Behind every great outfit is a story. Sometimes, the fashion tale is simple: You were in your favorite shop and that skirt just called your name. But occasionally, you find the perfect piece in the most unexpected place — like when you come across the exact type of shirt you've been looking for in the box of clothes your friend was going to throw away, or when you stumble upon a beautiful dress, literally, in a tree (true story!).

Let the 17 tales of discovery ahead inspire you to look beyond your go-to haunts when it comes to shopping for new items. Click on to read about some of the weirdest and most random places people have found the pieces of their dreams (along with some similar options you can get for yourself), and let us know in the comments below: Where's your favorite item from?