i thrift on the regular. it's an addiction. i love the hunt- sifting through racks of clothing, honing my eye for neat housewares among the half-burnt candles and mugs that say 'florida'. it's way more rewarding to find a three dollar dress among the racks then to waltz into kohls and pay twenty bucks for something tons of other people have. (not to knock on kohls because, seriously, they've been killing it recently. lauren conrads line is out of control in the best possible way.)
i consider myself a semi-pro thrifter or at the very least and seriously experienced vet on the central pa thrift scene, and i therefore feel qualified to dish out my thrifting tips:
1. know what you're looking for. this could manifest itself in a lot of different ways. know what colors you're into, what types of fabric you like (pass on the poly-knits for this lady), and what styles you're into. i'll typically approach a row by going to the colors i want, then doing a feel test - literally running my hand along the clothes to see if anything catches my eye. or hand. you know what i mean. i also like to have a clear inspiration for what i'm shopping for. if i pick up an item, i think does this look like something that would be in the wardrobe of the pushing daisies cast? would anthropologie stock this? could i wear this to a summer party in new england circa 1970? that helps me to weed out anything i might just be attracted to because of the price tag and focus on building a cohesive wardrobe.
2. check for pit stains. maybe tiffany gave this tank top to goodwill because she sweat a little too much on the dance floor. check the pits before moving to the register.
3. think about what you already have. can you wear this top with bottom already in your wardrobe? or do you have to buy something else to go along with it? make sure it works.
4. totally inspect furniture. are there springs hanging out under the couch? is the fabric itchy? weird stains on the flip side of the cushions? do a little detective work.
5. if it makes your heart leap, buy it. it's not going to be there tomorrow and then you'll have heartbreaking dreams about that beautiful red vinyl top table with chrome details you left behind because you weren't sure about the logistics of getting it home. just buy it.
what are your personal rules for thrifting?
2. check for pit stains. maybe tiffany gave this tank top to goodwill because she sweat a little too much on the dance floor. check the pits before moving to the register.
3. think about what you already have. can you wear this top with bottom already in your wardrobe? or do you have to buy something else to go along with it? make sure it works.
4. totally inspect furniture. are there springs hanging out under the couch? is the fabric itchy? weird stains on the flip side of the cushions? do a little detective work.
5. if it makes your heart leap, buy it. it's not going to be there tomorrow and then you'll have heartbreaking dreams about that beautiful red vinyl top table with chrome details you left behind because you weren't sure about the logistics of getting it home. just buy it.
what are your personal rules for thrifting?
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