Ever wondered how your vintage-obsessed friend always finds the cutest things just by shopping at thrift stores? Can't figure out why every time you go thrifting, you end up with a big pile of novelty items and mom jeans? Read on for my top tips on finding your next major thrift score.
1. Go Often
I like to go thrifting as often as I can. Sure, I’ll frequently come back empty handed and the whole thing will seem like a wasted trip but other times I’ll come back grinning from ear to ear with things spilling out over my arms. It’s important not to let yourself get disheartened when you don’t find anything and to just keep going back. This is probably the most important thing to remember with thrifting!
2. Get Out of Town
Don’t just haunt your local charity shops, go further afield and explore places you haven’t been to before. Going to new thrift shops helps to keep things interesting and you might stumble upon a hidden gem. So far I’ve found that the best charity shops are to be found in those smallish villages that only have a handful of shops, most of which are independent or charity shops. Usually these places will harbour a lot of good vintage pieces (let’s not go into the reason why!) and you can also get a good pub lunch before you go home. Sorted!
3. Consider Alterations
Don't abandon that pristine vintage cocktail dress simply because it's a size too big. Maybe you love the color and cut of that blouse, but the sleeves are obnoxiously puffy. For the measley $3 you're spending, it would be worth it to take it to a tailor. You'll be surprised with how excited you'll be about that piece once it is exacted to your specifications.
Get creative! I thrifted this teal velour nightgown for $3 and altered it to be a mind-blowing cocktail dress just by lopping of the sleeves and a few feet of hem.
4. Shop Off-Season
Think ahead and shop for summer items in winter. You’ll find the best deals and have a better selection to pick through.
5. Wear Your “Thrifting Uniform”
Be prepared for long fitting room lines (or possible lack of fitting rooms) by wearing something that is comfortable and easy to try things on over. I like leggings, tee-shirt style dresses, and slip-on flats. If you’re not wearing socks, at least slip a pair in your bag for trying on shoes. Not doing so might be characterized as gross.
If you know your body measurements, you can take an even easier route and throw a flexible sewing tape in your bag for taking measurements right there at the racks.
6. Know Your Fabrics
Sometimes it’s difficult to look at things properly when the clothes rail is bulging and all the garments are crammed together. This is especially troublesome if, like me, you’re vertically challenged and the rail is high up. In this situation I’ll often just thumb through the fabric I can get at and this way I can usually tell which pieces are worth getting up on my tip toes for. When thrifting, it’s a useful skill to be able to tell what a fabric is just by holding it in your hand. If that sounds impossible to you now, don’t worry, it’s something you get a feel for (pun intended) after going thrifting for so long. I’ve found many a silk blouse this way when I might otherwise have passed them by.
7. Gravitate Toward Thrift Shops That Are Off the Beaten Path
Thrift stores in areas with a high population of hip college students will obviously be more picked over and pricey. Look for thrift stores near ritzy retirement communities and small settlement towns.
8. Check Every Section
I’m talking menswear, childrens wear, home wares, all of it. Even if men’s clothes aren’t to your taste, sometimes you’ll find nice leather belts in the men’s section, and if you’re looking for a leather satchel (the holy grail of thrift), then often this is where they’re kept in charity shops. If you’re petite then sometimes you’ll be able to get away with buying things from the kids section, I’m thinking more 13-14-15 year old blazers and coats here.
9. Keep an Open Mind
There’s nothing wrong with going thrifting with something particular in mind, in fact a little focus is a good thing and will probably prevent you from returning home with bags full of unwanted junk (again, a mistake I have made many a time). However, try not to get too hopped up on finding that one particular item because then you’re likely to start missing other things. This kind of ties in with the last tip: be sure to check every section and don’t just rush to get to the skirts/shoes/bags because the perfect dress/hat/blouse might get overlooked.
10. Go Thrifting Regularly, and on Off-Hours
If you don't go thrifting on a regular basis, you're just asking to miss all the good loot. Thrift stores get new stuff every day, so be vigilant. You can even inquire what days the "new" merchandise gets put out on the floor. Get there early and be met with a veritable treasure hunt.
in-part by: www.foxtailandfern.com
in part by: budgetstyle.about.com
No comments:
Post a Comment