Who wants to be walking next to someone with the same exact outfit? The best part about thrifting is you’ll be sure to find things that have no duplicates and is college affordable! My girls complain about how they can never find anything in the thrift. I tend to be the girl who gets the looks when I tell them I paid only $5 for a high-waisted leather skirt and $15 for my vintage Dooney & Bourke handbag. Send me into the thrift with $20 and I’m sure to come out with a bag full. Here are tricks of the trade. I decided to share some of my own tips just for you! Shhhhhhhhhhh! 😉
• List me
Thriftstores can be distracting because there is just some much to look at, which can ultimately get you off track. Making a list will help keep you focused.
• Easy Access
Some thrift shops don’t have dressing rooms so you may have to try something on quickly over your clothes. Wearing something fitted such as leggings could make the process easier and save you money if it turns out it doesn’t fit. Most thrift shops are final sale which don’t allow exchanges or returns.
• Hit or Miss
The best time to go thrifting is earlier in the day and earlier in the week because that’s when the store restocks on new merchandise. Some shops get new shipment every day, you want get first dibs on everything! Remember if you can’t find anything the first time around, check again. You just never know what they’ll have the following day or even the next week better yet.
• Don’t limit yourself
Try to browse the whole store. As for women, don’t limit yourself to just the women’s section. You’ll be surprised as to what you can find in the men’s department. Who doesn’t love an oversized button-up!?
• Keep an open mind
Not everything will fit perfectly. You may have to spend a extra couple getting it hemmed or taken in. As for those who can sew, you have nothing to worry about.
• Double Check
Make sure you check the garment as a whole for stains, holes or worn seems. If you are purchasing pants inside them out, check under the arms in shirts.
• Tags before bags
Some shops separate their sales by the colors of the tags. Check to see what colors are marked 30% and 50% off. A garment is more likely to win you over if it’s marked down.
• Double up on savings
This may sound silly but ask the clerk if they offer a student discount, every saving counts. After all, we won’t be students for ever so take complete advantage while you still can! This will make checking out even more fabulous when you walk out spending $20 on $100+ worth of clothes and accessories!
Prelude to Interim (Documentary) from the art of reuse™ on Vimeo.
Now that I let you in on my secrets ready, set, THRIFT!
Did I miss anything? Feel free to add!
Sha’nece Austin “Profashional”
