Thrift store shopping has gone from an underground trend to a full-blown high fashion, staple resource. In fact, I rarely buy anything new these days. The obvious items such as underwear, certain pairs of shoes, and pajamas I only purchase new.
But by in large, everything I wear is purchased second hand from consignment or from a thrift store. I’ve been thrift store shopping since I was 14 years old. I’m a master at this.
“Thrifting” isn’t for everyone. It takes a lot of commitment, patience, and a sixth sense to find the find.
But if you can shift your thinking and follow these tips you can really score forever wardrobe pieces that will blow everyone’s mind!
What you need to know:
Vintage is anything that is at least 20 years old. So in order for an item to be truly vintage it has to be made no later than 1995. Yikes! I know what you’re thinking. Sounds like yesterday but in fact some choice items from the early and mid ’90’s are in high demand right now.
Antique is anything that is a minimum of 100 years old. So in our case 1915 and earlier is antique.
Used clothing is current and modern; made within the last few years. Much of what is found in thrift stores though is brand new with tags! So pay attention.
TIPS
- Don’t go hungry or thirsty.
- Don’t over hydrate. Not all thrift stores have bathrooms.
Holding it is the worst!
- Where comfortable, slip on shoes so you can easily try other items on such as pants and
other
shoes.
- Where a skirt if you can and a tank top. This makes trying clothing on super easy!
- Bring hand sanitizer. Thrift stores are not the cleanest places. Keep in mind not everything is washed before being put out on the sales floor.
- Give yourself at least an hour to decide if you’ve got the goods.
- Circle the perimeter first, checking accessories, shoes and furniture.
- Begin looking in the clothing section of the store where you’re most in need or interested.
- Scan the section first for anything that might jump out at you. Then literally go through every item.
Trust your gut reaction!
- Pull anything that might be a winner and put in your basket.
- Once you have everything you think might rule, begin examining each item for holes, stains, rips, smells, moth holes and anything else that might be odd or off putting. (I’m a fabric snob so I always look for all natural pure blends).
-
Put anything you don’t want on the “Return” rack.
- Now you can actually begin to try things on!
- Really think about what you would wear each garment with.
- How does this item fit into your current wardrobe?
- Does it need hemming, mending or dry cleaning? Don’t get it unless it’s a must.
- Is it too trendy? Will you actually wear it?
I always look for the highest quality in each and every item I choose. When you really examine the quality, you will end up with pieces that are worth 200 times what you paid for them!
As you can see, it takes a lot of work and skill to find the beautiful needles in the hay stack. If you’re more of a “cut-through-all-the-junk” kind of a person than you would love my shop. I do all of the work for you. It’s all curated for you. Hand picked! I even offer styling, personal shopping, and can create custom outfits for you from thrift store finds! Just contact me now!
Happy Hunting!
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