Recommended for you

Start writing a post

Lifestyle

11 Ways You Can Thrift Like a Pro, From A Girl Who Used To Work At Goodwill

I worked at Goodwill for two years, so I picked up some tricks and tips I wanted to finally share with you.

lexienehmer

Oct 03, 2018

University of Wisconsin Branch Schools

327

11 Ways You Can Thrift Like a Pro, From A Girl Who Used To Work At Goodwill

c1.staticflickr.com

90% of my wardrobe I've thrifted. From my few pairs of Vans and Doc Martens to Levis boyfriend jeans to my vintage Nike shirt with a Guess denim jacket thrown on. Nike, Adidas, Zara, Tommy Hilfiger, Free People, Lululemon, ECT... I've found it all through Goodwills, Salvation Army's, pay by the pound stores, Value Thrifts, so many fun, and cheap bargain centers. Here are some tips I've found helpful when going bargain shopping.

Visit Regularly and Around Holidays

Sometimes it is just luck, even though Goodwills put out over 1,000 items on a daily basis. Stop in when there's a bunch of rummage sales when the school year is just starting/just ended and before ANY holiday. If you ever need Christmas lights, candles, or any type of school necessity... you'll find them.

Make a List

I've been trying to manage my money, so I go into a thrift store with goals of what I need to find. In August, I dedicated a day to go to a few stores to find things for my new duplex. I found a nightstand, some picture frames, 2 mirrors, and a toaster oven! Sometimes I go in specifically for certain brands or things I need; if I don't find it, I don't buy it. When you're specifically dedicating your time into finding that one thing, you're most likely going to find it.

FAST TIPS (some centered towards my style, but do fit for every gender)

Here are some things on my goal list that I need to find/have crossed off for proof that there are some treasures hidden.

1. Look for pit stains on your items.

Giphy

PIT STAINS ARE GROSS!! Some stores don't look that closely to the item and sometimes miss weird stains and rips!

2. Shop in the kids section

Cropped shirts are always in style. This section will usually have some sick Adidas windbreakers and zip ups in size 14. Those Adidas/Nike snap pants you've been wanting from Urban Outfitters, but they're $80.... look in the kids section of athletic pants. FUN FACT: If you are a size 7/8 in women's shoes, you can fit into a size 6 kids.

3. OMG vintage

Light-wash Levis 501 in the mens section?? Wear a belt! Cut those bell bottom jeans into shorts!

4. Jackets are staples

c1.staticflickr.com

Doesn't even matter where you live to need a jacket, go look in the jackets for mens and womens, there are usually some jean jackets, faux fur coats, windbreakers, and bomber jackets. FOR CHEAP!

5. Quick fits

All thrifted!

Oversize t-shirts...with a logo... tucked into mom jeans.... a look. The mens section is definitely my savior. Look for button-up shirts as well. You can crop, tie, leave unbuttoned, wear as a dress... easy to dress up or down!

6. Accessorize

A $0.99 belt, staple item in a wardrobe. That's all. Get one.

7. Check the clearance

LOOK IN THESE PLACES FOR COSTUMES, WORK CLOTHES, BUSINESS UNIFORMS, TIES, BELTS... FOR SO MUCH CHEAPER!!!

8. Try it on

If it looks ugly on the hanger 1) it probably is 2) who cares 3) try it on anyways

9. Layer your outfit

If it looks ugly, layering items is always an option.

10. All about weird patterns

Thrifted shirt: Express // Shorts: Levi's

LOOK FOR STRIPES!!!!!! I don't know why, but a lot of bigger brands have stripes.

11. Have fun

Have fun with thrifting!!! Branch out on your style once in awhile

Other than Nike, Adidas, and Tommy Hilfiger, I have found my multiple (Canon) film cameras, 2 pairs of Lululemon leggings, every shade of Levi denim, 4 pairs of Doc Martens, 13 pairs of Vans, 2 denim jackets, Champion shirts/crewnecks, Zara cardigan,

What I have found difficult to find are Patagonia, charcoal grey denim, ANY designer brands, men's shoes, and red belts.

Report this Content

This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

Entertainment

25 Beatles Lyrics: Your Go-To Guide for Every Situation

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

SUNY Binghamton

46431

Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less

best beatles lyrics

Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College

111280

college students waiting in a long line in the hallway

StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

waitlisted

Recommended for you

11 Ways You Can Thrift Like a Pro, From A Girl Who Used To Work At Goodwill

I worked at Goodwill for two years, so I picked up some tricks and tips I wanted to finally share with you.

1. Look for pit stains on your items.

2. Shop in the kids section

3. OMG vintage

4. Jackets are staples

5. Quick fits

6. Accessorize

7. Check the clearance

8. Try it on

9. Layer your outfit

10. All about weird patterns

11. Have fun

Subscribe to our Newsletter

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

Trending Topics

Top Creators

Trending Stories

Best of Lifestyle

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments

Subscribe to our
Newsletter