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Thrifting Haul & Shopping Tips

October 12, 2012


I have been a  thrifter for quite some time and I have my mother to thank for that.  We have always shopped at Goodwill, Salvation Army, local vintage stores and second hand item stores.  As a teenager I thought it sucked… I wanted everything new and my own (and everything had to come from Abercrombie & Fitch).  Now I can appreciate the story behind vintage clothing or take someone else’s throw aways and re-purpose them in my closet. Sorry for my bratty teenage years mom, at least I can enjoy the thrill of thrifting with you now!

Lately, as I have almost completely halted my monthly shopping budget, I have been thrifiting more than ever (and justifying it as “okay” and separate from my typical shopping budget).  I wanted to share my finds in a video and share my tips with you! If you aren’t a video person… here are my tips in writing:

  • Shop at a variety of stores including Goodwill, Plato’s Closet, Salvation Army, Closet Mentor and other local vintage boutiques as well as online at Etsy and Ebay.  You never know what you’ll find or where you’ll find it! Be open to all of these places… I have found plenty of work appropriate things at Plato’s Closet even though it is more focused on teenagers and I have found less expensive items at local vintage stores even though some of the items in the store were very high in price.
  • Go thrifting with something specific in mind.  This isn’t always necessary, but having something in mind gives you a place to start looking and going through hanger by hanger.  Unlike shopping at your favorite store where everything screams buy me, you have to find the treasure at these types of stores.  For example, I usually start in the blazers at Goodwill by a specific color because I wear blazers all the time and even if I don’t find one in the color I’m looking for I may find another one I’ll wear a lot.
  • Take a friend or family member! Two sets of eyes are better than one! My newest vintage addition (the polka dot skirt) is something I originally saw and thought that my mom would like.  She tried it on and didn’t like it on her so suggested I tried it on, which I did, and fell in love immediately.  It helps you narrow in on things you would like and your shopping buddy may see something for you that you would never find on your own.
  • The official shopping rule in general: TRY THINGS ON! Of course, you can’t do this through Ebay or Esty, but in the store make sure things are worth the purchase.  I know it is a lot easier to say “screw it” when the price is so low to begin with, but the last thing you want to do is be taking something back to Goodwill to donate after you just bought it for yourself the day before because it didn’t fit or you didn’t like it on. This is especially true for vintage items.  Sizing was much, MUCH different back then, so if you like something it is worth trying it on to make sure it fits.
  • Finally… get creative! When some of these pieces are buried in with other pieces you would never wear or use, it can be hard to picture just what you would wear something with.  Don’t let this distract you.  Try to picture the piece hanging next to items in your wardrobe and how it would be worn with those pieces! Also, there are plenty DIYs out there, so remember that if you are crafty and want to spend the time transforming something it could be fun and totally worth it!

 

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Comments

  1. Megan says

    October 12, 2012 at 7:49 AM

    Love that you’re into thrifting. I was the same way, embarrassed to have thrifted items as a kid, but now I’m so proud to say I bought something for under $5!

    I definitely agree with your tips, especially to try everything on. The range of sizes I have in my closet is ridiculous – everything from size 2 to size 16. You never know what’s shrunk, what’s stretched, or how something vintage is going to look. That’s what makes thrifting such an adventure 🙂

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      October 12, 2012 at 9:18 AM

      I know… isn’t it crazy?! The skirt I just got is a size 14… and some other things I have in my closet are size 4! It’s just funny, but it does make the adventure fun! You never know what you’ll find or what’s going to fit you just right! 🙂 Thanks for the comment Megan 🙂

      Reply
  2. two birds says

    October 12, 2012 at 8:22 AM

    the only thing about bringing someone with…make sure they aren’t the same size. if nora and i go together, we fight over dresses and shirts (clearly we’re not the same pants size). great tips! have a great weekend!

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      October 12, 2012 at 9:17 AM

      TOO TRUE! Same with my older sister and I! My little sister’s style is still different enough that I’ve never had that problem but my older sister and I tend to like the same things and wear approximately the same size (she is smaller than me)! Hope you have a great weekend! (Both of you 🙂 )

      Reply
  3. norma says

    October 12, 2012 at 10:35 AM

    great finds :)! really good tips. I love that necklace you found at plato’s closet.

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      October 12, 2012 at 12:39 PM

      Thank you Norma! 🙂 I love the necklace too I think my jaw dropped when I saw it 😉 I love necklaces and gold, so it was perfect!

      Reply
  4. Always Maylee says

    October 12, 2012 at 12:34 PM

    Love this! I’m not very good at thrifting but I definitely want to do it more. Great tips!

    xo, Yi-chia
    Always Maylee

    Reply
  5. COSMICaroline says

    October 12, 2012 at 2:37 PM

    Great video – good thinking!

    Reply
  6. Antonella C'est moi says

    October 12, 2012 at 3:00 PM

    Great video..kisses

    Reply
  7. kcomekarolina says

    October 12, 2012 at 3:01 PM

    that looks fab!

    xoxo from rome
    K.
    kcomekarolina.com

    Reply
  8. Akiko says

    October 12, 2012 at 4:05 PM

    Such great tips and enjoyed watching your video! Thanks for sharing 🙂 xo akiko
    Style Imported

    Reply
  9. rocknrollerr says

    October 12, 2012 at 5:52 PM

    lovely video girl!

    X Jenny
    Rocknrollerr.com

    Reply
  10. Rachel's Fashion Patch says

    October 13, 2012 at 11:42 AM

    Great video! Really informative! I always love your video posts as an occasional alternative! I think I might start making my own!

    http://www.rachelsfashionpatch.blogspot.com

    Reply
  11. Darby says

    October 13, 2012 at 7:47 PM

    I LOVE all of your tips and tricks! You always have the best! And how could I not LOVE your video 🙂
    xoxo Darby

    Obviously Obsessed 

    Reply
  12. roxthefox says

    October 14, 2012 at 12:23 AM

    These are great tips! I think the best fashoin bloggers are those that can make ‘thrifted’ items look stylish and chic! Thanks for your kind comments on my blog. Would you like to follow each other?

    http://WWW.ROXTHEFOX.COM

    Reply
  13. lucia says

    October 14, 2012 at 1:51 AM

    i love vintage!

    xo

    http://www.aroundlucia.com
    http://www.aroundlucia.com

    Reply
  14. Pauline says

    October 14, 2012 at 1:51 PM

    Great tips! 🙂

    xx pauline
    classycroissant.blogspot.com

    Reply
  15. Jackie at Daydreamer says

    October 14, 2012 at 6:59 PM

    These are great tips! I haven’t gone thrifting in such a long time but I should really get back into it! I used to find such great pieces at thrift shops.

    Reply
  16. thehautecookie says

    October 14, 2012 at 9:32 PM

    lovely tips!! thank you!!!! xO!
    http://www.thehautecookie.com

    Reply
  17. Heather says

    October 15, 2012 at 5:20 AM

    I am the worst thrifter! Take me with you and teach me your ways!!!!!!! Hope you had a great weekend 😉

    XO
    Pearls & Paws

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      October 15, 2012 at 9:05 AM

      Heather! I will, I WILL! We should shop/thrift shop soon! 🙂 It would be a lot of fun!!!!!!! Hope you had a great weekend as well!

      Reply
  18. ashley says

    October 15, 2012 at 8:53 AM

    Love that you’re such a thrifting pro! Great tips!

    xo Ashley
    http://www.ashnfshn.com

    Reply
  19. Bethie the Boo says

    October 15, 2012 at 9:52 AM

    I loved your video! And these are great tips, definitely some of my favorite thrifting ideas!!

    Reply
  20. Ani says

    October 17, 2012 at 2:48 PM

    This is a great and informative video Rachel. I should and really have to look my money too so thrifting shopping is a perfect alternative :-9

    ANI
    http://www.fleurani.blogspot.de

    Reply

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