PSSSSSST.....the entire outfit above (from head to toe) was thrifted for about ten dollars.
GOLDEN NUGGETS: What I've learned from a lifetime of thrifting...
Jesus lacquered on to wood slabs…murderous porcelain clowns…three
hundred dollar designer hand bags and tons of fabulous dresses….these are
amongst the treasures too numerous to recant that I have encountered in a
lifetime of thrifting!
I’ve loved it all; from housewares to shoes. In my twenties,
I was notoriously kitschy—ridiculous vintage prints, wacky posters, shirts with
howling wolves. (Wait—that sounds like me in my thirties?) Well, it’s true. I’m
still drawn to the fascinating entertainment value of goofy paintings and loud
prints. I have, however, gotten much smarter about my thrifting as I’ve
matured, and today I’d like to share some of those lessons with you!
· Try it on. Admittedly—I almost NEVER do this with
dresses, because I just KNOW when they will/won’t fit me. That said, when it
comes to shirts, blazers, pants or shoes, it absolutely makes NO sense not to
try it on before buying. Nearly every thrift store I’ve ever been to has a
dressing room. Don’t be a wuss. Just do it. Three dollars wasted, even if it is
ONLY three dollar wasted, is…well, three dollars wasted.
·
Take time to dig. It’s why I find good stuff. People ask me
all the time, “HOW did you find that? UGH! I want to come shopping with you!”
“Well,” I tell them, “Come along next Saturday and wear comfortable shoes. Eat
a turkey sandwich beforehand and make sure you grab a strong cup of coffee on
the way.” J Perhaps I’m exaggerating a bit, but
FREQUENT and THOROUGH perusing is exactly how I find my items.
·
Don’t be afraid of a little grunge. Sometimes I hear my friends say that they
don’t care for stores that seem unorganized or dirty (this happens in the
thrift world quite often). I get it…I love things to be clean and aesthetically
pleasing as well. Yet, I’ve grown to appreciate the smell of a little grungy
rummage shop because what I smell when I enter is a DEAL. Pretty=markup on
prices. Deal with it!
·
Junk for Jesus. I’m actually not kidding! Regardless of
your spiritual beliefs, mission thrifts like St. Vincent De Paul’s, Rescue
Mission shops and ministry thrift stores are historically cheaper than
corporate or independently owned shops. Also, they are most likely not for
profit and their proceeds will go to noble causes like feeding those in need,
etc.
·
If it’s broken, leave it behind. If I had a nickel for every broken item or
artifact in disrepair I’ve “rescued” over the years…I could have paid for the
garbage bags I’ve used clearing them out of my house. Unless it’s an item with
patina or character that you love and will immediately find a niche on display
at your home…leave it. You’ll never get around to fixing it. Trust me—I know.
·
Talk to people. Talk to cashiers and other folks who are thrifting/hunting
to find out where their favorite digging
spots are. You will uncover some valuable insight, I promise!
· Ask about deals and don’t be afraid to negotiate. Learn to dicker and deal. Unless it is a
corporation (and even then you can sometimes negotiate), a little haggling can
go a long way. My favorite spots usually have great prices…but when I see
imperfections or an opportunity to reduce the price further, I take it! Gather
your guts and make a deal…you’ll feel all powerful and smart afterwards!
·
Ask when new items are put out. Many employees will let you know how their
inner system works (“We usually put new clothes out on Tuesdays”, etc.)
·
DO be a "brand whore". I won't often pay much for brand new
things because, well...I'm cheap. However, I'm no fool. I fully understand the
difference between a quality tailored jacket and a mass produced rag.
Do get to know quality brands and look for them. I own Vera
Wang, Kate Spade, Coach, Micheal Kors, etc....because I thrifted carefully
for those items. And I paid pennies.
· Bring your pictures, check your Pinterest
boards, mark your wish lists. Perusing secondhand with no goals is fun
and a great way to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon! However, if you are serious
about building a great collection of any kind (particularly a wardrobe) go
thrifting with GOALS in mind. Example: “I’m looking for a black blazer, short
skirt with print, and a pair of nude heels”. My thrift shopping experience got much
smarter when I limited
most of my purchases to “wish list” items. Otherwise,
I found that I was notorious for coming home with repeat items that I ALREADY
HAD IN MY CLOSET. Oh—you’re nodding your head now, right? Mmmhmmm.
Hope you've found these thrifting tips
helpful! Don’t forget that if you live in the West Michigan area and you’d like
a personal shopping trip and consultation, I’m giving one away with a makeoverand other prizes as a precursor to the awesome Thrift Trick Fashion Show and Clothes Drive in Muskegon, Michigan on December 8th, 2012!
