Find #16: Pima cotton top with paisley print

I adore the feel of pima cotton: it's smoother, stronger, and feels lovely when worn. This project has produced a closet full of sweaters, but I also need lighter tops, which are actually tougher to find at thrift stores. People seem to tire of sweaters after one winter, but they wear their plain cotton tops until they're threadbare. Taking into account that I'm looking not just for cotton but pima cotton, it's a pretty tall order.

So, with that in mind, here is Peruvian Connection's pima cotton top with paisley detail:

And here is what I found:

The original is 95% pima cotton and 5% lycra, and was made in Peru. My version is 100% pima cotton and was also made in Peru by J.Jill. The two tops do look quite different, mostly due to the contrasting lengths. But both have wide necklines, neutral colors, and paisley print. I paid only $2.49 for this top, and the original costs $59. Savings: 96%.

Find #15: Cabled alpaca topper

I've been looking for something similar to this for some time:

It's not quite a cardigan in it's own right, but not just a vest either. Perfect for layering in all seasons, it adds warmth without too much bulk. So, finally, I found this:

This version is closer to the vest end of the spectrum, and it's not quite as long as the original, but it is perfect for wearing over my thin merino sweaters. Peruvian Connection's version is 70% baby alpaca and 30% wool, while my version is made by Banana Republic and is a 40% alpaca, 40% cotton, 10% wool, and 10% nylon blend.

The original is $169, and my find was $6.99. This means I saved approximately 96%.

Third actual Peruvian Connection item

Another great day for the blog!

I've been on an even tighter budget lately, so I was getting concerned that the project wouldn't be as successful. I try not to spend more than $15/week at the thrift shop, which is usually enough for two large items and a few small ones. This week I came away with the leather jacket, a silver bangle, a wool hat, and...

This fantastic Peruvian Connection skirt:

This lovely item is 100% pima cotton, made in Peru. The detail is truly incredible, and even though there are some small imperfections from the previous owner, there is loads of wear left.

My new skirt is similar to this current Peruvian Connection offering:

This skirt is listed for $229, and I paid $6.99. This means I saved about 97%, and more importantly, I have a wonderful new addition to my growing Peruvian Connection collection.

Find #14: Fitted brown leather jacket

Here is Peruvian Connection's beautiful leather jacket:

And here is what I found at Goodwill:

It's true that these coats have their differences. PC's version is cropped and is constructed of a shinier leather, while my version is fitted more like a blazer with full-length sleeves. The leather is also more suede-like to the touch. The designer of my jacket is Valerie Stevens, and I paid $6.49. It might not be identical, but I saved about 98% of the original jacket's cost--a great result.

Find #13: Cotton 3/4 sleeve sweater

I've been looking for a pima cotton sweater with shorter sleeves, similar to this:

And this is what I found:

Both sweaters are pima cotton (although mine is 85% organic pima cotton and 15% silk), and both are handloomed in Peru. My version is from the 'Indigenous One Weave' brand, and I paid $6.99. Peruvian Connection's original costs $89, which means I saved approximately 92%.

Find #12: Leather courier bag

I have been pining after Peruvian Connection's leather courier bag. Here is a photo:

Leather bags are usually out of my price range, so I was thrilled to find this beauty:

My find is from Canadian brand M0851. It is made of buttery black leather, and looks almost brand new. The price was just $4.99 at Goodwill--much, much lower than the $399 price tag for the Peruvian Connection version. True, my find does not have the stitching around the flap, but otherwise they are nearly identical. Savings: 98.5%.

Find #11: Bolivian alpaca zip-down cardigan

Here is the fabulous Peruvian Connection version:

And here is what I found:

I'm the first one to admit that my version isn't as gloriously detailed as the Peruvian Connection version. But both sweaters were handloomed in Bolivia and are made of 100% alpaca--and mine was only $7.99. The original is $325, which means I saved approximately 97.5% by sacrificing detail. Plus, my version has a cozy hood.

Find #10: 100% Alpaca pullover sweater

I'm very pleased with this find. I can't believe the beautiful things that people get rid of--but their cast-offs are my gain!

Here is Peruvian Connection's alpaca pullover sweater:

And here is the beautiful sweater I found at the thrift store:

This sweater is 100% pure baby alpaca, made in Peru. There is a large cable pattern down the front, and a thicker knit at the sleeves, hem, and T-neckline. The designer is Alpaca 111. Peruvian Connection's sweater is $179, and my find was $7. My savings were about 96%--and the sweater is gorgeous!

Find #9: Curly knit scarf

Here is the original, which is fashioned out of kid mohair:

And here is what I found:

My find isn't as lovely quality as Peruvian Connection's version, but it is still 70% wool, 20% angora rabbit fur, and 10% nylon. The original costs $85, and my version was $2 at the thrift store. Not as soft--but a 97% savings!

Find #8: Wide-knit merino sweater

Here is the original Peruvian Connection sweater:

This gorgeous sweater is 70% alpaca and 30% merino wool, and costs $259. I love the length and the chunky knit, so this is my thrift store version:

The sweater is made of 100% fine Italian merino wool, and was designed by high-end brand Laundry by Shelli Segal. The material is exceptionally soft and warm, and I'll be able to wear this sweater as a coat on cold, dry days. I paid $7.99, but can't compare directly with the original because of the lack of alpaca fibers. This sweater would have been at least $150 dollars new, though, so I can confidently say I hit my 10% target.

Second actual Peruvian Connection item

Somebody in the West Hills of Portland keeps donating Peruvian Connection items to the Burnside Goodwill. While I certainly don't understand it, I do appreciate it! I found this cable-knit Peruvian Connection dress for $7.99. I don't know how much it cost originally, but I'm sure I spent less than 10%--and it's in excellent condition.

It is a burgundy knit dress made of 60% Pima cotton and 40% Tencel lyocell. The latter fabric is made from wood pulp and meant to give the dress some stretch. Here is a photo of me wearing it (I'll switch it out for a better one once I have someone to photograph me).

So, I put together a catalog-worthy ensemble for a grand total of $27.98. That's $7.99 for the dress, $9.99 for the leather Reiker boots, $8 for the silver necklace, and $2 for the leather belt. I'm now more motivated than ever to continue this experiment!

Find #7: Baby alpaca shawl

I paid more than I usually do for this beautiful shawl, but I think I managed to stay under my 10% goal. The shawl is 100% baby alpaca, made in Peru at the Condor Tips factory. The designer is Audrey Buckner.

I paid $8 for the shawl, and I couldn't find anything in the Peruvian Connection current catalog to compare it to. However, alpaca shawls seem to run about $125, so I saved approximately 93%. Not my best bargain--but a very lovely shawl to wear this winter.

Find #6: 100% Pima cotton sweater

This sweater might not compare directly with Peruvian Connection's current collection, but it is still gorgeously knit and of very high quality. The tag says it is 100% Pima cotton, made in Ireland. The designer is Deirde McGuire.

A quick Google search told me that sweaters from this designer usually cost $250 and up. I paid $7.99, which means I saved about 97%.