To those who know me personally, you know my talent, love, niche and never ending desire to shop at vintage (consignment) and second hand (thrift stores), while both are second hand however one is on a higher end scale. This post is focused on thrift store shopping.
I have made previous posts referencing this topic and even showing many of my great finds between the two sectors, but today while I have no pictures to illustrate findings I just felt like expressing the art in shopping and being able to score big for your buck!
When I say the "ART" literally that's what I mean. It's an art form when you make the decision to start shopping
1.For items at a cheaper price than what you may find at the mall.
2.For one of a kind pieces that you will not see on every other person in passing.
3.When you just do not have the finances to shop on TREND so to speak!!!
Keeping it 100, you will not find exact items that are sold at the local malls in too many thrift stores, you may sometimes find on trend items by color, fabrics or cuts but not exactly! Providing you know how to shop. Assuming you know this, before going out on that venture either already have set in your mind what you are looking for or something similar to that item that you cannot afford at the MALL!!! This is what makes this an exciting challenge you have the opportunity to exercise your creativity that will set you apart from the crowd, who doesn't strive to be different?
When I go shopping at a few of my favorite spots most of the time its not planned and there is a certain feeling I get when I'm hit with the BUG! It's quite complicated to explain but I can tell you if I force myself without this feeling I walk away with nothing and that can be very disturbing.So if you're a bit like me when it comes to shopping in this manner you know the feeling and you know when its time to relax. In any case while on a thrifty shopping spree I tend to gravitate towards items that stand out by:
1. Fabric 2. Color 3. Patterns 4.Cut - Very important to pay attention to this:
The cut of items can be drastic but as with any other clothes they can be taken to a tailor or you can recreate another piece after all that is the fun in it you didn't even come close to breaking the bank for your finds anyway!
If you generally have an eye or taste for the better quality items and you know what you know than you've gotten it! By no means will I go to the thrift store in search of a Wal-Mart shirt..doesn't make sense go to the thrift store in search of items that you know other wise are not in your reach or again similar items,trust me you'll be a happy camper. There has been countless occasions when I have spotted items from isles away and when I get to the item it is for example: a pair of J.Crew boots farely new that I know at retail were about $200 or more! So you see it is merely exercising your sense of fashion and learning what's of value be it the time you spend lurking and the items you walk away with. Sometimes the patience to surf through racks upon racks is worth it! Now bare in mind if you have mastered this craft than you may not have to search rack for rack or piece by piece you just spot what stands out and lays heavy on your heart!!!
The Art is being able to score items that are of quality but rare and or items that may be on trend and not within your budget, allowing your natural knack or senses take its course and they will lead you, know what you are looking for, although while searching for what you are looking for you may stumble upon that "IT" piece! Know the importance of fabric, color, pattern and fit, another tip not mentioned is knowing the stores you shop meaning; what that particular store typically carry for example most thrift stores tend to carry the same brand items on a weekly basis such as J.Crew or Talbot's so you know if you are in the mood for J.Crew you know who typically carries that brand on a regular basis. If you want a nice blazer you know which store you have a chance of at finding and walking away with that blazer.
Another important factor is being able to combine your highs with your lows meaning incorporating your thrifty finds with the investment pieces that you already own! Some find this hard to do as well, I am here to share and attest to you that this is theeeee best way to achieve your very own look and goal of being different and feeling good about your fashion choices in the long run.
Give it shot! Trust these tiny steps will HELP!!!!
Last, make sure you put your items in the cleaners and or wash before wearing!
XO
Lovelies
Thanks for reading!
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