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Hi everyone!!!
I'm super excited about this post! I really wanted to do a post for all my thrifting junkies out there! I absolutely lovvvve this hobby and even more so during this season because Autumn and Winter are approaching us! I love thrifting the Bill Cosby sweaters, huge over-sized cardigans, earrings that are Whitney Houston 80's inspired... But if you're anything like me thrifting can be so overwhelming! The excitement of finding that dope statement piece, the worry that you may miss or over look something that could literally change your life... the pure thrill of it all! Everyone has different methods to the madness so other than my tips and tricks that I will give insight to I also partnered with three thrifting blogger babes who also provided tips for thrifting through the threads.
Tip One:
Stick to what you know.
Okay I will admit I am NOT a dress, handbags or shirt thrift shopper lol... They're always misses for me! The pieces I find in those departments are just really ugly or just not a good fit... I will buy them in the moment then get home or show my friends and they are like sis... nah... lolz! But I stay in my lane and stick to what I do know. I am a beast at thrifting for pants, skirts, blazers, sweaters and earrings. I always hit the head right on the nail with those pieces so to not overwhelm myself in the world of thrifting, I make sure to really dig deep in those departments. I may take a brief browse over the shirts, dresses and handbags, but if nothing jumps out right away I move on to the next thing. So the next time you step in the thrift store realize and recognize your strengths and stick to it.
Tip Two:
Shop the mens' side!!!
This is the greatest tip of all that I can advise to you. For vintage high-waisted denim shorts, my over-sized sweaters and cardigans I make sure to shop the the mens' department. I always find really awesome pieces that photograph well and get really great compliments. Just make sure your styling is on point with whatever mens' piece you decide to add to your closet.
Tip Three:
Don't forget about the home goods.
Naturally as fashionistas we go straight to the clothing! That's fair lol, but if you're also into home decor or finding great records to add to a record collection *no pun intended given I had my shoot in a record store*, or just trying to find that one piece that will stick out in your home you HAVE to shop the home decor department. A few thrift stores here in Chicago do have their home goods on sale for a penny so I make sure I stop in to see if there is anything I need to add to my personal inspiration space that I am currently in the process of making lol.
Some of my go to thrift stores to shop are Goodwill, Salvation Army, Tried and True (online vintage store in LA), Unique in Chicago, Buffalo Exchange and local thrift stores in my area. Here are the details on my thrifted outfit!
Adidas Sweater: Tried and True
Belt: City Thrift
Shorts: Salvation Army
Velvet Booties: Charlotte Russe
Photo Cred: Christian Blakley
Major shout out to "Reckless Records" on Broadway in Chitown for letting me invade their space for this photo shoot!
Now to move on to some of my favorite blogger babes! Here are some other tips and tricks they have provided just in case you start to feel a little over whelmed... Take a few notes! Also be sure to follow them and subscribe to their blog pages. Keep reading and towards the end of this post one blogger babe has a special treat just for you. First I would like you all to meet...
STEPHANIE OMENS
Atlanta, GA
Her Tip: "Quality over quantity: I happen to be one of those people who don't go searching for name brand items (and yes you might be lucky enough to find some name brand items), but I look for good quality clothes that are my style and that have been gently used to ensure I'm not buying clothes that might not last me more than a month. So I will suggest to shop for gently used items and always inspect the clothes, check the quality, try it on and make sure it fits perfect and is your style. You know what they say, one mans trash is another mans treasure." *Outfit details* Top - Goodwill, Pants - Goodwill, Shoes- JustFab
Places To Thrift in ATL: Goodwill, Value Village, and local thrift stores
NEXT MEET...
AMERIKA B.
Jacksonville, FL
Her Tip: "My top thrift tip (say that three times real fast) is to find out what days/when the best deals and discounts are available. This will help you save even more. In addition, learn when the store is a bit slower. It could be early in the morning or mid afternoon. This creates ease for you to scan the racks with out a lot of people in your way. Happy Thrifting!
Places to Thrift in Jacksonville: Goodwill and The Thrift Store *Red duster pictured above is thrifted.*
AND LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST...
BRITTANY PARRISH
Dallas, TX
Her tip: "I actually wrote a book that has all my thrift tips to finding unique, quality vintage items, from my perspective, so its hard to just choose one, but if I had to, I would say to HAVE FUN!! I'm all about cool, retro vintage pieces and it is fun to explore them with all the many era's there are, colors, patterns, styles, etc. So you have to have fun with vintage, in particular, and be open to trying something new. It's all about challenging yourself and making it YOU! Taking that vintage piece, and putting your personal touch/style on it!"
Places to Thrift in Dallas: "My go to places to thrift are any thrift store to be honest. If I pass one, I'm stopping in! Where I have found some of my best thrifted items, would be the Salvation Army, Goodwill and Thrift City."
Britt mentioned that she has written a thrift shopping book providing insights to all the information and tips you may need! Visit her website at byovintage.com. She is offering you all 50% off if you decide to purchase the book, "Wow! You Found That At A Thrift Store". Just use code BOOK50 and purchase her book for just $5! She also has really amazing thrift pieces on the website so def check it out!
So the next time you're in a thrift store don't feel over whelmed! Pick a specific day, breathe, know what you're looking for, stick to what you know and Britt said it best HAVE FUN! Happy thrifting queens!
-K
