Looking like a million bucks at conventions and on cam shouldn’t have to break your bank.
Enter thrift store shopping!
These days I barely ever buy retail because the quality and price I get when thrifting trumps anything I’d get at a high-end store. Not only is it cheap, but it also offers unique styles you can’t find elsewhere, is super fun, and it’s good for the environment.
Last week, in Part 1, I revealed the most important step in bargain hunting – finding a great thrift store. This week I’m going to share some tips on what to do inside that great thrift store to maximize your chance of scoring top-notch items.
As a sidenote, I had to laugh at this New York Times article that said “the golden age of thrift shopping is over.” The very week after it was published, I unearthed a tag still on, leather motorcycle mini skirt for $10, a pair of Italian boots for $6 that retail over $300, and a velvet Proenza Schouler shirt for $10.
Have no fear, thrifting is alive and well!
How To Find Great Items in A Great Thrift Store
- The Right Attire – Often you’ll need to try items on over your clothes as many thrift stores don’t have dressing rooms. I find a light t-shirt and leggings, or skirt is best.
- Know Your Labels – Sometimes an expensive brand doesn’t look good on the hanger but will look great on. This is why you must know your labels. A good way to learn is by going to a shopping site like GILT which sells many high-end items that aren’t everyday names.
- Research – Always carry your phone with you so you can Google any labels you don’t know. eBay is also a good tool for finding out what things are worth. On eBay, however, look for bids or if the item has sold to confirm the value. Sellers can list an item for $200 when it’s worth $20, but if was bid on or sold for $200 you can bet you’ve picked up a deal.
- Feel the Material – When you can’t find what the item is worth, pay attention to the material. Quality feels different. Cashmere is a good example; you can run your hand down a row of sweaters and pick it out just by the feel.
- Check For Damage – Always check your items carefully to make sure they’re in good condition. This is easier said than done because you can get excited and forget to check – many times I’ve gotten home only to find a hole I can’t repair.
- Be Willing to Fix Items – On the other side of the coin, don’t leave a good item behind that can be easily fixed. Broken zipper on a dress, that’ll cost you about $20. If the dress is $20 but is worth $200 you’ve got a deal. Tips: purse zippers are nearly impossible to replace, and stains can be hard to remove; but if the item is cheap, it’s worth a try.
- Time – It takes time to find good items. Be there for the long haul. This is easy if you enjoy it – I like to thrift shop anywhere from three to four hours.
- Dig – Get in there! Go through strange boxes, bookcases, and items on the floor that people have dropped or decided they didn’t want; you can find a lot of great stuff this way.
- Fit – Make sure it fits. I’m guilty of this – sometimes I’ll find such an amazing pair of shoes I’ll will my foot to fit into them. I get them home then realize they’re a half size too small. If it’s a luxury brand, that’s okay as you can almost always resell it on eBay for a markup, but in general ditch the items that don’t fit no matter how hard it is to leave them behind.
- Disregard Size Markers – In general thrift stores don’t always organize things the best or shoppers put things back in the wrong places. I’ve found size mediums in the large rack, size eight shoes mixed in with the sixes, shirts in the dress section, etc.
- Price – Be prepared to pay more if it’s a quality item. For example, I once found a brand-new pair of pink Nike high-tops. They were $26 – that’s way more than I normally would shell out for a pair of shoes. But I bought them because I loved them, and they retailed for $250.
- Returns – Keep in mind most thrift stores don’t offer returns, so choose wisely, and be willing to forgive yourself if you bought something you decide later you don’t like.
- Hand Sanitizer – This has nothing to do with finding bargains but have some in your car or carry some with you because after you’re done your hands will feel disgusting no matter how clean the place is!
Hopefully these tips will help you find some amazing deals. Happy hunting!
Photo credit: iStock.com/netrun78
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Alyssa Collins hails from Minnesota, where snowy days were the perfect excuse to stay warm inside and write. Over the years, she turned that joy into a career and has authored numerous articles for various publications (under pen names). Email Alyssa via alyssa@ynot.com.
