Thrift shopping can be the best and worst shopping experience in your life. You either find cool, trendy, unique and vintage pieces or you end up wasting your time shifting through clothes. I personally enjoy what I call the "hunt". Yes, while thrift shopping I feel like I am hunting for a rare animal! I always went to second hand stores as a child not because I wanted to but because my mom couldn't always afford new clothing. However it taught me that I could be dressed just as cool if not cooler than those who blew hundreds of dollars at the mall. Once I became an adult I went from going to Goodwill to going into second hand stores that sold higher end clothing. The method of finding perfect pieces was the same... I will forever be the huntress! Here are some key things to think about and do before you go on your thrift hunt.
1. See what you got!
Shop your own closet first. Do you have things that you never wear anymore? maybe to big or to small? If its in season BRING IT WITH YOU! Most thrift shops do not require a appointment and often you can do a total exchange for your old clothing. Personally I bring in my in season items and shop while the shop owner goes through them. She tells me how much I have to spend and I pick up a few newer pieces that I will actually wear.
2. Wear good shoes!
Wear some shoes that you can stand in. Wear clothes that you can change in and out of easy. Also wear clothes that you don't mind may get a little dirty. Some places such as Goodwill do not always wash things first even though they want donations to come in without stains this is not always the case.
3. Build relationships
The local second hand stores know me by name at this point. Having this bond allows me sneak peaks at things that they haven't put out yet or they get in touch with me when they get something in they know I will love. I also at times get extra discounts because they know me and I send them business. So always be kind to the shop owner! This is harder with bigger places such as Goodwill but its always important to be nice to people.
4. Be prepared to HUNT!
Going to thrift stores or consignments stores does require a lot of looking around. You sometimes can find something perfect right off and other times it takes some time to find something that is perfect for you! You also want to inspect the clothing for any holes, stains etc. Sometimes you can get an extra discount if its something you think you can repair yourself then I say go for it. You also want to try on clothing. This is something I don't always do but just because its cheaper doesn't mean you do not want to make sure it fits. I don't know how many 3.00 t-shirts I have gotten only to to home and realize I hate the way they look!
5. You may be disappointed.
Sometimes you will go out thrifting and not find a single thing that you like or fits rights. However this is still not a waste of time. You build a relationship with the shop owner and if you went through your own closet you'll get a credit to come back. There are times when I find nothing I am in love with but others where I find so much it knocks my socks off! That is the great things about this kind of shopping the inventory is ALWAYS CHANGING! So you could go every week and there will be something different.
Have fun and shop on!
XOXO
Samantha
1. See what you got!
Shop your own closet first. Do you have things that you never wear anymore? maybe to big or to small? If its in season BRING IT WITH YOU! Most thrift shops do not require a appointment and often you can do a total exchange for your old clothing. Personally I bring in my in season items and shop while the shop owner goes through them. She tells me how much I have to spend and I pick up a few newer pieces that I will actually wear.
2. Wear good shoes!
Wear some shoes that you can stand in. Wear clothes that you can change in and out of easy. Also wear clothes that you don't mind may get a little dirty. Some places such as Goodwill do not always wash things first even though they want donations to come in without stains this is not always the case.
3. Build relationships
The local second hand stores know me by name at this point. Having this bond allows me sneak peaks at things that they haven't put out yet or they get in touch with me when they get something in they know I will love. I also at times get extra discounts because they know me and I send them business. So always be kind to the shop owner! This is harder with bigger places such as Goodwill but its always important to be nice to people.
4. Be prepared to HUNT!
Going to thrift stores or consignments stores does require a lot of looking around. You sometimes can find something perfect right off and other times it takes some time to find something that is perfect for you! You also want to inspect the clothing for any holes, stains etc. Sometimes you can get an extra discount if its something you think you can repair yourself then I say go for it. You also want to try on clothing. This is something I don't always do but just because its cheaper doesn't mean you do not want to make sure it fits. I don't know how many 3.00 t-shirts I have gotten only to to home and realize I hate the way they look!
5. You may be disappointed.
Sometimes you will go out thrifting and not find a single thing that you like or fits rights. However this is still not a waste of time. You build a relationship with the shop owner and if you went through your own closet you'll get a credit to come back. There are times when I find nothing I am in love with but others where I find so much it knocks my socks off! That is the great things about this kind of shopping the inventory is ALWAYS CHANGING! So you could go every week and there will be something different.
Have fun and shop on!
XOXO
Samantha
Comments
Post a Comment