A woman thought she'd found some gorgeous curtains or a bedspread when she was rooting at a charity shop, and was left gobsmacked at the gorgeous gown she'd managed to salvage10:28, 20 Aug 2026Charity shops are fantastic to browse as you never know what you're going to find. One person's trash is certainly another's treasure, so keep your eyes peeled.‌Always check the labels of things you're looking at before you dismiss them, and even get items you're unsure about authenticated, as one woman was recently gobsmacked to learn her £4.50 Chanel earrings were the real deal.‌You never know what hidden gems you may find – and a shopper called Stephanie learned this when she sifted through bins of discarded clothes at a charity shop recently.‌Some charity shops and vintage sales offer a service where you can pay by weight, and that's what Stephanie was rooting through when she came across an item by a brand called Fanciful Doll.Stephanie told Newsweek she was at Goodwill in Saint Paul, Minnesota, when she picked up some items for $10 (£7.33).On Instagram, she posted a video holding the dress, writing: "You literally never know what the thrift gods will bestow upon you".‌Content cannot be displayed without consentWhat's more, the gown fit her as though it had been custom-made for her, and was worth a whopping $1,030 (£755.56) new.The Ophelia Epic Romance Gown from Fanciful Doll is described as an "exquisite organza masterpiece, inspired by the tragic heroine of Shakespeare's immortal tale, flows with ruffled grace down to a sweeping, romantic train. Lush green hues and a dreamy floral print transport you to a verdant lake, where you'll feel like a true heroine of the stage".‌The designers also share: "This gown is a true work of art, a nostalgic couture masterpiece that will make you feel like a heroine from a bygone era. Whether you're attending a formal event or walking down the aisle, the Ophelia Epic Romance Gown will have all eyes on you".Some wondered why it had "gone to the bins and not the regular store" because it "looks in good condition," but Stephanie didn't care, as she was able to bag a serious bargain!The dark floral pattern initially made Stephanie think the item was a curtain. She wondered whether many others had made the same assumption, which was why it ended up in the bins you can root through rather than being hung up at a higher price to lure customers to purchase it.‌Initially, when she realised it was a dress, she thought it was a Selkie, because of the romantic style. But she discovered a whole new brand she'd never heard of, and gained a stunning dress.ReactionIn response to the viral post, one commenter gushed: "A fanciful doll dress at the Goodwill bins? Girl, I don't think you are ever going to top that in your life when it comes to thrifting, that is insane!"Another said: "Oh my god, I think I would wear it all day, every day, it’s absolutely gorgeous."Article continues belowHowever, some said that they "couldn't" root through bins at a charity shop because it makes them want to "vomit". But, if you do it, then you'll get stunning bargains like this!