Shopping at thrift stores can be overwhelming, and seem like a bit of a hassle.
Packing your patience helps, but with a lot of stores becoming more organized & upgraded with dressing rooms, you may not need to pack as much as you think.
It was suggested to me to share my tips on finding quality items at the thrift store, so…here go’s!
I like to keep the following 4 factors in mind while shopping:
- Fabric/Material
Silk, Cashmere, Cotton, Leather, & Wool. Check labels & tags. The ones that read 100% are the absolute best.
- Labels
While checking the labels, take a peek at the brand name. Don’t worry if you’ve never heard of the brand before, but, if you have & the company has a history of producing quality goods, hold on to that item. What I love about thrift stores is finding old stuff from stores I love (i.e., J.Crew, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, etc.), and also discovering brands that I’ve never even heard of before. Even though majority of the items are “old & used”, the quality is (often times) better than what’s being offered in the stores now. Of course, this depends on the condition that the item is in.
- Condition
There are tons of items in the thrift store that look new; some are, as I’ve found some that still have the original store tags attached. If you find something that catches your eye, but it doesn’t look so “new”, can it be resolved by a spin in the washer machine…a trip to the dry cleaners? If it’s missing buttons, can you sew a couple on? Is the zipper broken…missing? Original store tags are great, but don’t be fooled by them. Checking the condition of each piece to see that it’s functional is a very good idea. If it’s not in “tip-top” shape, consider how much you’re willing to go through to restore it to good condition.
- Cut
Make sure you’ve come prepared to try a lot of stuff on. I don’t know of any thrift stores that allow refunds, so you have to be pretty certain of the cut.
Say you’ve found a brand name item, great fabric, in mint condition, with the original store tags still on it…Hey, it happens!
You try it on but, it’s too small…BUMMER!
You try it on but, it’s too big/long…you have options! You can hem it yourself, or take it to the tailor. Either way, as aforementioned, consider how much additional time & money you’d spend on having the piece cut for your wear, before you buy it.This last point is a bit of a struggle for me, as I have bought 2 pairs of nice pants that I intended to have tailored, but they are still sitting in my closet.
Note to Marie: Don’t be tempted to buy all the “good stuff” that you find, just because it’s cheap. Leave it, especially if the cut isn’t already spot-on.
If you have any tips for finding quality thrift store items, please share them in the comment section.
Are you tempted to buy all the “good stuff” that you find at the thrift store?
Are you tempted to buy all the “good stuff” that you find at the thrift store?
Great post! It’s funny, I work for a resale clothing store (we don’t like calling it a thrift store, lol ;]) and we buy in clothing for people and we look at the same things to help us decide if we should buy it into the store. So I completely agree with this list! Where do you usually go thrifting?
xo
Ashlei
http://www.kinksarethenewpink.com
Awesome post! What are some of your favorite thrift stores in the city and where are they located? I made plans to go thrifting tomorrow! Thanks
Hey Ashlei & Dottie!
I haven’t done much thrift shopping in the city.
If I did, I’d visit Encore (www.encorechicago.org) in Hyde Park, and the Goodwill at 1201 W Washington St…good reviews on Yelp!
I love the Goodwill in Orland Park & the Salvation Army in Chicago Heights. There’s also a pretty decent consignment shop in Orland, called Second Choice consignment.
Have fun shopping tomorrow Dottie!
Thanks for the suggestions Marie! I usually go to the Goodwill om Washington St and I tend to find some nice things there. I went there again and got two nice pair of dress slacks, denim trousers, a bread maker and some cake containers! I need to find time to check out that place you suggested in Hyde Park. Thanks
You’re very welcome! Sounds like you cleaned up…nice haul!
Very true Christina!!! I love thriftin’ and these are some great tips you’ve shared with us!!!
*hugs*
Hugs right back! Thanks Bonnita!
Great tips!! I love the thrift store. I really like when people ask wear I got something I am wearing and I get to say ” the thrift store and I only paid…”
Thanks for sharing!
http://deliberate-randomness.blogspot.com
Love Love
Ingrid
I sometimes go with my daughter because she’s in that “retro” stage and is constantly on the hunt for items that we (us 60′s/70′s babies) wore back in our day, but I honestly never find anything except handbags or glassware for myself. I wish I had more patience because I probably would score big. Thanks for the tips!
Crisa
OMG. I think I just found my virtual best friend! You’re incredible, Marie.
Hugz!
Ha Thank you, and welcome to MM!