I became addicted to thrift shopping three years ago; now, about 50 percent of my wardrobe is thrifted clothing and I couldn't be happier. Nothing makes me more giddy than hearing someone say "Oh my gosh that's such a cute [insert article of clothing or jewelry]. Where did you get it?" and I can eagerly respond with, "Thanks! I thrifted it!" Trust me, if I could put "thrifting" under special skills on my resume, I would. People expect thrift store finds to be holey, smelly, stained flannels, tie-dye shirts or mom jeans, but really that's not the case at all. Thrift stores are a treasure trove of hidden gems for those of us brave enough to venture and have vision for these forsaken items. Here's advice for beginning thrifters from a seasoned veteran:
1. Be open to what you'll find:
Every time I’ve walked into a thrift store with an item on my thrifting bucket list, I never end up finding it. Three years later, I still haven’t discovered a pair of army green skinny jeans in my size with no bedazzling. That’s why it’s important to keep your eyes and mind open. Don’t just look in a specific section, look ALL OVER THE STORE. I mean everywhere.
2. Never trust the sizes.
This may seem counter-intuitive to finding clothing that actually fits, but trust me, the fitting room is your best friend at a thrift store. Women’s sizes from store to store are rarely the same, thus it’s important to realize that from decade to decade, sizes are bound to change as well. Here’s a pro-tip: When trying on pants, wrap the waistline of the pants around your neck, if it closes it will fit, if it doesn’t then most likely it will be too tight.
3. Take a risk.
Most thrift stores will have the majority of their inventory priced around or below $5, and as low as 50 cents if you come on a sale day. So take a fashion risk and buy that jean jacket and pull it off like a rock star. Chances are even if you wear it only as few times, you’ll still make your money’s worth on it (and you can donate it back for someone else to enjoy)
4. If there is a stain...it may never come out.
Don’t end up like Lady Macbeth and wondering why that curious stain won’t come out of your newest thrift find. Sometimes it’s best to give the clothing up the thrift gods knowing no amount of bleach will lift that stain. (And frankly no one wants to know how it got there anyway).
5. Transformations are possible.
If you’re the crafty type and have some extra time and supplies on hand you may be able to transform that questionable floor length grandma floral button up dress into a cute skater skirt. Another important factor to consider besides having vision for a piece is whether all of the time and effort is worth the end result. Sure you could spend $20 on a thrifted skirt, sewing supplies and half a day to trying to fix its hemline, or you could go to an outlet store and find a similar skirt for half the price and an ounce of the effort. Options to consider.
6. Think outside of the box.
Turn a button up shirt into a cute skater skirt. Cut two shirt in half and sew opposite halves together for a cool mix and match tee. Cover a denim jacket in old pins and badges. Take an old picture frame, fill it with florist foam and fake flowers and hang it on your wall as a framed bouquet. Use kitschy travel mugs as planters for your growing collection of small cacti. The possibilities are endless.
7. Thrift store are more than just clothes.
Who says you even need to buy clothes at the thrift store? There are tons of home goods and jewelry and accessories, as well. So maybe thrifted clothing still gives you the heebie-jeebies, but maybe you’re into clip on earrings. Go to the thrift store. Maybe you want to find some cool glassware but don’t a have million dollars to spend at Urban Outfitters or Pottery Barn. Go to the thrift store. Do you sense a theme?
8. Shoes are dangerous territory.
There’s more to thrifting shoes than just finding a pair of shoes that are in your size that you like (and getting over the thought of someone else’s feet having been in them). Always check the condition of the sole. If you can feel where a person’s toes have been, then don’t buy it.
9. Don't be afraid to leave empty-handed.
Although everything may be cheap and inexpensive, it doesn’t mean your efforts have been fruitless if you leave empty-handed. Some days the pickings are great and you’ll leave with arm loads of clothes, other days you’ll be lucky if you find a single thing worth trying on. Don’t give up. Thrifting isn’t going to be a onetime adventure; take your time and explore everything and be patient for when the new donations come in.
10. Recycle and give back.
Ashes to ashes dust to dust, from thrift finds to thrift donations, keep the cycle going! Take an inventory of all of your clothing and assess which pieces you don’t need, don’t want or just doesn’t fit anymore and donate them.
If that isn't enough to help you out, here are some YouTube thrifting queens to keep your style inspired!
Happy Thrifting!
