This time of year is definitely sad for me. Summer, my favorite season ever, is ending. The warm weather begins to fade into crisp mornings. Tank tops, shorts, and sandals are packed away to make room for cardigans, boots, and jackets. Most importantly, its the start of a new school year. Most evenings are spent on the couch planning curriculum.

Well, every cloud has its silver lining. At least I get to shop for some new clothes. Back to school shopping isn’t only for kids!

Since we just came back from a long vacation, it wouldn’t be responsible for me to spend lots of money. However, there are some things on my wishlist:

• Denim jacket. The only one I had was an ill-fitting gift from an ex-boyfriend that I recently gave away. I love denim jackets but its difficult to find the perfect fit.

• Tall brown leather boots. I still have my tan Kasia boots from Target that I bought last year. They’re cute but they’re a bit large on my calves. I’m a quest for boots that fit me well and have a heel to give me some height. Then perhaps I won’t be mistaken for a high school student by people I have worked with for 6 years.

• Black lace-up combat boots. Because YOLO.

•  A new winter coat. I’ve been wearing Melody’s hand-me-down coat for three years. Its got some tears in it and despite the new zipper I put in last winter, its seen better days.

• Wool vest. I am infatuated with vests, probably because I’m obsessed with Angela Chase. I have a cropped black one by Alice Temperley for Target but I have yet to find “The One.”

Love the vest and leather crossbody.

Anyway, enter a much needed shopping girl date with Helene. Before reconnecting with Helene (my high school buddy with whom I’d lost touch for ten years!) I never though I could shop successfully at thrift or consignment stores. Not because these types of stores don’t have nice clothing, but because I simply wasn’t stylish. Now that I have a friend to suggest and discuss pieces with, I absolutely love thrifting. Its like budget-friendly treasure hunting.

We had a two-hour window before Helene had class, so we decided to stay local and shop around in Park Slope and nearby Cobble Hill. We stopped at Housing Works, Beacon’s Closet, and the newly opened Buffalo Exchange.

Housing Works is usually better for housewares. Today, they had these awesome pot holders made of old sweaters and oven mitts made of denim jeans and Dockers for $2 each. They were so adorable but we didn’t need any of that so we passed. I also saw a navy blue Luxe dress for $25. Pretty, but more than I was looking to spend. So we left empty-handed.

Our next stop was Beacon’s Closet, which does not disappoint. There was so much cute stuff! I saw tons of stuff I liked, but restrained myself and walked out with wishlist stuff.

A fitted motorcycle-style denim jacket! This thing is super soft and fitted and I can wear a light sweater under it. The sleeves are a bit long but then again, all sleeves are long on me. I actually like having long sleeves sometimes because they keep my hands warm on chilly Fall nights.

The best part was of course the price: $13.95. Huzzah!

I also picked up this black fitted wool vest by Theory. This guy is in pristine condition and fits like a glove. Its appropriate for work, hanging out, and dates with ST. At long last, I have my fitted vest.

And of course, the price tag is the icing on the cake: $16.95.  I have no idea who would want to sell their Theory vest for $6 (35% of the selling price) but I thank you my friend.

I almost skipped out of the store after paying $30.90. Helene got an awesome gray tweed jumpsuit to wear during September Fashion Week for $15. It was new with tags and by Tucker for Target.

Our last stop was Buffalo Exchange. This store is relatively new and still smelled of fresh paint when we walked in. Its large, spacious and the staff are friendly. I saw lots of cute stuff – gray BDG jean leggings, Rock and Republic jeans for $12, tall Doc Martens for $75, a Coach leather bucket bag for $24, and a black patent leather Marc Jacobs tote for $88.50. I restrained myself while Helene walked out with a pretty and brand new cream chiffon top for $6.50.

What fun shopping adventures have you gotten yourself into lately?

Image sources: 1, 2.