My $20 Thrifting Challenge Begins

There’s something truly magical about finding a treasure where others saw none. Maybe it’s a faded floral blouse tucked behind a row of fast fashion castoffs, or a hand-stitched linen skirt that whispers stories from another era. For over 15 years, I’ve wandered through dusty thrift aisles, old estate sales, and vintage markets, and what began as a necessity turned into one of the greatest joys of my life.

As a young newlywed with a baby on my hip and not a penny to spare, I discovered the beauty of secondhand living. Thrifting wasn’t just about saving money—it became my way of expressing creativity, practicing sustainability, and embracing the old-fashioned charm that feeds my soul. And now, I want to invite you into the joy of it too.

The $20 Thrifting Challenge: A Return to Simple Delights

So here’s my heart behind this challenge: Let’s see if we can dress ourselves for just $20 a week. Not only is it fun, but it’s also an invitation to slow down, get creative, and rediscover the satisfaction of a well-made garment or a piece with real character. Whether you’re thrifting for necessity, curiosity, or the sheer thrill of the hunt, this challenge is about learning to live beautifully without spending a fortune.

Each week, I’ll share:

• What I found

• What I left behind

• How I styled it

• And what I learned—yes, even the mistakes (because goodness knows, I’ve made many!)

💛 I'd love for you to follow along on Instagram! In my stories, I’ll be sharing more behind-the-scenes moments, shopping days, real-time finds, and my best thrifting tips to help you become a secondhand style pro.

Why I’ve Thrifted for Over 15 Years

I thrift because I love stories. I thrift because I believe in honoring what already exists. I thrift because it reminds me of my roots—of my mama teaching me how to hem a dress and my grandma showing me how to remove stains with vinegar and sunshine. It’s not just about clothes; it’s about preserving beauty, stretching a dollar, and making do with grace.

Over the years, I’ve bought pieces I didn’t love, chased trends that didn’t suit me, and learned the hard way what fabrics last and what brands to leave behind. I’ve learned how to spot real quality, how to negotiate kindly, and how to resell pieces for 3x what I paid—all things I’ll be teaching you in this journey.

Will You Follow Along?

Each week, I’ll post my $20 finds right here on the blog and over on my socials. I’ll share how I piece things together, how to clean and restore items, and how to build a cottagecore wardrobe without draining your wallet. My hope is that you’ll be inspired to try it too—maybe even share your own $20 thrift hauls!

Let’s make this fun, creative, and full of grace. Whether you're building your dream closet, saving for something special, or just love the thrill of a good find, there’s a place for you here.

So... can you dress yourself for $20 a week? Let’s see what we can find.

Brooke

Hello Gorgeous Threads

---

Thrifting and Budgeting RSS

Welcome to my cozy corner of the internet! I’m Brooke, and I’m so thrilled you’re here. As a homeschool mom and a lover of all things Cottagecore, I’ve built a life that’s all about creating warmth, charm, and simplicity—and I can’t wait to share it with you!

Cottagecore, for me, is about slowing down and embracing the beauty of intentional living—finding joy in baking fresh bread, tending a garden, or savoring a quiet moment with a cup of tea by a sunny window. It’s about blending the rustic charm of Cottagecore with the refined elegance of French Country style to create a life that feels both beautiful and attainable.

One of my greatest passions is curating unique, timeless treasures that reflect this way of life. Whether it’s a vintage find, a sustainable piece, or a handmade item with a story to tell, I love sharing these special discoveries with you. And now, you can shop these carefully chosen pieces right here! Each item is selected with love, bringing charm, sustainability, and elegance into your home and wardrobe.

This little community of like-minded women makes everything even sweeter. I’m so excited to connect, inspire, and celebrate the magic of Cottagecore together. Thank you for stopping by—it means the world to me. Let’s embrace a simpler, more beautiful life, one lovely find at a time!