If you’ve happened to come across my Instagram, you are probably familiar with my antics when it comes to thrift shopping, better known as thrifting. And if not, I’ll tell you first hand that I most definitely have a thrift shopping addiction. It’s a thrilling way to find amazing, often one of a kind pieces for virtually nothing – I mean, I once found a vintage Chanel skirt thrifting for $1. I shit you not. From time to time, I’ll have newbie friends ask me how I shop at thrift stores? But when it comes to thrifting it can be an all out sport of agility, technique, endurance and an eye of imagination. But let’s be clear America, thrift shopping is most definitely not for everyone. So, before I start sharing my favorite thrifting tips, tricks and spots, let’s deal with first things first. Is thrifting for you?
If You…
1. Have patience to look through tons of racks.
2. Can use your imagination to see a piece on a hanger and see what it can become rather than what it is.
3. Have a great tailor.
4. Don’t have a sensitive nose.
5. Enjoy shopping and/or bargain hunting.
6. Can have an understanding that you’re not always going to find something.
7. Have an eye for vintage clothing.
8. Get a thrill out of finding one of a kind pieces.
If you’ve answered yes to these questions then you’re a champ and thrifting is probably right up your alley. Thrifting takes time to single in on what you like and what’s going to look good on you. You have to have that imagination that going to take that size 24 gauzy long dress you think is too big into this dreamy oversized floor length dress that you’ve always wanted. That’s why in some instances with some of your finds, it’s important to have a good tailor that will take in your finds that are too big or too long or missing a button. Because the cost is usually so low, it’s just worth it to take your find to the tailor and make the piece into what you want it to be.
Some people with sensitive noses complain about the mothball smell of used/vintage clothes – but it doesn’t bother me and with one wash or trip to the dry cleaners that smell comes right out of your new find. And finally, if you want to start thrifting shopping for the first time, you’ve got to love to shop, period. So many people are interested in finding that cool piece but don’t have patience to look through ten racks of shit that you’re probably not going to like. But it’s all about that endurance to browse through to find that one piece that becomes your favorite thing in your closet and the thing you always get the most compliments on when you wear it.Thrifting takes a little bit of imagination and a good amount of elbow grease, but in the end it’s all worth that thrill of the hunt!
What are some things that you love about thrifting? Or are you a thrifting newbie that has no idea where to begin? Leave a comment below to share your thrifting loves and woes.