Part 3: Thrift Your Way to the Top
While thrifting has come to be a chic pastime for many, it still has negative connotations for some. In my line of work, I hear these frustrations all the time:
"The inside looks so depressing."
"The clothes smell funky."
"I hear people talk about all the deals they find, but I can NEVER find deals like that..."
The thing about secondhand style, is that it requires patience and thinking outside the box. Unlike department store shopping, where you are wowed by rack after rack of crisp clothing; a thrift store is sometimes a hit or miss.
Keep in mind that at a retail store, you pay for the environment, as well as for the clothes. You're paying for the lighting, design, and even the smell of a store, when you purchase that $100 pair of jeans.
While some people will always prefer to pay for the environment, I would encourage those with limited budgets, to gain an open mind about the secondhand store experience. If you can make the time, you will find so many new inexpensive additions for your wardrobe, at secondhand stores.
Let's get started...
Thrifting DOs and DON'TS:
DO Have a game plan- Now that you've figured out Your Style, use Pinterest to figure out what items you'll need for your fabulous new wardrobe. Divide these items into two lists, Needs and Wants. The items on the Need List (i.e. wardrobe staples) are the items you should make a point to look for first. The Want list, should be for trends that aren't imperative to your style, but are FUN. *The following staples will be different, depending on your personal style. Use the following as a loose reference.
See my Savvy Kat list of wardrobe staples, for reference:
DON'T Dress Frumpy or Uncomfortable When Shopping- Forget that hoodie, ragged t-shirt, or any kind of unflattering mom uniform. Instead, slip on something comfy, but chic, like leggings or a casual dress. And wear makeup! Even a minimal amount of makeup will help, so you don't feel like a gremlin, under the harsh lighting of the dressing room.
DO Know Your Mood- Studies have shown that people make impulse purchases, when they are feeling insecure (Dressing well can help to boost your mood). Counteract your bad mood (Or fear of shopping) by planning rewards for yourself, throughout your shopping day. Typically, I start my shopping time with the reward of Starbucks, so that my introverted self doesn't chicken out and go home.
Don't Only Bring Only Credit Cards- Cash is important. While thrift stores accept credit cards, paying with cash can be easier. For instance, if I only bring $30 cash, I only spend that money. An obvious, but helpful trick.
DO Know Your Area- Most people don't consider that merchandise from chain thrift stores are dispersed across many stores but the designer finds are likely to stay on the shelf a little longer in a more affluent neighborhood or less populated towns and suburbs. If you shop in a lower income area, you'll come across more retro styles from '70s, '80s, and '90s. This is helpful to consider, when deciding if you want retro pieces, or designer labels.
DON'T Go Off Looks Only…Rather than only considering a piece because of it's look, FEEL the fabric as well. Only buy synthetic fabrics if it's a trendy piece (Since the fabric may not hold up longer than 6 months). Look for natural fibers such as silk, cotton and wool for those wardrobe staples (The long-term pieces of your wardrobe). These fabrics are less likely to start pilling and fraying.
DO Reevaluate Before Purchasing- Good thrifters hold on to their money for truly special items and know that cheap is not always good. Once you’ve tried everything on in your shopping cart, and know what you’re going to purchase, reevaluate one more time to be absolutely sure. I usually try to figure out 3 ways that I would wear or use the item, with what I currently own.
Gabe's
- Good for all wardrobe staples,activewear, and accessories.
- Recommended for all ages.
- (Find a store near you..http://www.mygabes.com/store-locator/)
- Good for wardrobe staples, office-wear, special events, and accessories.
- Recommended for ages mid-20s-100.
- (Find a store near you..http://www.clothesmentor.com/store-locator/)
- Good for trendy pieces, wardrobe staples, activewear, and accessories.
- A "Fashion Forecast" for trending pieces this season, as well as what to expect at your local Plato's Closet locations, on their website.
- Recommended for ages 12-21.
- (Find a store near you..http://www.platoscloset.com)
Style Encore- Female specific
- Name-brand pieces, wardrobe staples, and accessories.
- A "Fashion Forecast" for trending pieces this season, as well as what to expect at your local Style Encore locations, on their website.
- A style blog on their website, to help customers match their wardrobe pieces.
- Recommended for ages 20-100
- (Find a store near you..http://www.style-encore.com/locations)
- Vintage pieces, costume pieces, and casual wear.
- Recommended for all ages
- (Find a store near you..http://www.salvationarmyusa.org)
- Vintage pieces, costume pieces, classic sweaters, and casual wear.
- Recommended for all ages
- (Find a store near you..http://www.goodwill.org)
Other sites for inspirations:
- Score the Best Times and Seasons to Buy Clothes
- Purchase a Kindle copy of the thrift store tips and tricks in Looking Fly on a Dime
- Get pumped while reading about The Blogger who spends ONLY $200 on clothes per year!
- Look through Thrifty Outfits for Inspiration!
