Wednesday, July 7

Don't like thrift stores?

It's because you probably don't realize how easy they are to shop. I've had a lot of people tell me how awesome It is that I manage to find such great stuff at second hand shops, and that they'd rather not have to "dig" to find quality clothes amongst heaps of crap! Well let me tell you, second hand shops can actually offer a lot as far as fashion goes. I LOVE pairing new with old, and vintage with designer. I also love not spending a ton on clothes. I have a few tips to make the piles of crap seem not so crappy!

1. Think outside the box. I've found the most amazing silk, ruffly tops and vintage blazers in the old lady section. Old ladies can really have good taste, and they usually take care of their clothes.
And you can always belt it or pin it to make it more snug.

2. Size doesn't matter. I shop in the men's, boys, and woman's section and have lots more luck that way. Since the clothes have probably been worn and laundered already, they might be shrunken, so If you're a size 6, don't forget to look through the size 7, 8, & 9's because chances are, you'll find sizes that fit! I found a jacket once that was super cheap but didn't fit, so I had it altered and it was totally worth it. Look at bigger sizes.

3. Have a list of things you'd like to find in your head. Like, I've been trying to find a blue blazer to wear with jean shorts. So when I stop by the thrift store, I check out the coats, then I comb the little boy's coats too since I'm petite and can usually find great button ups and jackets in the BOY'S section. ALSO, don't forget the men's SMALL racks too. I've found some of my favorite flannel shirts to wear with tights in the men's section.

4. Know when the sales are coming up. Most thrift stores will give you as much as 20% off if you make a donation, so leave a little bag of stuff you don't want in your trunk to save you some money.

5. Vintage sizes are different than regular sizes. So a woman's "12" in a vintage skirt is closer to an actual size "2" or "4". I probably have every size up to a size 12 in my closet. Don't look as sizes. You'd be surprised what fits. 

6. It never hurts to talk the teller down on a price if you think you can. I've saved a lot of money doing this....I might look cheap but it's worth it to save a few bucks.


A few of my favorite thrifty purchases: purple and red hounds tooth skirt, gray suspenders, high waisted shorts, and yellow old lady top. All pieces were purchased for less than $5. Can't beat that. 

{What is the best thrifty-treasure you've come across?}

15 comments:

  1. Yep! I agree, I love thrifting and you really got to be open minded and look! I've found amazing pencil skirts in the old lady section that I pair with a cute tank top and everyone asks me where I got it! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Where do you thrift at? Your fave spots? I've been craving to go downtown to check out the thrifts there on Main Street.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Goodwill and Savers are my two favs. There is a Goodwill by my house that ALWAYS has awesome skirts, jeans, and trousers.

    ReplyDelete
  4. You have an amazing eye! I often walk right on by clothes like these in the thrift store and don't see the amazing potential they have! I need to go thrifting with you one day!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the yellow top with the floral skirt. So feminine and pretty. I used to thrift shop often but I haven't in years. I have however gotten really into concienment (surely spelled wrong) stores for my kids. It feels like free shopping because I always am bringing stuff in and have an ongoing credit.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Tracy Noble07 July, 2010

    both yellow outfits are my fav!!! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  7. You're the thrifty queen! Thanks for the tips!!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. oh my gosh! you are amazing. you are gorgeous with incredible style. i love your finds! thanks for the tips girl!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thrift shopping is so much fun and so satisfying. Where else can you spend $20 and come home with bags full of awesome stuff?! Thanks for the tips!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I LOVE thrift stores but there are no good ones around here... :-/ I need you to be my fashion stylist because while I like to think I have good taste when it comes to clothing, it's putting outfits together that cause me anguish! Aaah! You rock everything you wear!

    ReplyDelete
  11. holy moly good finds!! i love getting good deals :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. These are so helpful! I buy vintage home items all the time, but rarely clothing. I'm going to have to give it a try!

    xx Katie

    ReplyDelete
  13. all the thrift stores around here are always picked bare and, believe it or not, over priced!! my sister discovered last week though that by driving just 45 minutes up the road to a small town the thrift stores were over flowing with cheap finds! i can't wait until i have a chance to go check them out.

    you always inspire me to go look when you post your outfits. so cute...and my goodness i cannot wait to get myself back into some high wasted shorts! LOVE THEM!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love all of these looks. I need to start thrifting.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I should just hire you to thrift shop for me. Such cute finds.

    ReplyDelete