10 Tips for Thrift Shopping

Are you new to thrifting or just want to some tips to improve your game? These 10 tips for thrift shopping will have you shopping even smarter next time you go to your local consignment store.

Thrift shopping is one of my favorite things. You can feel good knowing you are not adding to the unethical trade of clothing throughout the world. There is also the benefit of getting the cute, high quality clothes that fit your style, but at a major discount! You know what they say, “one mans trash is another mans come up”

1. Finding the best Thrift Shops near you

I get asked often what my favorite shops are near me. Honestly, good old Sally’s. That’s the Salvation Army. Their prices are a bit lower than other nation wide thrift shops. My best advice is to find the ones in the city and in small towns away from everything.

Clothes donated can be shipped out to the surrounding towns with less inventory.

Another good tip is to do an internet search of “Thrift” and “Consignment” shops within whatever radius you are willing to drive. Add keywords like “high end” or “vintage” to find smaller shops more suited to your style and budget. You will pay more at these shops, but you won’t have to dig as much.

2. Schedule the length of shopping

Second hand cloth shopping can be tedious to some. You may be more like me. I cannot get enough of searching through rack after rack. The thrill of the hunt is so real! Time slips away from you while you are in this special world. That being said, make sure to limit your time so you don’t get overwhelmed or start shopping out of impulse.

3. Have a Goal

Usually when you go shopping it is for a particular item. Don’t think you cant do this at a consignment shop. 9 times out of 10 I find exactly what I was looking for.

So if you need pants, stay in the pants aisles. If you need a dress, stick with those racks. Needs tanks…you get the picture.

This tip will again keep you from getting sucked into the beautiful vortex and STOP YOU FROM IMPULSE BUYING.

4. Set a Budget.

Is impulse buying so bad? No, especially when that something is only $1, but things can get out of hand if you don’t cut yourself off.

You might be there for a whole new season wardrobe. If that is the case, having a budget will help you sort through what you need and what you think you need.

5. Scan As You GO

Is impulse buying so bad? No, especially when that something is only $1, but there are a few things to keep in mind if you are allowing yourself extra items besides your goal. The first thing to learn is scanning as you walk.

You will become very good at this the more you thrift shop. While walking to your goal garment locations, keep your eyes open on the other racks for your favorite colors, prints, styles. They will pop out to you like beautiful beacons amid the sea of fabric.

6. Inspect the item thoroughly

Yes! you found something that speaks to you. It is a fantastic feeling, but don’t rush into love. Make sure you check every inch of the item. Rips, stains, imperfections. There may be a reason the original owner said goodbye.

7. Ask yourself these questions

You are done picking stuff out. STOP! pick up each piece again and ask yourself this…

• Does it have the same effect on me as when I first picked it up or has that initial gut reaction faded?
• Do I already own a similar piece?
• Will I actually wear it?
• Will I wear it soon?
• Where can I imagine myself wearing it?

If you can’t come up will good enough answers, put it back on the racks. It’s okay to put a high quality, low priced item back if you don’t actually need it.

8. Wear a Catsuit

We are getting into the Pro level tips for thrift shopping now. If you wear tight fitting clothing to shop, you will be able to more quickly see if you like the way something fits you. There are fitting rooms, but this is just to speed things along.

Keep in mind you CAN NOT return any items to a consignment shops, so be sure you love it or a friend will love it before you purchase it.

9. Know when your shop adds inventory

Knowing what day your favorite store adds new inventory is a smart trick, but it’s a trick many people use. So you not only have to know the day, you have to get there right when they open. Get first pick on the best clothes!

10. Know when your shop has SALES

Yes you can get even more BANG for your buck. Most shops slash the prices on certain items even more. Salvation army recently started doing two tag colors 50% off and one tag color $0.99 all week long. The color tags on sale rotates each week. Knowing these things will be helpful to treat yourself more within your budget.

As with anything you do, the most important thing is to have fun.

Comment below and tell me which of these 10 tips for Thrift shopping you loved the most.

Follow me on instagram @bekahcressman and tag me with your amazing thrift shop finds!

Need help with makeup too? If you find yourself not having enough time to get ready click below to learn more about this 3D foundation that I love. I can help you custom match shades to enhance your natural beauty.

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Keep Blooming! ~Bekah