The Secret to Thrifting (How to Shop at Thrift Stores)

If you're here, it's probably because you've had enough. Enough of the "hey-where'd-you-get-that-oh-a-thrift-store?" from your friends and the occasional fashionista that crosses your path with that gorgeous purse or blouse. You want to find your own one-of-a-kind vintage staple pieces - but how?

Look no further! Grab yourself a pen and paper (or bookmark the page) and get ready to be schooled on the secrets and how-to for shopping at thrift stores.

HOW TO SHOP AT A THRIFT STORE

"nice cardigan, where'd you get it?"
 "from value, it's chanel and was only 4 bucks"
"curses!"

1. LOCATE your thrift store(s) of choice - it's best to thrift two or three stores in a day, to maximize possible findings. Type in "thrift store", "Value Village", or "Goodwill" and your city into Google and you'll be on your way in no time! Be sure to take mental note of closing times, thrifting can be time consuming!

2. DRESS SIMPLY, and ready to change as you'll probably have to try a few pieces on to be sure of size and fit!

So you arrive at your local used clothing store.. now what?

Go though the store isle by isle. Determine what type of garment you'd prefer to find and start there! I tend to start on shoes, then outerwear, then tops, then bottoms - try what ever I liked on, then end with looking through accessories.

Here are a list of things to keep in mind while pulling items:

• Are there any imperfections on this garment (that aren't too tedious to fix with a quick DIY)?
• Is the item from a designer label? (i.e. Chanel, D&G, Guess)
• Does the item look too warn? (discoloured, stretched fabric)
• How often will I wear this?

SECRETS, TIPS, & HINTS

dirty tings

• SHOP WITH A FRIEND and pile up your discoveries together. This can cut thrifting times in half - but double your findings!
• CONSIDER ALTERATIONS for every item you pick up. Is the hole something you can patch up? Would it look O.K. oversized? Would cutting the sleeves/length/pant work? How about if you added a belt, or tucked in the ends? Layered with a cardigan? Paired with your favourite Jeffery Campbell boot? Maybe turn it into a DIY - glue some studs onto the collar of an oversized denim button up, or grab a pair of scissors and make yourself a unique pair of high-waisted light-denim shorts. That being said...
• KEEP AN OPEN MIND! Probably one of the most important tips. Never underestimate what you find til you try it on!
• SHOP AT POPULAR LOCATIONS, ones downtown or near artsy areas in your city. Your trying to think of areas where trendy people donate their trendy things! 
• FIND DISCOUNTS, places like Goodwill or Value Village have special deals every now and then (Goodwill does half-price Fridays, VV has discount plans). 
• BE COMFORTABLE. Dress comfy, ready to change. Don't be tired, impatient, or hungry!
• BRING SOCKS in case you want to try on shoes.
• BE SURE TO CLEAN ANYTHING YOU BUY! I'll spare you the gross, terrifying stories because you already know they're out there. Throw your new finds in the washer, get them dry cleaned, and wash those shoes! 

Jenn from Clothes Encounters shows us her findings from a Goodwill, and how she wears 'em!

Good Luck! Let me know if you find anything or if you have any questions.

xoxo léonora