Thrifting - a How To Guide

Since I’ve started my blog, I’ve had a lot of students talk to me about the brands I like and where to score deals. When I bring up the topic of thrift and consignment stores, I get one of two reactions:

A wrinkling of the nose, as if to say, “ew. Secondhand clothes are gross.”

Or

 “I’ve tried those places before, and I never find anything good.”

So, I decided to put together a little guide as to how I’ve found hidden treasures:

Just go. Shopping secondhand doesn’t make you cheap or poor. Instead, it’s environmentally friendly and philanthropic. So take pride in that. If you still feel awkward walking into Goodwill, start with a consignment shop. They tend to feature designer labels and newer pieces that cater towards a slightly different clientele. If your hesitant because you feel dirty in someone else’s clothes, you should read this article about which donations actually make it to the sales floor at Goodwill. Or this article about the cleanliness of your brand new clothes.

Sift through each item. Standard retailers have employees whose entire job centers merchandise presentation. It’s their responsibility to make sure that you can quickly scan their displays and find something that interests you. Merchandizing in thrift stores isn’t as sophisticated: it’s all based on sleeve length, color, and pattern. The last time I stopped by my local Salvation Army, I found a cute striped New York & Company button down next to a nubby Christmas turtleneck. Consignment take it a step further by sorting sizes, but you’ll still be forced to roll up your sleeves and dig a bit. 

Use your imagination. I found this red striped shirt at Trollinger Treasure, a thrift store in my hometown:

 I didn’t immediately love it, but I picked it up and carried it around for a while, just in case. By the time I finished my way around the store, I decided to take it. I couldn’t see it being the focal point of my outfits, but I realized it could be cute paired with items I already owned and loved. Like in this outfit with my red cardigan:

 

The focus is on my cardigan – my favorite piece of the ensemble, and the shirt just enhances the clean, preppy look and makes the color pop. So be creative when you’re sizing up thrift store finds. Your favorite outfit doesn’t necessarily consist of all your favorite pieces.  

Call your tailor. With prices under $5, I never think twice about springing for tailoring. My seamstress Tracy has helped me alter dresses down four sizes, turn A-line skirts into pencil skirts, and turn dresses into tank tops. Need some inspiration? Marisa Lynch at New Dress a Day alters oversized muumuus and other thrift store dresses into hipster-chic pieces. You can also work some magic on your own. I’m already planning on putting some statement buttons on a plain white shirt for my next project.

Know which repairs are salvageable. Let’s face it, thrift store clothes aren’t always in the best condition. Some problems can be easily fixed, while others aren’t worth the trouble. Just make sure you inspect your items:

·         Tears – ok if it’s at the seam, but not worth the trouble elsewhere.

·         Pilled fabric – hopeless.

·         Fading – easy. All you need is a bottle of dye.

·         Stains – leave it. Besides, yellow under arm stains are from bacteria. Gross.

·         Missing buttons – a DIY fix

·         Broken zipper – possible to fix, but zippers are expensive and you’ll need a tailor. 

Make a note of your good finds. Each thrift store has its own treasures. I go to an old lady consignment store for vintage jewelry and accessories and find more of my basics at stores like Plato’s Closet. Keeping track of my sources for past treasures saves you time the next time you’re on the hunt.

Hope it helps and happy thrifting!