Ok - this photo isn't a thrift store. it's my room. But you get the point.
This is a post I've been thinking about doing since I started my blog almost three months ago.
I know a lot of people are skeptical of thrift/charity shops but I want to change that! I think you can find the best pieces at the fraction of the cost of the normal retailer.
And I've got a few tips for finding them!
1.
Don’t
go in with expectations
My first piece of advice is –
Don’t go in with expectations. That is the whole fun of going to thrift store!
You never know what you are going to come out with. I’ve come out with scarves,
shoes, mugs, home décor, and so much more! You really have no idea what you are
going to find so keep your mind open to all the possibilities!
2.
Be
patient
Chances are if you are looking for
a specific piece of clothing or accessory and you go back often, it will
eventually be there! I know Goodwill puts out new items almost daily so it’s
always a new adventure if I go frequently. It might take you a long time to
find what you’re looking for but you won’t be spending much once you do! Something
I’m currently looking for is a Suede jacket and I’m determined!
3.
Familiarize
yourself with good brands / Look for Vintage!
This somewhat contradicts my first
point but go in knowing what brands are worth buying. I’m not saying don’t pick
up something originally from Forever 21 or H&M but just make sure it’s in
good quality. I have a forever 21 button-down that I’ve had for years that I thrifted and it is still
holding up fine! But overall, I try and look for pieces I know will last a long
time – J.crew, madewell, topshop, the
loft, etc. I’ve found some really nice J.crew sweaters and designer finds at
thrift stores. You just really have to search for them! I’ve also found higher
end items that didn’t end up working for me but I’ve sold them on Vinted for a
lot more! I also try and keep an eye out for good vintage pieces as well.
4.
Try
on everything
If you’re skeptical about trying
it on, do it anyway! You never know what something might look like on you as
opposed to the hanger. I have been pleasantly surprised by a lot of the pieces
I thought wouldn’t work because it looked too big or weird on the hanger. I
spend far too long in the dressing room but it’s worth it.
5.
Take
your time.
Whenever I go into a thrift store,
I always give myself a few hours. I try and go through almost all the racks
(including the boys and men’s) because you never know what you might find. I
also try on so many pieces so it can take a while!
6.
Find
out when the sales are
Thrift stores/Charity Shops are
already really cheap. But I have started only going when they have 50% off
days. (my favorite thrift store has one every Monday!) Normally stores have
certain tags 50% that day but I would ask a sales associate when they have
bigger sales. It’s worth it!
7.
Check
out multiple stores
I tend to go to my favorite thrift
store once a week on 50% off day but I also like to check out other stores in
case there are some other hidden gems! There normally are.
8.
Inspect
the clothing before you buy!
I can’t tell you how many times
I’ve gone into a thrift shop, found something I loved, gotten in line to buy it
and realized there is a hole or big stain and end up not picking it up! Thrift
stores, unlike consignment shops, take everything. So, you want to inspect the
clothing really closely before you pick it up for any flaws, excessive
piling/wear or anything like that. I did buy a shirt once that was missing a
button and was able to replace it really easily but that is the only time I’ve
really taken that chance.
I hope these tips helped! Let me know what you think in the comments down below!
