Confessions of a Thritanista: A Thrifter’s Guide

ByNatasha B
Thrifting or resale shopping is part of my fashion shopping routine. I find great pleasure in scouring the consignment universe for fabulous vintage and designer items at exceptional steals.If you’re like me, where finding fabulous finds on a budget soothes your soul as well as your wallet; then thrift or consignment boutique shopping is certainly for you. If high end designer labels at retail prices are out of your budget then thrifting could certainly be a great alternative to explore. While thrifting isn’t for everyone, if you have patience and are willing to leave any preconceived notions behind—-you can walk away with fabulous fashion finds. It can be intimidating for some, so I’ve put together a list of 10 things to keep in mind when thrifting or consignment shopping. 

Leave all preconceived notions aside. If you’re walking into the thrifting experience with preconceived notions like, ewww I can’t wear someone else’s second hand clothes—or ewww, I’m not poor so why am I thrifting….then thrifting may not be for you.
  1. Have patience. It takes patience to thrift. 
  2.  Determine what items are off limit for thrifting before hand. Ex. jewelry, shoes, home furnishing,etc. 
  3. Set monetary limits on the amount that you are willing to spend. 
  4. Do a thorough inspection of your thrift finds before leaving the store. 
  5. Be open-minded about possible DIY fixer uppers. I sometime buy larger sizes because I can make the appropriate alterations myself. Or I may also buy a skirt with plans to repurpose it into a shirt. If you don’t have the skills of a seamstress but discover a fabulous DVF wrap dress that is two dress sizes large…girl get that dress and pay your local alterations lady that $15 to get it altered. It’s totally worth it. 
  6. Research brands/labels. If you are unfamiliar with a particular label. You can always refer to the Vintage Fashion Guide.
  7. Discover new thrift stores. I most certainly love to thrift in the upscale neighborhoods; but sometimes thrifting in some of the unusual places can bring lots of fabulous surprises. Keep an open mind. 
  8. Know your fabrics. Just by first glance I can sometimes tell which items are worth the extra reach, pull, hassle or time. This is a useful skill to have when determining the value of most items. If this isn’t a skill that you currently possess, don’t worry—it’s something you will acquire over time. 
  9. Have fun. If you go in with a fun and positive attitude, more than likely you will walk out a happy camper. 

Similar Posts

22 Comments

  2. Very, very cute pieces. Love the electric blue pumps. I realize that I am not a great shopper. I have no patience for searching through racks and racks of clothes. This is the precise reason I online shop. If I had money I would definitely hire a stylist.

    1. Thanks hun. Honestly…I hate shopping but when it comes to bargins……I find the patience from somewhere, somehow. Saving a buck or two motivates me. Thanks for stopping by. xoxo.

Comments are closed.