There is much debate on thrift shopping and, to be honest, I wasn't a big fan until I got to college. The obsession developed when I started dating my boyfriend, who I consider an expert in the field. Here are a combination of our tips:
1. Choose your 'tude.
This is the first rule for a reason: no one wants to shop with a negative Nancy. Thrift shopping becomes about a million times more stressful when you're mopey or angry. Don't shop with someone who tells you not to buy that totally awesome grandpa sweater that you want to wear every day and not just to Ugly Sweater parties.
2. Remember that you aren't going to find an exact replica of that vintage sweater you saw "on sale" at Urban Outfitters for over $100.
You can come close, though. The one you get may be cuter, more worn-in and comfier. Like this totally awesome $2.90 ombre sweater that I got at St. Vincent de Paul's a few weeks ago.
3. Have mini reality check.
Ask yourself "Am I really going to wear this? Or am I buying it just because it looks cool?" It's a lot cheaper to do it thrifting than at the sales rack at Free People. Plus no one wants to waste money they could be spending on Taco Bell across the street. I like to think of three outfits an article of clothing would fit into before buying.
4. Double, no, TRIPLE check the price tag!
I know it's shady, but sometimes stores hide how much something actually costs. It's never a bad idea to ask an associate if you're confused.
5. Smell before you buy.
Smell checks aren't just for post-workout/pre-shower time. While most stores wash their clothes before hanging them up for sale, there are just some smells that will linger behind forever, whether it's those awesome pleather go-go boots or that couch that someone may have died on.
6. Just because they have it, doesn't mean you should buy it.
LIKE UNDERWEAR. Do us all a favor and buy brand new underwear, please. Please.
7. Bring someone along!
Would you buy a wedding dress without getting a second opinion? If you said yes, would you really, though? If something is questionable, make sure you ask your best mate! A good shopping partner will tell you everything looks great, but a great shopping partner will tell you that you'll never wear that floor-length Victorian-esque gown besides Halloween and that they definitely do not match with the pleather go-go boots.
8. However, if that floor-length Victorian-esque gown really tickles your fancy...
... and would totally look awesome as a sun dress with a few alterations, grab it! Take it to a tailor, your grandmother or try modernizing it yourself! Word of warning: alterations to a tailor can be expensive and you may make the wrong cut... be patient with it!
9. AND LAST, BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST: Don't forget to share the love!
Donate some of your clothes back! They may not be "vintage" or even "trendy", but how many times do we buy things we really don't need? Donate them to a thrift store so that your trash has the potential to be someone else's new favorite blouse. Hold the underwear.
