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THRIFTING 101

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Ever since I was a little girl, I loved fashion.  My family was not wealthy, so I had to find a way to be creative and express myself on a budget. 

I shopped at flea markets and second-hand stores like Goodwill, and I developed what I believed a good sense of “treasure hunting” in those places.

As for my surprise when I could afford more expensive clothes, I would still go to these places and shop. To this day my favorite pieces are second hand and vintage.

What is a thrift store?

According to the Oxford Dictionary, a thrift store is a store, selling second-hand clothes and other household goods, typically to raise funds for a charitable institution. So not only are we saving money when we buy second-hand, we are also helping others and the planet.

What is the difference between a thrift store and a resale store?

The main difference between consignment shops and thrift stores is that thrift stores sell secondhand items that have been donated to the store, whereas consignment stores sell secondhand items and act as a middleman; the original owner, receives a share of the sale price when the item is sold. 

You can find plenty of local thrift shops and consignment stores depending on your area, I personally like Good Will,  Salvation Army and local vintage stores and flea markets. I like to go personally when I want a vintage and special piece.

At this time and age, you can also find plenty of good online thrift shops, I personally find this very convenient specially if you want to save some time. 

The only downside is that you might need to return them, and you need to check how convenient are the return policies. I usually shop online for luxury pieces like handbags, I personally have found better items online.

The following are some of my favorite online thrift stores: 

Thred Up

Poshmark

Vestiaire Collective

Shop Goodwill

De Pop

Worn Wear Patagonia

How to get started

Think ahead of what you want

It might be helpful if you know what you are looking for in advance, so you know which sections to go first. Be mindful that you may find some good pieces that might be worth some alterations later on.

Jump in

There is no magic formula for getting started. You may find it a little overwhelming at first because these stores are not always as neatly organized as the regular stores, but think about it as a fun treasure hunt, you might find some unique pieces!

Dress Comfortably

Bring comfortable clothes like leggings, a tee and thin socks so you can try on stuff on the spot. You might want to avoid the dressing rooms as much as you can since there are not always open or clean etc. 

Bring cash only to avoid impulse buys

It’s very easy to overspend at these stores.  You will be pleasantly surprised on all the good and unique finds, so I highly recommend being mindful if you are on a budget.

Look for quality

Look for the best fabrics that last longer, some good examples are cotton, linen and/or silk. Keep an eye for mostly vintage pieces that include leather and suede. 

Avoid buying fast fashion pieces since they are mostly not very long-lasting. We are looking for unique pieces that are going to enhance your wardrobe. 

Even though you might pay more, you might want to check out the thrift stores in affluent neighborhoods, you will find better quality pieces. 

Have fun

Think about it as a fun way to save money. Thrift shopping is like a treasure hunt where you can show, create, and develop your own unique style.

Benefits of thrift shopping

  1. You can save money
  2. Reduce waste and minimize our carbon footprint.
  3. Reduces the use of water (did you know it takes 650 gallons of water to make one new cotton shirt?)
  4. Find unique pieces and developing your own sense of fashion by not replicating produced displays.
  5. A fun treasure hunt to enjoy by yourself or with friends and family.

I know clothes can sometimes represent so much more than functionality, they are a symbol of hierarchy, status and even relegation.

For many years, thrift stores have had a social stigma but it’s time for us to end this, specially because our planet can not sustain our shopping habits anymore.

Sustainability can be your main motivation, as it is mine; small decisions like buying second hand have major impact on the planet as we reduce our carbon foot print.

At the end of the day your style is what makes clothes unique and not the other way around, so have fun and happy thrifting!

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