Tips & Tricks.

Tips& Tricks.
Secrets of scavenging the second hand goodness.
Have you ever thought to yourself, UGH I don't know how they do it. How does she always find everything good? I can never find anything when I got to Thrift Stores. Nothing ever fits me. There's never anything good/trendy there, everything is always too big or doesn't fit right. I can never stay in there for more than half an hour.

How do you do it?! 

When I first enter a thrift store, I get really happy, excited, for the challenge that lays ahead and the treasures i am about to discover. Thats what its like, a treasure hunt. Im hooked. Im addicted.

When you first walk in to your thrift of choice, grab a buggy, get yourself situated, take your coat off and rest your purse down (these can get in the way if you try to shop while holding both).
It becomes an issue.
You become hot and sweaty and then you just don't enjoy your experience. So, best to just take extra precautions at the beginning.

Short & long sleeved blouses, look at the bottom of the shirts. Trust me.
Look for longer shirts, the shirts that are hanging out at the bottom.
Light in colour and delicate.
These are usually the nice chiffon blouses and it'll cut your time down in half for trying to find the 'good ones' 
**I will not usually buy a shirt for more than $7, unless its absolutely fabulous.

Dress Shirts - structure is key. look to the collar for this. Another thing that you can look for is buttons, if the buttons do not suite your style but the shirt itself does, buy some new buttons, or if the shirts are cheap buy a shirt with nice buttons and also the shirt that fits you right then do a little DIY ;)

Dresses- I almost do the same as I do for the shirts/blouses, look for longer ones, but I also search through all sizes, anything can be synched at the waist or crop at the knee. It just depends how you look at it.

Pants/Shorts - look at the appropriate size,
but always look in the section of a size smaller and a size larger.
Often, thrift stores do not correctly categorize their merchandise and will place a size 7 in a size 5 section. It makes for amazing finds.
Look at the pockets, good jeans have good pockets.
Be careful, you've got to make sure you're carefully examining the quality of the pants.
Most pants that are donated to thrift stores are on the brim of ripping and had their share of wear'n'tare.
But there are those pairs that are brand new and donated could've been donated because they were too big or too small, didn't like, never wore. Dig Deep!

Shoes - i look at the appropriate sizing for myself but i also will look at the size bigger or smaller. this is a pretty good rule to go by, for everything you're shopping for. I also look in the men's section. Does anyone recall those nice fancy shoes that are popular right now? those thin laced up leather dress shoes? Yup. Mens section, all day, everyday. They're there. Check it out.

Jewelry - You've got to dig deep here. Looking in the display case, if you see something you like, ask to look at it, both to check out the price but to also see if theres any alterations you could make to the necklace, a link you made need to take out of a watch, or if a ring just needs to be polished up with a good glob of tooth paste!

Hats - Dont buy these. No matter how chic. how trendy. how cheap. They may and probably do have lice and head cooties. yuk. 


Set aside at least 2 hours when going in to your thrift store.
if you are a true thrift shopper, do not fall in to the trap of 'oh i have ten minutes before work, i can stop in there and look around!'

I do have a small, very small confession.
I have followed people before because they were holding onto something they were contemplating if they wanted it. You will be able to see this and understand this when you shop as much as I do. 
One incident, someone had a sweater that i wanted.
Its sad Ive got to this point, but I will upload a picture of it later, its fabulous, is tightly knit, beige with dark brown elbow patches, and a high curved neck line around the back. Its fabulous.

Be Optimistic, you're not going to find anything if all you see is a huge building with cluttered aisles.

Be patient. Good things come to those who wait.

Prepare

Structure

Alteration

Length

Try everything on - no matter what.

Wash all purchases. (rubbing alcohol for jewelry)

Patience

Optimism 

After all is said and done,

You will probably need a coffee. 

Happy Thrifting! 

Eggshell Blue Ralph Lauren Dress Shirt: Value Village $5

Cranberry Sweater: Value Village $6

Beige Blazer: Value Village $8

Tights: Walmart $7

Combat Boots: Walmart: $35

RoseGold Watch: Value Village $7

Bow Ring: Aldo Accessories $12

Pearls: Value Village $3