I did a 30 DAY Empty Suitcase Thrift Challenge, Plus Size || I went to Raleigh with no clothes

[@StephanieCanada]

I hope y'all enjoyed the adventure that was this thrift challenge! If you want to see how I made a dress in my hotel room, you can check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJa6mK2VaKp5qKM

[@mrcanada1104]

Does anyone else's partner decide to do an "Empty Suitcase" in the middle of the winter, instead of waiting for a warmer, averagely temperatured Spring or Summer day?!? No, just mine??? :D

[@mrcanada1104]

Additional comment - TOTALLY a fellow fan of Blue Ruffly Dress! :)

[@StephanieCanada]

yeah i didn't think of that til MUCH later....

[@elainebye9090]

😆 🤣 😂 😹

[@KarinVoll]

My bf's partner does this kind of thing too 😅

[@blktauna]

I think that black cardigan with the beaded yoke was awesome.

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much! I enjoy that one very much and have worn it a bunch since then!

[@zelphiaellerson6283]

What fun! I really liked the black sweater with the 'beaded collar'!

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much! It really was a winner! I am still wearing it all the time (well, ok, not so much in Florida summer...)

[@lajoyous1568]

I find there is little as depressing as a suitcase of clothes that are "your size" and "fit" but have nothing else going for them. Good on you for recognizing what doesn't work for you and getting rid of it. I keep saying that I'm going to try thrifting but the closest I get is a trip to Marshalls 🤣😂

[@DawnDavidson]

Hahaha. I accidentally did part of this once in TN. Bombed out of my house (in CA) in October, with a return date in November. I forgot to bring ANY coat with me! Ooooops. I went to a local thrift store, and scored 2 garments to tide me over. 1 a nice grey velveteen hoodie, and 1 a heavy sweater/light jacket in a bright blue. No actual coats available in my size. But hey, I didn’t freeze! And then I left at least one of them in TN so that would never happen again! Great job. And yes, the blue dress was great! EDIT: also, that B&W stripe number was FABULOUS!

[@ShannonLambert]

OK this was pretty fun. Also size 12 shoes are impossible - I wear an 11 and even those are rare to find thrifting. And yes, I'm in camp blue ruffly dress. It's a real winner!

[@StephanieCanada]

Yes, size 12's are just about impossible, even in normal shops! And yes, i think the blue dress is the clear winner.

[@SomersetSewist]

Watched LOADS of your videos and only just noticed I was not subscribed. I've obviously put that right. You are so beautifully chaotic, I'm mesmerised! It's rare to "meet" someone with the same approach to life and sewing as I have.

[@janisi9262]

Dang, you wear a size 12?! It must be really hard to find shoes that fit and look nice. That ruffly, blue dress has already been in several videos, so I knew that one was a win as soon as it came up! I'm kind of sad you didn't get the stripey one with the cowl neck: it looked really nice on you.

[@StephanieCanada]

Yes I sure do! AND yes, it is very hard to find good looking size 12's that don't cost a fortune.

[@marciac.9634]

Just great. Yes black pant outfit is the winner. Very classy!

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much!

[@atrifle8364]

I live in the Raleigh-Durham area. It was fun to watch you visit places I know. And yeah, I literally have no idea why the Goodwills here organize clothes by color. I don't really need a red shirt in so much that I need one that fits. It's really annoying. Other places don't.

[@StephanieCanada]

Oh my goodness! Thank you!!! So many of my friends think the color organization is useful, but i find it infuriating!!

[@egads4519]

@@StephanieCanada There's a thrift store I like that organizes by the type of clothing, then size, and then color within those categories, and this makes my anxious brain settle into a zen space.

[@arawilson]

Yeah the color organizing is bizarre but some Goodwill's have sizes within the color. Generally they are well organized and reasonably priced. I recommend the one on Garrett road, though it's not huge.

[@sarag1158]

the do that in San Mateo, California. But the Concord location, 35 miles away, is by size. Its like they're teasing you. Ohh! that's pretty! but its a size 0. moving on.

[@DawnDavidson]

Yeah, I hate the “by color” sorting, especially being plus size these days. It’s just so darned useless and frustrating. Wasn’t as bad when I was a size M-L. Terrible now.

[@kathymartin1805]

So glad you found Mission Thrift! There are like 4 of them and we love them.

[@gadgetgirl02]

Every time there's been a shot of you wearing that black cardigan with the beaded Peter Pan collar, I say, "I want that cardigan!!!" out loud. I want that cardigan. I'm going to have to either find a similar one or make my own .

[@lissalaliberte65]

I love that blue dress. It's a great color and style on you. ❤

[@stevezytveld6585]

I will live vicariously through you, because Ontario hasn't gotten around to letting second hand shops access to their change rooms. Le sigh. You scored. Well done. We're about the same size of 18-22, but I never have that degree of luck. Does it help to say I was stressing on your behalf? You found belts?!? My life has been so bereft of a belt that I actually took up leathercraft to rectify the situation. I will join the chorus that agrees that black sweater with the beaded collar is cute. Beads for the grocery store and the galas. And the blue dress is scrumptious. Mom jeans. Yeah. After a while, they just kind of make sense. Again, with Le Sigh... - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi

[@StephanieCanada]

Actually, I JUST made it into the window where they let folks try them on again. Because actually by the time I left they had shut them back down (in January that is). And yes, I was so shocked I found good leather belts while I was there!

[@stevezytveld6585]

@@StephanieCanada Whatever you did to appease The Thrift Gods, keep doing it. Two? Two belts in leather. At this rate I'm lucky if I find one a decade. Right now I'm literally sewing my first ever belt - linearly tooled vegetable tan black leather with a red lining ('cause I'm fancy). May everything be _safely_ opened soon. Lucky you caught the window when they were.

[@jeanmartin6410]

I really liked the plaid dress, but I understand why it might not have been a favorite.

[@eugeniasnyder8845]

I ❤that black sweater especially with the black jeans. ❤❤❤

[@DannyJane.]

Hi Stephanie! I just found you so I'll be saying hello on several videos. I've never thriifted in the Carolinas, but I hereby nominate Houston as the thrift capitol of America. In some places resellers are literally across the street from one another. Nearly every church of any size has its own thrift store (this is Texas, remember? The higher the hair the closer to God, football IS a religion, we-think-we're-still-cowboys Texas!!) I don't shop them as much as I used to (on account of I'm OLD) but have driven by and they're still going at it. I think I'm going to have fun here.

[@MariahnFulminate]

I really like the blue dress. I also really like your swoosh pants. They looked great on you. You could use them as a pattern if you snag them and use a better fabric.

[@michellecornum5856]

Worthy effort. I've always found thrifting to be either feast or famine.

[@StephanieCanada]

Same! and my personal fear was famine, where I would end up wearing all men's wear, which for me, isn't ideal.

[@cathyswope5174]

Fabulous video, you are crazy 🤣

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much!

[@Kornkitt3n]

hard agree on the polyester. once you start wearing only 100% cotton you cant go back, or genuine leather boots too!

[@fridayschild19]

Like you, the blue ruffle dress with leggings is a real winner! Great find!

[@StephanieCanada]

It is the absolute winner!

[@crystilmurch5659]

This was so fun! And also surprisingly not insanely expensive.

[@sherrylemay2134]

I’ve always talked about doing this. Glad to see it in reality

[@LizH-fs3ky]

What a fun video to watch. I’m originally from the Durham and it was great to see Mission Thrift in a video. Thanks for the video and the idea. My husband accidentally left his suitcase at home in Canada the last time we travelled down to Durham and we ended up doing the same challenge accidentally.

[@cyankirkpatrick5194]

Oh a kindred spirit yeah 🙄😜🤯😎😁, No wonder I think you're fun 😊 don't worry I like your work.

[@TheEconWoman]

Excellent challenge! Very entertaining and I count this as a success.

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much! It was shockingly more stressful than i figured it would be. I am glad you enjoyed it.

[@karenkellyingram7362]

Favorite is the blue ruffle dress!!🌸💜

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much!

[@barbaraferron7994]

I entered a thrifted Easter Outfit contest for a local (Boston) live TV show in the 1970's. I couldn't find a single thing in my size so I bought two dresses and combined them into one.

[@DawnDavidson]

I did that to make a dress for Dickens Fair once. Top from one maroon formal gown (skirt too narrow), bottom from a different one (nice full skirt, but the bodice was dreadful). Wore that (as a customer, NOT a performer! Would NOT have passed costume!) for several seasons. Ya gotta do what ya gotta do!

[@davidanglin5495]

Plenty of shops in that are with items for you, BUT again not Open Sunday and some not Monday. Try Thrift2gift, Mission Thrift and Dorsca.

[@StephanieCanada]

Yeah, that was why I had to bring even what I did have. I have never heard of Dorsca, next time!!

[@BURZZA3G]

I liked the black dress with the black tights.. very flattering on you!

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much!!!

[@erinrabideau3691]

Love this video! That blue dress is amazing on you!

[@oldeuropeanfashionmagazines]

This sounded like a lot of fun, trouble and effort. I love the blue dress at the end. the ruffles and color are so cute.

[@StephanieCanada]

Thanks! It was actually far more stressful than I anticipated.

[@cometkatt]

favorite is the black jeans and black sweater :)

[@Mommamacnz]

What a fun challenge that was. The next time I go away I may just have to try this. I love that blue ruffly dress it suits you amazingly. Good score on the tights.

[@StephanieCanada]

it was freeing and at the same time, VERY stressful! if you can stand the constant hunt (and laundry) then I say GO FOR IT!

[@sallyoakes7709]

just now seeing this. I'm the same size as you but you look way better in jeans! Anyway, I really liked a dress in the first try-on batch that you didn't buy. There was a panel dress with solid black on the sides and black and white chevron stripey pattern in the front (and I presume the back) that I thought looked really good on you. but I like what you chose - especially the cobalt dress with frills

[@johnettehaines6291]

The blue dress and black tights

[@carmenjudge1480]

You looked great in all of them! Really fun video, I loved it!

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much Carmen!

[@sarahtaylor4264]

I'm a good bit smaller than you and it took forever to find a decent white blouse. I'm talking new and thrifted. I looked online and finally found close enough at a Sam's club this week. I hate going new (and fast fashion), but I'm about to move 850ish miles and need to get my summer work wardrobe in order asap. You would think a basic wouldn't be like looking for Atlantis, but here we are. EDIT: Also, I swear to God good leather belts are a rare find. I finally gave up and went to Hank's per a recommendation. Expensive, but really good quality. They have a lot of vegetable-tanned options. I thought the women's section belts was disappointing. All really dainty and thin. Boring as hell designs. I bought from the heavyweight leather men's belt section and love them. The 1.5 inch belts fit fine in all my pant loops. I can also wear both at my natural waist if I want to. I am loyal for life.

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

This was so interesting, I also love the blue dress. I’ve gotten into weird elastic waist jeans recently… I think it’s just because it brings them closer to legging comfort

[@zeusathena26]

I think anyone could do this up to a size 24 in my opinion. Every thrift store seems to teeter out after that. 26+ is really hard to find. Even in a plus size thrift store. We have one about an hour away. I live rural, everything is! Lol 😂

[@StephanieCanada]

A plus size thrift ONLY! Amazing! I need to visit this place.

[@zeusathena26]

I got my wedding dress there. It was a formal attire, not officially a wedding dress. I loved it though, & I have an odd shape, & it was on clearance for $50. So a steal! You should do a road trip thrift store video! You'd probably find all kinds of things to love, & sell!

[@elyriahayashi7996]

Not in Sweden you couldn't... I'm amazed that 1) the American thrift stores are so big and 2) there is actually plus size clothing to find. I'd be lucky if I found one or two items that are big enough, and that would not be pretty stuff, just things that are actually big enough. I would love to buy more second hand clothing, but unfortunately, there is too little of it. Sadness.

[@zeusathena26]

@@elyriahayashi7996 yes, there's lots of thrift stores! Compared to European countries, our second hand clothing, & household items are amazing. Im sorry you don't have it. Every store has some plus size clothes. There's even second hand stores that are only plus size. It's where i found my wedding dress. Im sorry you don't have as much choice. What do people do when they can no longer use a garment? Throw it away? I know we buy, & throw away/donate more clothes than most people in other countries.

[@elyriahayashi7996]

@Zeus&Athena There's a lot less plus size clothing available to begin with in the stores in general, so finding nice stuff at all in my size is a challenge. It's starting to get better slowly, but it's still a struggle. I guess us few plus sizers use the clothing for longer, until it's no longer usable? And also, the total population of Sweden is 10,5 million, so there's that. 😉 Second hand is really popular, but with less people comes smaller stores.

[@seaboe1muffinchucker]

That chevron dress at the first store looked really good on you. I assume you didn't buy it because of fit, but the style was great.

[@DawnDavidson]

I saw it in her packing video, I think. That was my favorite too!

[@dees3179]

Brilliant challenge. Used to love Kristen doing this. I don’t think most thrift stores where I am have places to try on. Some have little curtains but they are normally full of junk. Would make a big difference being able to try on.

[@aimeevanlandingham3844]

I literally have never been in a hotel that had a guest laundry, only laundry that the employees do. That would be awesome.

[@susangridley8354]

Fun and entertaining as usual, Ms. Stephanie. 😁

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much!

[@adgvtb]

So happy to see your videos again! This was a awesome take on this concept and as always you inspire me to get up and do things! Can’t wait for the next video

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much, you are too kind!

[@miriamjames4140]

I am amazed by this! Well done and I am fully team blue ruffly dress!!

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much Miriam! And that was my favorite item too!

[@Eloraurora]

For some reason KZbin is refusing to show me the visual part of your video (except in the teeny tiny scrolling thumbnail) so I can't comment on the look of anything. Props to you for attempting this going from Florida to cold, though. I definitely would've cheated on hosiery, because socks and tights are not something I typically find in thrift stores at all, let alone in a full size range.

[@StephanieCanada]

That happens to me too sometimes. I just reload the page and it tends to work.

[@grandy2875]

I'm with you Elora, tights/leggings are definitely hosiery (nods head vigorously to emphasize point ...) for mine, they are akin to long johns so therefore most definitely count as undies... you need as many layers as possible, especially when the temps drop into single/low double digits, regardless of whether it's a C or an F after the number... my favourite winter look is thick tights or leggings tucked into uggies, with a bulky, 12 ply, hand knitted over sized jumper...is very toasty... ;)

[@gayezimhuycke]

Ooh. I’m going to try this!

[@AdventuresInLife2012]

Yes, agree on the blue dress!

[@StephanieCanada]

Thanks! I too, think it is the clear winner!

[@sarag1158]

i feel like thrift stores are either getting better or... fashion really is too fast. Everything looks great on you! That blue dress is gorgeous!! I would've grabbed it too

[@StephanieCanada]

It could be either! But thank you for the compliment.

[@elainebye9090]

I did like this video; it was fun! I really liked that black cardigan with the white and black collar on you.

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much Elaine!

[@ladyduffield]

So fun, and inspiring! I haven't been thrifting in 2 years since, well, you know ... March 2020! I need to get out and go again!

[@StephanieCanada]

Thanks! I enjoyed the challenge for sure! I hope you get out thrifting again soon.

[@TheMiss1928]

This was so awesome! Brava!!!

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you!

[@KatieRae_AmidCrisis]

This was fun. Kudos for rising to the challenge. Pretty sure this would be IM. POSSIBLE. in the UK, plus-size-wise.

[@helenw6594]

Ain't that the truth! And I was amazed at the sight of a charity shop/thrift store large enough to have *shopping trolleys*!

[@KatieRae_AmidCrisis]

@@helenw6594 I have such thrift envy, watching videos filmed in the US supersized versions of our modestly proportioned charity shops!

[@StephanieCanada]

Oh my goodness, don't tempt me with a good (but seriously stressful) time. The UK version would be sun fun!

[@KatieRae_AmidCrisis]

Come to the UK, @@StephanieCanada...!

[@kellysaderholm6741]

This is a fun video! Love the ruffly blue dress!

[@arawilson]

Okay, first, its rarely that cold around this area so you lucked out. The Research Triangle isn't the best thrifting zone, but it can be done & lots of my shirts are thrifted, though Southern men have constrained tastes. Durham's Trosa way up north is large. Goodwill is more vetted. Durham Rescue Mission is very large (the org is very Christian, and gets criticisms for its charity practices as an extension of that). If you come again, check out the Scrap Exchange, it's a great organization.

[@johannahayhtio8608]

Hi! Fun video and some great finds. I realky liked that blue ruffle dress, and that outfit with black jeans and black gardigan 😍

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much Johanna! Yes, those were my 3 favorites of the bunch too!

[@judytyler1870]

Loved this!

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you!

[@melusinenoArashi]

So after 2 videos, we do have the explanation about the making of the cape and the dress on a plane and a hotel room.

[@StephanieCanada]

I mean, yes sort of. Honestly, the only two that actually went together were the dress and the empty suitcase. Cape was just for fun and to see if i could.

[@TealCheetah]

I love the blue dress with the blue ruffle Do you sing opera??

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you! And no, I am an opera stage manager, not a singer.

[@DaphneAbernathy]

I thought the leaf pants with the sleeveless black tunic top looked great. Don’t know how practical that top would have been in the winter though. If you think 12 is hard to find, try finding 5 1/2s that are appropriate for a middle age woman who doesn’t wear stiletto heels. The world is not made for non-average shoe size people.

[@StephanieCanada]

It was a cute top, but the top was too small across the bust. However, it is linen and I bought it so I can adjust it. And yes, those of us with out of standard shoe sizes don't get much choice.

[@mrcanada1104]

Can confirm this. I wear a 9, but if it’s not at least a Wide, if not a Double Wide, I can nearly always count on getting blisters on my pinky toes.

[@sueb4368]

Love that black sweater with the sparkle yoke. And your blue dress with the ruffles. Just those two things were worth the whole shop. What did you make out of the yellow fabric? Curious minds want to know.

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much! Those are some of my favorites too. And the yellow fabric is a video coming soon... *side eye's a certain Bernadette banner video from 2021 of the pirate variety

[@lauralake7430]

I've never been in a thrift store where you could try on...I live in California. But maybe I go to the wrong places? I would loose my mind if I had to do this.

[@7arboreal]

Loved this idea! As an aside, are you allowed to take scissors on planes?

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you Annette! And yes, according to TSA for a domestic flight you can take small scissors with the blade no longer than 4". But you should always check your carrier to make sure that it is ok.

[@RamdomManeGenerator]

This is insane. I would literally have a heart attack if I went traveling with nothing but the clothes I’m wearing. And was suppose to randomly shop to get something. 🤭 🤣

[@PlasticBuddha88]

(Is exactly 2 minutes in) **SCREAMS IN RETIRED THEATRE TECHIE**

[@PlasticBuddha88]

This was incredibly entertaining.

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much! I am so glad you enjoyed it!

[@RebeccaTreeseed]

I went on a 2 week trip and the airline disappeared my luggage. I did pick up thrift clothing for the trip.

[@juliemcleod1119]

So wished we had big thrift stores, here in the UK, we have many but tiny and some very musty (mothballs) But i have come out with many curtains (2 trunks worth and counting) , that one day i will (honest) turn into wearable things !! 😊😊

[@StephanieCanada]

Yeah curtain wardrobe!!! You can do it.

[@michaelaalderman2880]

What do you do for work generally? Are you in costume design like Bernadette was for theater? :D

[@cyankirkpatrick5194]

Try finding size 11 same as 12.

[@StephanieCanada]

yup! nightmares....

[@cyankirkpatrick5194]

@@StephanieCanada agreed try the shoe stores they're excuse they're the first the go 🙄🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏿‍♂️🤦🤦🏼‍♀️ yeah right 😜

[@BeverleyButterfly]

You are so much braver than me I’d be too scared that I’d find nothing and have to be naked the whole time… nobody wants to see that xx

[@hidenoriinoue4285]

I had NO IDEA! You looked AMAZING literally everyday!!

[@shdwstrm]

You have sooo much better luck finding plus size thrifted clothing. Whenever I look it’s a big old zero!!!! Or if I do… it’s hideous!!! lol!!!

[@StephanieCanada]

Honestly, that was my distinct fear. i got VERY lucky!

[@CBridges-r4r]

So thrifting is changing. With the online app style taking over the local stores in my area all closed. Nearest is 100 miles away. I transitioned to the online and apps but find they are getting picky. So there is a void for where to donate for those who don’t want to just sell a few items. In my research into these trends many folks liked the early online thrift days because there are size inclusive deserts out there. And folks who need those sizes could find them fora while. So while I think this challenge was humorous it has limitations depending on size and location. But what is the point of it? Is it more sustainable to locally buy and bring home clothes that you may already have good enough at home? In Japan they loan you a wardrobe at your destination. This way the clothes never fly and airline save gas thus less pollution. I like your sewing content but glad you survived.

[@DarkandStormyNight01]

Nope, I want to know how many times you find a Size-4 in women's shoes, lol! (seriously)

[@cyankirkpatrick5194]

Can't you vacuum seal some of these prior the trip, I can't bring myself to wear leggings, Everytime I try I get the vision of my big sister wearing them before they became popular she's skinny but if you'd seen what I did you'd wouldn't wear them either.🤦

[@GarageSaleMonster]

"that's all" lol. still 2 bags of stuff! go with no bags next time. that would be a good video

[@laurenlaker]

Day 9 Miss Frizzle Has An Emo Day

[@StephanieCanada]

This is now and forever my vibe... thank you for putting words to it!

[@jillshahrak8957]

Thrift stores in Raleigh aren’t the greatest.

[@grandmaisback6052]

I'm sorry how is it thrifty to buy everything instead of taking things? It would have been a better challenge if you had simply taken a minimal wardrobe and proven you could do the month with just those clothes and not spend/waste money on things you didnt need to buy. .

[@StephanieCanada]

I didn't really say it was thrifty, I said it looked like a hot mess and I wanted to try. Plus, over the course of 2020 et al, I have gained inches in places and lots of my clothes don't fit anymore. So actually, a lot of what I bought is going into my standard rotation.