Photo by SqueakyMarmot
A while back I wrote the article How to Thrift Like a Pro. Since then I have had several requests to do a follow up, and share some more tips for successful thrifting.
Every time I go into a thrift store now I make myself stop and think about my actions, which sections I hit up first, what I look for, when I shop, and why I do all these things! With these tips I hope you can all go out and find your own dirt cheap treasures!
♥ Compile a mental list of things you are looking for, but don’t be too specific. If you know ahead of time that you want a cardigan and a floral dress, diving into these sections at the thrift store will be much easier. However, don’t feel disappointed if you don’t find them, just keep them on the list for your next trip.
♥ Read the tag before you buy. If you aren’t willing to make regular trips to a dry cleaner and you won’t do more than throw the item in the machine then only purchase items that don’t require special care.
♥ Don’t buy for nostalgia. Did you just happen to stumble across the My Little Pony lunch box you carried in first grade? Just because it brings back memories doesn’t mean you need to own it again.
♥ Look in all sections. In the men’s section look for shirts that fit through the shoulders. Sleeves can be altered or rolled up to make it look more feminine. Want some great fitted shirts? Scan the children’s section for some amazing tees.
♥ Get creative. See an amazing print on a long skirt that you would never wear? Turn it into a strapless dress. Throw a belt around the waist, and you are set to go!
♥ Look for lengths. If you have long arms, you can quickly scan the jacket isle for the sleeves that hang down further than the rest. Looking for things that stick out saves time, and is a very easy way to zone in on things that fit. Scan the pants, skirts, and even shirts for longer lengths.
♥ Peek beneath the racks. Clothes fall off hangers all day long, and depending on the amount of staff, may not get cleaned up until the end of the day. Who knows what treasure may have slipped off its hanger and is hiding under the rack and away from sight.
♥ Don’t be afraid to stalk an item. Did you see the most incredible vintage woven granny purse across the room, but weren’t able to scoop it up fast enough? Keep your eye on whoever picked it up and see if they put it back. I am one of those people that load my cart with tons of things then before I go to check out I put back about 75% of it.
♥ Look for items that are not only your size, but larger than your size as well. A lot of clothes can easily be taken in a size or two.
♥ Don’t shop on a Monday. Weekends by far are the busiest days and quickly get picked over by shoppers. By Monday morning the store has a very low selection. Wait a day or two while they restock the store.
♥ Go with an open mind and no expectations. If you don’t expect to find a dress like the one you saw in the pages of Vogue, and you do find it, won’t that be a happy little surprise?
Now– go, go, go! Get to your local thrift store and start finding those great deals. Then report back here and tell us all about them!
xoxo,
Cedar
Filed under: 
