My favorite and most-worn item in my closet is a pair of the Alexander Wang “Kori” ankle boots. I wear them everywhere. Between party-hopping on frat row, to professional meetings with teachers and peers, and travels across North America, these shoes have been through it all with me. They match everything; and the gold-plated detailing on the heel give them an extra special layer to a rather dull outfit. In the short while that I have owned them, I’ve already taken them to a cobbler to keep them in tip-top shape.
Alexander Wang is one of the most prominent designers of the 21st century, with notable clientele including Kendall Jenner and Cara Delevigne. The Kori boots normally retail at around $520.00, but my friend found these shoes for me—tags and all—in mint condition at a Goodwill in the middle of Nowheresville, Virginia for $9.
I bring to you my favorite way to shop for clothes: second-hand stores. I can honestly say that about 80% of my closet and room décor have been purchased in the form of resale. Whether it was at a local Goodwill like my friend or a high-end vintage boutique in DC or New York, my favorite pieces of clothing are the ones I bought from consignment. Over the past 5 years, I have curated an eclectic wardrobe that is uniquely mine, and hasn’t broken the bank. I’ve found great brand-name pieces when thrifting, even some designer gems not including my Alexander Wang booties. In this article, I am going to share with you Thrifting 101.
Why Thrifting?
Thrifting is the best way to shop for a myriad of reasons:
You’re a Broke, But You’re Stylish—First off, if you’re in college, chances are you’re broke as hell—and chances are, you’re smarter than Carrie Bradshaw and actually care about having a good credit score. Instead of stretching your bank account thin, you can shop at thrift and consignment stores and find items exactly like the ones at brand name shops for half the price at the same quality.
Fashion Repeats Itself —This year, we’ve seen so many eras of fashion reemerge for a second act: slinky 90s slip dresses and chokers, 70s block-heeled boots and flared jeans. Right now, it is very easy to find these items at thrift stores. Why waste money buying things that have already been manufactured? Technically, this counts as buying the originals anyways, so you're look will be twice as cool.
Thrill of the hunt—I find joy in shopping just as much as the next person, but for some reason, thrifting is always a more exciting adventure. With thrifting, you never know what you are going to find. There’s no definite inventory, so you can find completely unique items that no one else owns. Some of my favorite pieces were surprises that I never thought I would end up getting, yet I wear these clothing items on a regular basis.
Environmentally sustainable—the fashion industry has a large carbon footprint in the world. From powering large factories to the use of synthetic materials, the waste generated from brands like Forever 21 and H&M are enough to pollute and destroy communities across the globe. When you buy from resale shops, not only are you saving money and getting a one-of-a-kind item, but you’re helping save the planet!
Tips for Thrift
Timing is everything… but if its meant for you, it will still be there even until close.
I picked up this tip from a documentary on Iris Apfel, the 93 year old fashion icon of new York city. A lot of people think that going in when the resale location opens is the best strategy, but I believe this to be untrue. Let yourself sleep in and have a nice breakfast, because if the item spiritually has your name on it, it won’t matter what time you get there. Thrift Store USA is an incredibly popular thrift store in Norfolk, and has lines for the dressing rooms even on weekdays. I went at the busiest time of day, and walked out with something I had been wanting for ages: an oversized jean jacket. It even came with these jeweled buttons, and it was only $7. I was really surprised no one took it considering how popular this style of item is right now, but it must have been meant for me. Bottom line, thrifting shouldn’t be a chore that has a time stamp on it—go when you feel like it, and you’ll still find some great things to add to your closet.
Take some time to thrift on vacation.
When I plan weekend trips or go on family vacation, I always scope out independent consignment shops in the local area. Not only is it interesting to see what’s considered popular in different regions of the world, but you’re bound to find something one of a kind. Whilst in Orlando, a friend recommended a vintage shop next to a flea market where I found myself a Dolce & Gabbana metallic blazer for $40, with proper authentication documents still with it. In Washington DC, there’s a little consignment boutique behind Capitol Hill that I frequent. There, I’ve found classy yet intricate items like this Zara leather cut out a-line skirt for $10. In each area, there are great local consignment shops that hide the best things. Skip American Apparel and the outlet stores and go fuel the local economy (and your wonderful wardrobe).
Know what you’re looking for, but expect the unexpected.
Sometimes I go in knowing exactly what I want, but find an amazing item that I bring home instead. I usually buy things based off of things I see on Tumblr, Instagram, or fashion retail sites like Zara. However, I go into some thrift stores and find an amazing item that I know I can’t pass up. I found this neon two-toned romper at Buffalo Exchange for $15 and it fits like a glove. Be spontaneous and try things that deviate from what you normally wear—you might surprise yourself!
Check frequently.
Thrift stores have new inventory every day, so go often. One day, I found nothing at the Goodwill next to William & Mary, but I went back 3 days later I found 8 items that have become staples. This black body-con dress with the pailette sequins was $7 and I wore it to four different events this year—both themed and un-themed parties. This lace Abercombie and Fitch tank top looks great with every item in my wardrobe; I wear it at least once a week.
Know the audience of the thrift store you’re in.
If you’re looking for high waisted shorts, chances are you won’t find that at a consignment shop marketed towards an older, more mature crowd. Knowing the type of person that your thrift store or consignment shop is marketed to can save you tons of time. I was looking for a pair of high waisted straight-legged jeans (the mom jean), so I went to places like Clothes Mentor where the age group wears that style more. I found these Talbot jeans, with the tags on, at an independent consignment shop in Williamsburg. They are one of my most worn pairs of jeans in my wardrobe! I wouldn’t have found these somewhere at Plato’s Closet, as they aren’t skinny jeans.
To haggle or not to haggle?
Only haggle at flea markets, and maybe at nice consignment shops. The prices at chain consignment and thrift stores are set. At flea markets, however, most people are just trying to get rid of their things, and are more than willing to go down in price. Flea markets are a great place to find vintage designer items.I found this vintage Christian Dior slip at a flea market and haggled the woman down to $12 because she just wanted her clothes gone.
The price is right… or wrong, you decide.
Resale shops, like any other business, are trying to make a profit. Some retail stores can be really pricey and have different prices on items depending on how each stores value them. For example, at Goodwill, winter, fur coats cost around $33, while at other consignment boutiques, they can be far more expensive. Depending on how much you value fur type/ real or faux/ label or no label, it might be a great investment to buy a fur coat at a small boutique versus a chain thrift store. For a more personal example, I had been looking to buy a gold lame skirt for a long time. I tracked prices online, but nothing seemed to be lower than $60. I finally stumbled upon one at a consignment boutique for $20. I didn’t think I was going to find one anywhere else, so I bought this one up since I had been searching for one for so long.
Watch for sales and find the bargain bins.
Like other retailers, consignment shops and thrift stores have great deals and discount days for different groups of people. Various Goodwills across the US participate in a 50% day every other Saturday. Some thrift stores have color-coded tags that indicate reduced pricing after a certain date. Always check to see if your choice of resale location has special deals.It may not be perfect, but it could be.
If something is almost perfect but not quite, see if you can alter it! If the hemline is too long, cut it! If you don’t like the buttons, change them! If you don’t like the color, dye it if you have the skills to! DIY with thrift store items is a lot of fun, and you can make things exactly how you want them.
Worn makes it treasure, tattered makes it trash.
Sometimes things with a few tears or softer fabric can be even better than new things. With jeans, rips or faded jeans can give the item character. However, be mindful of the tears, where they’re placed, and whether or not they should be fixed. I also think that starchier fabrics that are a little worn in are great as well. However, any shirts with obviously missing embellishments, ripped fringe, or things with stains should be left on the rack.
Brand name doesn’t always matter.
This should be a no brainer, but if you like it, wear it. I ad been looking for a long slip like this for ages, but everywhere else was super pricey. I bought this for $4 on the Goodwill sale rack. It doesn't have tags, but it fits like a glove.
Bottom line: EXPRESS YOURSELF HOWEVER YOU WANT. That's the only true fashion rule.
