How to Go Thrifting

By hownowdesign on FlickrOver the past couple of years, thrifting has become a bit of a thing (an understatement, I know). Several of our favorite gathered ladies (and many a hipster besides) source thrift stores for some of their funkiest (not literally) vintage and coolest statement pieces. But shopping for thrift is quite different from regular shopping, and it can be difficult to learn how to triumphantly conquer this latest fashion frontier. Below I’ve compiled some tips on how to get the most out of your next thrift store outing.  

What success looks like by hownowdesign on Flickr1. Set yourself up for success. This is no regular shopping expedition. Thrifting takes some time. You’ll be combing through piles of junk in search of fashion treasure, so make the thrift store (or stores) your first stop of the day. You’ll still be fresh, and won’t be bogged down with a bunch of unwieldy shopping bags. Opt for one of your smaller purses (I sometimes like to go sans purse and cram my lip gloss, phone, cards and cash into my front pockets) and wear comfortable shoes. You don’t want your feet getting tired midway through your second rack! 

2. Select you targets carefully. Every city has thrift stores of varying levels of quality, and that quality is usually determined by the mission of the thrift store and the income levels of the people that live near it. Some second-hand shops are “boutiques” that cater specifically to those thrifting for fashion. They only take designers items, so you won’t have as much junk to sift through, but their prices are generally a bit higher than your standard Salvation Army. Traditional thrift stores are still great places to shop, although it may take more time to find what you’re looking for. Try looking at stores in your town’s high-rent district(s). After a couple of trips, you’ll begin to notice where you’re finding the goods and you can target those stores exclusively in the future.

3. Keep an eye out for quality, condition and cleanliness. Look for well-made pieces that likely cost their original purchaser a pretty penny. Ask yourself, do I like how the stitching is done, the quality of the fabric, and—if it’s something like a blazer—is the garment in question fully-lined? If it looks cheaply made or is barely hanging together, keep it moving. You don't want to waste your money on clothes that won't survive their first washing.

Make sure you spot any imperfections before handing over your hard-earned cash. If an item is stained or needs to be altered, take the additional cost into account when considering whether or not you’re actually getting a good deal. And you should be pretty confident that you (or a professional) can get a stain out or successfully mend a garment before purchasing. After all, that flaw might be the reason it ended up in a thrift store in the first place.

One last note on cleanliness. Whenever you’re bringing something into your home that previously lived in someone else’s home, you have to think about hygiene. The analogy I like to think of is picking up a couch left on a street curb. Thrifting is a little different, but not by much. Carefully look over anything you want to buy and if it looks suspicious (I’m thinking of bed bugs and just the thought is making me itchy), leave it. Wash all new purchases ASAP. If you were looking for an excuse to buy a steamer, you’re welcome. That musty, vaguely unpleasant smell all thrift stores seem to share should tell you everything you need to know.

4. Shop for statement pieces and high-end designers. Now that I’ve scared you sufficiently, let me tell you one of the best reasons to shop at thrift stores. They are a great place to find designer pieces for far less than you would pay for them anywhere else. I once found a Kate Spade attaché for $10 in a thrift store on Melrose in Los Angeles. You always want to keep an eye out for great finds like this, but be careful to make sure you don’t end up with a fake. Become familiar with the calling cards of your favorite designers (and the common shortcuts employed in knock offs), so you can recognize them right away. Remember, you aren’t necessarily looking to fill your entire closet. Instead, shop for pieces that make your pupils dilate when you first see them. One great piece can make the entire expedition worthwhile.Don't forget homewares! By ex.libris on Flickr

5. The best thrift is always free... This is especially true if you have older, stylish women in your life. My late grandmother had an extensive collection of gorgeous costume jewelry, which I have been slowly acquiring through selective poaching every time I go home to visit my mom. Who knows what vintage goodies are tucked away in the basement, attic, or storage unit of a close relative? It’s amazing what people keep around (and in good shape) for years and years. Vintage jewelry, belts, coats (particularly furs) and even home furnishings may await you, and your loved one may want nothing in return but the extra space they’ll gain from you clearing out some old “junk.”

What's your favorite thrift store find? Send it to us, and if we love it, we'll share it!