Popping Tags: Thrift Tips and Tricks

Hello my lovelies,

My friends often ask me how I find so many fun clothing pieces and accessories for so inexpensive. While being persistent, shopping clearance and leaving no department store untouched is part of it, I find my best deals at the thrift store! I know for some people buying other people’s "rejects" is considered gross, but you can find original pieces that no one else has for a fraction of mall prices. And the number of brand new items I find with the tags still attached is crazy!

Here are some of my tried and true thrifting tips!

Tip #1- Take your time

Unless you’re planning on going thrifting every single day (no judgment if you do =)), I recommend setting aside a good chunk of time for your trips. Poor clothing decisions get made when you're in a rush. Do thorough searches so you don't miss anything! Most stores are separated by type, so hit the sections that you know you’re interested in first. I normally start in the dresses and then make my way towards other areas. Housewares and media are normally on the end of my trip.

Tip #2- Bring a friend

(Now I should include a side-note here—bring an HONEST friend with you =) If they have a similar style to yours that’s an even bigger bonus!)

Changing room mirrors are never as flattering or as telling as “real life” and thrift store changing rooms are no exception. By shopping with another person you have double the eyes looking for treasures and another opinion in the changing room. It can be hard to tell if an item is stain/rip free or if it DOES make your bum look big when you're by yourself. Friends will laugh with you when you try on that one top that makes you look like a sausage, cheer with you when you find a fashion masterpiece, and promise to “borrow” at least one item of clothing that you find. =)

I generally go with one or two friends who are also deal-hunters and we take a “zone” defense approach. We spread out and choose pieces for both ourselves and each other. We can cover more ground than if we were by ourselves and we might end up trying something on that we wouldn’t have considered previously.

Tip #3- Wear a “blank canvas”

It’s important to try things on when you go shopping at thrift stores. I like to wear a “blank canvas” while I’m shopping so I can see how items are actually going to look in real life! Avoid jewelry that can get tangled in your hair or clothing and wear a purse that won’t get in the way (I use a cross body bag that leaves me hands-free for prime searching). Neon or strappy undergarments might be cute, but they’re going to be all you can see in the mirror when you try anything on. The same goes with super bulky layers. Women generally don’t want to look lumpy while trying things on, so leave the large sweaters at home! =) Poor purchase decisions happen when you think “well I could probably make this work”. Eliminate any confusion by wearing an outfit with basic pieces that you would generally wear on a regular basis. I like to wear a dark pair of jeans or leggings with a simple shirt and camisole.

Tip #4- Have a list, but don’t be afraid to stray from it

Walking into a thrift store with thousands of pieces can be overwhelming so I suggest having a “wish list” of pieces that you would be looking for in a general brick and mortar store. For example, on my current clothing wish list I have denim overalls, anything Kate Spade, flowy tops for work, long duster cardigans and maxi dresses. However, don’t expect to find everything (or even anything) on your list! Give yourself some wiggle room! Thrift stores are full of things you didn’t even know you needed =) Donations are generally “off-season” so your mental list needs to be flexible. You’ll find the best sweaters in the Spring (after Spring cleaning) and the best tank tops in cold weather months after people go back to school shopping etc.

Tip #5- If it catches your eye, try it on

Anyone who has ever shopped with me knows that this is my motto for resale shops. If it intrigues you enough to pull it off the rack and look at the fit/design, try it on! Even if it isn’t your normal look, you’ll never know it doesn’t work unless you try it on! No fashion regrets that way!

Tip #6- Ignore sizes

I can’t stress this enough. First, vintage and modern day clothing don’t have the same sizing, so a 12 in Vintage is actually more of a 6 in current sizing. You might miss out on great items because you are sure you can’t fit into them . Second, even modern clothing doesn’t run the same. A small in one brand might be a 4/6 or in another brand be a 2/4. And don’t get me started on pants. I’m convinced every single company that sells pants has a different sizing chart! Thirdly, clothing is often in the thrift store because someone washed it incorrectly and you get to benefit from their mistakes! Case in point? One of my recent thrift store finds was a beautiful bright orange $4 Banana Republic sweater in size XL. Now, I’m normally a small, but somebody goofed up and completely shrunk the sweater! No one but me has to know the original size of the item, but if it makes you feel better….cut the tag out!

Hope these tips will help you out the next time you decide to go thrifting!

xoxo,

Heidi Joy

“Consider it pure joy…”-James 1:2a, NIV