Check and Check

        Do you ever find something while second hand shopping and it's almost like the stars have aligned and the angels start to sing and you're suddenly sure that the Thrifting Gods are watching you from above and have blessed you by finding this item? That's what finding these pants was like.

        I can't tell you how long I've been looking for a pair of tearaway track pants. It's been probably around a year. I found it incredibly difficult to find a pair of authentic tearaway joggers like these in my size and within a reasonable price range. Aritzia had a pair but they just did not look how I wanted them to. H&M had a pair but the store only had them in size Large left and I can't find them online (the Canadian H&M website needs some improvements). There were "authentic" or "vintage" tearaway pants being sold online by Adidas, Nike, Champion, Puma, and Kappa. However, I was having issues with finding any in my size, that were in stock, and within my price range. 

        Recently, though, I was watching a To The 9s video, and Ricci mentioned how she found her track pants in the little boy's section at a thrift store. So, last week when I went to Value Village I did exactly that and found these amazing Nike tearaway snap track pants along with another super chill pair of black joggers with white lines going down the sides (you'll see that styled here soon). I know what you're thinking, and yes, I am approximately the size of a prepubescent boy. 

        It was on this same Value Village trip that the Thrifting Gods blessed me with yet another find: black platform boots. They aren't featured in this look but they will be soon. 

        Styling this look was a little tricky for my chronically cold self but it was still super fun because it was out of my comfort zone. I wanted to stick to the colour palette of red, black, white, and grey. These Vans were an obvious pick, as they continued the iconic striped lines that go down the side (which I think makes me look taller). I then threw on my DIY cropped hoodie with another Nike find, this windbreaker. I love this look because it has a laid-back Sporty Spice vibe while still being incredibly comfy and cozy. These pants will be staple during midterms and finals seasons. 

Joggers: Thrifted Nike

Cropped Sweatshirt: DIY

Sneakers: Vans

Hoops: H&M

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!