in abundance at thrift stores, including a snake-patterned skirt I found for $4.79 at Savers in Worcester, along with an adorable top for a toddler, at $6.99.

More:Thrift Store Threads: Formal, casual, favorite designers, seekers’ stories

More:Artist Spotlight: Trevor Toney

I don’t even have a toddler, but there are a lot of kids in need, so the top will go to an organization such as St. Vincent de Paul, that helps families provide the basics.

Hopefully, to pass along the smile this top gave me.

A ‘tie’ is always a ‘win’

A necktie can serve as a statement with a personal touch. Worcester Magazine would like to feature photos of your favorite neckties from area thrift stores.

Do you wear them for business, formal wear, or everywhere? Tell us your story of where your fashion travels take you.

Tell us about your thrift store finds. Send your photos and stories, including the thrift store and prices of the items, to Margaret Smith, content editor, at msmith@wickedlocal.com.