Nifty Thrift Tips

Being the avid second-hand shopper that I am, over the years I have accumulated some nifty tips and tricks on how to thrift shop successfully. These tips will optimize your time at the thrift store, keep you safe and sanitary, and ensure you walk away with some bomb-ass outfits that will rejuvenate your sense of style and closet!. Enjoy!

Before you go

-   Wear a tank top and snug fitting bottoms, like leggings or shorts. This way you can try on some articles of clothing without going into the change room

-   Bring socks to try on shoes with, and wear minimal jewelry so nothing gets caught on you

-   Go in the morning before crowds, and give yourself a good chunk of time- thrifting takes longer than regular shopping

-   Consider getting a membership and go on sale days for even better deals

When you get there

-   Prioritize what you need and where to search. Thrift stores are often huge and overwhelming, so narrowing in on specific sections helps you zero in on what you’re looking for

-   While browsing, look for good quality fabrics and materials/colours that you’re attracted to. It’s impossible to look at everything, so this way you only focus on what is genuine quality and will be worth your dollar

-   Grab liberally, filter later

-   Grab anything that you like or catches your eye and give it a chance! Often times things look better on than on the hanger

-   Keep your eyes open for DIY opportunities

-   Remember that thrifting is the perfect opportunity to take risks and try trends/styles that are outside of your comfort zone or what you normally wear. You are not spending much money on these items, so there is no buyers regret if you don’t end up wearing these items as much as you would’ve liked to

-   Try on as much stuff on outside of the change rooms as possible (sweaters, jumpers, jackets, skirts even). It saves time with the lines, and also makes your time in the change room faster and more efficient

-   Always check items for stains, broken zippers, missing buttons, rips, loose threads, or funky smells

-   Personally, I would avoid hats that cannot be washed, as well as any undergarments or swimwear

When you get home

-   Before you do anything else, throw everything you can into the dryer for one hour. This includes soft hats, fabric bags, scarves, etc.

-   Once they are done in the dryer, I then feel comfortable putting them in my laundry hamper or waiting to be washed properly in my room

-   Wash the clothes you were wearing while thrifting (might seem over the top but bed bugs scare the hell out of me)

-   Consider dry-cleaning if an article of clothing is delicate or un-washable

-   With shoes, consider getting an antibacterial foot spray- the kind they use in bowling alleys and rock climbing gyms. The spray kills 99% of bacteria

-   With accessories such as glasses or jewelry, you can consider cleaning them with a disinfectant wipe or rubbing alcohol

      And voila! You just saved yourself a good chunk of change, and helped reduce waste and emissions too! Hope this helps, and happy thrifting!

orange creamsicle

        

      As I said I would in my previous post, I cut this orange creamsicle sweatshirt in half, and now styling it with a 90's vibe. These boots are also from the haul. The amount of photos in this post verges on the line of obnoxious but what can I say, when you're feelin' yourself you're feelin' yourself.

Sweatshirt: Thrifted/DIY

Jeans: Thrifted

Boots: Thrifted

Choker: You guessed it, Thrifted

VV Haul

          

       The other day Value Village had a 30% off sale on all their clothing, shoes, and jewelry, so naturally my mom and I rolled up as soon as we could after work. To some it may seem like I went a tad overboard, but in all honesty I ended putting a bunch of clothes back. I'm pretty cheap and dishing out more than $60 in one thrifting visit hurts my soul too much. 

       Here is my haul for the trip, hope you enjoy! I have plans for each article and accessory and I'm excited to adjust and style them to my liking! I'll try my best to make some styling or DIY posts from this haul because I think I could have a lot of fun with these basics and additions. Also expect a second-hand shopping guide and tip list soon!

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        This right here is one of the pieces that I am most excited for (second only to the last of this haul). My plan is to cut this bad boy in half, and make it a cropped sweatshirt. I've been seeing those being sold in practically every mainstream stores, like H&M, Forever 21, Garage, TopShop, Aritzia. But those are always at least $20 and here I got one for $2. 

-->      I found this loose blazer/coat on a rack right when I was about to get in line to pay, and when I tried it on in front of a mirror I threw it in my cart- no questions asked. In all honesty, these photos do not do this piece justice. It fits like one of those loose and light coats or summer trenches, like this and this. I'm excited to use this blazer to bring my outfits up a few notches, and get to that effortless "blogger who is seemingly effortlessly always perfectly done up" look.

            This top is similar to the first light blazer in that I saw it and immediately thought of "blogger who is seemingly effortlessly always perfectly done up." I love the simplicity of it, and the buttoned collar at the back. It is a high quality piece that I believe will become a staple for more minimalist/blogger or professional outfits.

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        I honestly just thought this would become a lovely addition to my crop top and tanks collection. I am always, always looking for high-neckline crop tops to wear with my high waisted shorts, jeans, and skirts. The muted blue and simple style makes it look like an American Apparel top (RIP by the way), but instead of spending an arm and a leg I got the same look for $3.50.

     I am so incredibly stoked to style this zip-up sweater. The lack of a hood, plus the white striping down the sleeves, makes it perfect for that sickening sporty-esc look we're always going for nowadays. Can't wait to rock this with my denim jacket and joggers. 

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     These jeans hold a special place in my heart, because last time I went thrifting I bought a pair of H&M jeans that looked identical to these in their size 2. I didn't bother trying them on because I assumed I would be a size 2 and the lineup for the change rooms was massive. However, when I got home and they were way too small! So I sadly had to donate them back to Value Village. Anyone who thrifts avidly knows this sad, sad feeling. But this time I tried these bad boys on and they fit perfectly! Now I finally have a pair of acid wash jeans in my closet, and I'll be able to mix up simple outfits with them on.

     Simple, black, high-waisted jeans that are soft and comfortable. Need I say more?

        This dress is is exactly what I've been looking for, for quite some time. It goes down to my knees, and is nice and tight all the way down. The material is elastic-y and completely comfortable. Wearing this with anything from sandals in the summer to tights and boots in the winter will be fun.  

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Jewellery

        All of these necklaces are chokers and I am so pumped to be bulking up my choker collection like this. I have quite the collection now- maybe I should do a post on them all? The two necklaces with the clasps are debatably not even meant to be necklaces, but they were giving me Jenn Im vibes and I couldn't resist. The star choker is such a simple piece but really changes an outfit, and the simple silver chain I figured would be great for layering. 

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Shoes

        These, right here, are what I'm most excited for with this entire haul. These boots not only fit me perfectly, but are also incredibly comfortable, snug around my ankles (an issue I usually have problems with ankle boots), add just the right amount of edge to an outfit, and are perfect for stomping around campus in. I know for a fact that these are going to be one of my Fall to Winter staples. 

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