Successful Thrift Shopping

To be successful at thrifting, please be aware:

1) Patience is key! You will have successful trip and not so successful trips...it is the nature of the beast.  Don't count on thrift stores for what you need right now..they are great to build your wardrobe and add some unique pieces to your closet.

2) Manage your expectations!  Again, don't expect to find high end designers...although you may find one or two on that rare occasion...don't expect it...you are setting yourself up for disappointment!

3) Look for quality not labels.  Too many times we get hung up on labels.  When thirfting, look for items that fit your style...not just a brand/label...pick items that are made of quality materials.  For example, I found a gorgeous bright pink 100% silk blouse at a local thrift store for $8...it was a brand I had not heard of, but the quality of the shirt is what I was most impressed with.

4) Know your thrift store (s).  The great thing about thrift stores (aside from the prices) is that if you do happen to have an unsuccessful trip, not to worry, because donations are coming in daily.  They are constantly filling the racks back up.  Ask to see when they put out new items.  Also, many thrift stores have days where I certain color tag is 50% off or on a certain day all clothing items are a certain percentage off.  Make sure to plan trips around those days.  Finally, don't limit yourself to just one thrift store...do some research and tackle a few and see what you can find. 

5) Know your area.  Location...Location..Location!  Its true for real estate and it can, more often than not, be true for thrifting.  When scouring some thrift stores, I quickly noticed that stores in "nicer" areas tended to have better quality items (and sometimes many great labels).  Don't assume that more affluent areas don't have thrift stores...THEY DO!  Try and target those!

Long gone are the days of thrift stores just being for your "ugly sweater party" or a Halloween costume. Before you turn your nose at making a thrift store part of your shopping rotation, take a trip and try it out!

I admit, that I didn't know what to expect when I first started thrifting, but after a few trips and finding things that I would would actually wear, and were stylish, and on trend, and of good quality....I was hooked.  And best of all, you normally don't have buyers remorse after buying shirts for $6! :) It is a budget-conscious, yet stylish girl's secret weapon!

Most importantly, while you are filling up your closet with great clothes and great savings, you are helping a worthy cause as the funds are allocated back into the community.  It is a win-win!
Enjoy! :)