There has been a rise in conscious consumerism in recent years. Thrifting or resale shopping has always been 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, and 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.
If you’re ready to give it a real shot, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Have patience. It takes patience to thrift.
- Determine what items are off-limits for thrifting beforehand. Ex. jewelry, shoes, home furnishings, etc.
- Set monetary limits on the amount you’re willing to spend.
- Do a thorough inspection of your thrift finds before leaving the store.
- Be open-minded about possible DIY fixer-uppers. I sometimes buy larger sizes because I can make the appropriate alterations myself. Or I may 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 dress that’s two sizes too large… girl, get that dress and pay your local alterations lady that $15 to get it altered. It’s totally worth it.
- Research brands and labels. If you’re unfamiliar with a particular label, you can always refer to the Vintage Fashion Guide.
- Discover new thrift stores. I most certainly love to thrift in upscale neighborhoods, but sometimes thrifting in more unusual places can bring lots of fabulous surprises. Keep an open mind.
- 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 you currently possess, don’t worry—it’s something you’ll acquire over time.
- Have fun. If you go in with a fun, positive attitude, more than likely you’ll walk out a happy shopper.