My sister, Emma, and I started thrifting together when I got my drivers license in high school. There are several shops in our town that stay open until 9PM, so that is what we would do for fun several times a week. With absolutely no knowledge of vintage we collected dresses and accessories from the decades that we loved, the 1950s-1970s. We also collected little boys cartoon t-shirts from the 1980s and a pretty sweet collection of "hope chest" items like fondue pots and retro coffee mugs. We started thrifting because it was a way to be unique (something very important to our high-school-selves) and a way to stretch the small budget we had for clothing.
Fast forward ten years and we still love thrifting. We might not collect polyester jumpsuits anymore, but we still love fashion from the mid-century and we still get a thrill out of finding a great treasure for $2! Here are a few tips that I've picked up along the way...
Thrifting can be overwhelming when you start out. There are racks and racks of clothing to sort through! I have found it helpful to keep a list in my purse of things I am in the market for. That way, if I'm short on time, I can go straight to the dresses, blouses or scarves. Keeping an organized focus never hurts!
This next tip can be a little tricky. On any given thrift trip, I will find maybe 10 things I like and 2 things that I absolutely love! I've learned that it's best to only leave with the things I love. When you thrift often it's easy to amass a collection of b-list vintage... focus on only purchasing pieces that you are super excited about!
The nature of thrifting is that you choose pieces you love from the most random assortment. Charity thrift shops run on donations, so you have to keep in mind that you never know when an AMAZING estate is going to be donated. Sorting through racks of clothing from the 2000s to find these vintage gems is part of the fun! Always keep an open mind when thrifting. It's ok to buy things that are out of season or out of style if you love them. I try to rely on my instincts more than anything.
Sometimes you'll find a piece that could maybe work, but you aren't sure. I find myself asking Emma, "What do you think?" or "Where would you wear this?" a lot. If you aren't sure about a piece, just skip it. As I said above, it's easy to collect too much. If you aren't obsessed over it, you probably don't need it! Think of it as saving room in your closet for the things you REALLY want.
Emma and I try to thrift every week. It's always best to go in the middle of the week because the shops are freshly stocked. On the weekends things tend to get picked through. We know when our favorite shops are open, when they run sales and when they put out new stock. If you keep a consistent schedule, you'll always find better treasures!
A couple years ago I had to have a HUGE garage sale and simplify my home because I had just collected too many things. Most of the things I had collected were "future D.I.Y. projects" that never happened. After this experience I learned to be more selective about what I bought. Now I only actively collect a few things... vintage luggage, dresses, jewelry and records. Choose what you want to collect and focus on those things. This will help keep you safe from ending up on an episode of Hoarders!
Many thrifts are "cash only" or run weekly sales. Keep a list of this kind of information so you can always be prepared. Depending on where you live, garage sales might be a good option too. Since they are almost always "cash only" it's always good to keep an envelope of cash handy for a quick trip!
I always check the racks for purses, belts, fabric (including vintage sheets and drapary) and jewelry. Don't forget to look for these little things. Most thrift shops have a glass case for jewelry at the checkout counter. If you're looking for something special, don't be afraid to ask.
When you find a piece of clothing you love, ask yourself the following questions.... Does it fit and flatter my body? Where would I wear this? Is it my style? If you are happy with your answers to all of those questions then you should definitely purchase the piece!
Sometimes people buy things just because they want to find a treasure that day. It's totally ok to walk out empty handed if nothing strikes you! I love vintage thermos', but I already have about twenty in my kitchen. As much as I want to buy every single one, I don't. It's ok not to buy every cool piece of vintage you find. Save your money (and space) for the pieces that are most special to you!
I hope these tips have been helpful! Thrifting is one of my favorite hobbies and I hope you have fun on your next adventure! xo. elsie
I never thought to keep an actual list of wants & needs! Can't wait to put these tips to use!
Posted by: Nicole | September 20, 2011 at 12:14 PM
I really want to find good vintage shops. Our local salvation army ended up being turned into a boutique, and doesn't carry anything uner $15.
Posted by: Rifath | September 20, 2011 at 12:14 PM
Elsie,
That was a great post. I love thrifting and always tell my husband there are treasures to be found! I found your blog about a year ago when I was on bed rest, expecting my twins. ANd I love checking in and reading your posts!!
Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Nicole Niemesch | September 20, 2011 at 12:15 PM
The hardest part for me is not buying EVERYthing I think is cute. Some of my collections have gotten way to huge. When I moved a few months ago I had to downsize. xo, rv
http://aneclecticheap.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Rae Veda | September 20, 2011 at 12:16 PM
great post!! I LOVE thrifting and can get very overwhelmed when walking in. these are awesome tips...thanks! :)
Posted by: Rebecca jane | September 20, 2011 at 12:17 PM
You are so cute! I love all of these tips. I've been planning some Thrift trips and this is perfect timing!
Thanks so much!
Posted by: Migdalia Gonzalez | September 20, 2011 at 12:17 PM
I loved this. Great tips!
Posted by: tiffany | September 20, 2011 at 12:18 PM
this is great help! thank you very very very much!
Posted by: Maïlys | September 20, 2011 at 12:23 PM
Thanks for the tips. Keeping lists, buying only what I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT, and being OK with not finding a treasure, have definitely spared me disappointment, regret and being overwhelmed when thrift shopping.
Posted by: CARMEN CARDOZA | September 20, 2011 at 12:24 PM
Thrifting seems to be amazing and I loved to read your tips! It's such a shame thrifting is more of a US-based tradition and not common in other countries. I don't know one single thrift shop/spot in my country, it's really a pity because everyone seems to have a lot of fun and actually saves a few bucks :)
Posted by: Ester | September 20, 2011 at 12:24 PM
those are some great tips thanks for sharing
Posted by: Carrie Mewborn | September 20, 2011 at 12:25 PM
Such great tips! Boyfriend and I have a master list of 'wants & needs' that we carry with us on our weekend thrift excursions, too! SO helpful when I'm feeling tired and draggy at the end of the day and can't remember what exactly I'm looking for.
We also have a master list of all the pieces in our rather large vintage Pyrex collection so we don't buy duplicates in a rush of excitement!
Posted by: Victory Garden Yarn | September 20, 2011 at 12:28 PM
you said it all best Elsie! Oh I love my life as a thrifter/treasure hunter :O)
xo.
http://dropsofjupiterBLOG.com
Posted by: tiffany. | September 20, 2011 at 12:30 PM
Ha - I love this! I thrift often, too, and have learned every one of these. My current rule is to not buy any DIYs until I catch up with the ones I have. Well said. Thanks a bunch - passing this along.
Posted by: Elizabeth | September 20, 2011 at 12:31 PM
yes. yes. i've learned that being selective is key. i'm totally guilty of re-donating thrifted items that haven't even been worn or used! so pathetic!
Posted by: jorjiapeach | September 20, 2011 at 12:32 PM
I've started thrifting very recently - when I moved to my new apartment - there are still many things I really need in my new home, and since I don't have too much money, thrifting is extremely helpful. Thank you for sharing your tips xoxo
Posted by: frutti | September 20, 2011 at 12:33 PM
Good tips! I find that a lot of these are pretty much what I use during normal shopping as well. Thrifting is great, but I don't have many in my area. I'd love to be doing something like that weekly, then I would probably stop buying things for the sake of it and only start buying if I really loved it.
<3 Linda
Posted by: Linda | September 20, 2011 at 12:36 PM
ive wanted to start thrifting lately so thanks for the tips! im finally losing some of my baby weight and geez am i excited to get some cute clothes back on my bod!
Posted by: jen fuller | September 20, 2011 at 12:37 PM
What a great list! This is really helpful. I think you're right about Tip #2 being super hard to stick to, but so important! :) It's hard for me because there was a time that I bought something I only liked (and didn't LOVE) in the store and it turns out that I love it now, so that always sticks in the back of my mind. I always think, "But that one time..." Need to shake that. It's too rare of an occurrence and I've already got enough stuff at my house! :)
Thanks for the list. This is awesome!
Posted by: Julie | September 20, 2011 at 12:39 PM
I definitely use the " love it " rule! And I admit to having plenty of future DIY projects! I have gotten around to a few this summer, so I can't quite let them go.
Posted by: kristine | September 20, 2011 at 12:47 PM