Thrift store shopping is where I find many of my fashion gems, including this jacket! Today I wanted to share with you some tips on how to go thrift store shopping like a pro. Being budget friendly is something that is so important to me when putting my outfits together. You don’t have to break the bank to look good. Being confident and having an open mind is all you need!
Thrifting is often looked down upon, thrift stores can be seen as dirty, smelly and depressing. People go thrift store shopping for a variety of reasons; to save money, find better deals on name brands, to find gems or they might not have the same budget and resort to finding deals on everyday necessities. Whatever the reason may be, I’ll be sharing some tips that can help you improve your thrifting experience, whether it’s your first time or not.
1. Make a List
Many thrift stores are usually located in the same areas. Research where you want to go, create your list, and make a day out of it. If you’re in San Jose, I recommend going to Black and Brown and Crossroads. They’re both on the same street, so it’s easy to go from one to the next. In San Francisco, the Haight district (Wasteland, Goodwill, Held Over) has many thrift stores where you’ll find some amazing gems. Or if you’re in the Mission district check out: Mission Thrift, Thrift Town, Crossroads, Painted Bird, or Buffalo Exchange.
2. Discounts on Discounts
Many thrift stores offer discounts on top of their already discounted prices. Call ahead and ask for their sales. They usually place items on sales racks after a month or so to prepare for the next season.
3. Give Back
Don’t be afraid to give back and take your unwanted items into a thrift store. Crossroads gives you 30% cash and 50% store credit for items you don’t want. You also have a better chance of selling your items if they’re a season ahead ex: it’s the end of summer, so currently thrift stores are looking for winter items.
4. Open-Mind
This is probably one of the most important things you need when thrifting. Items inevitably look different inside a thrift store than at home in your closet. Visualize whatever you loved outside in a different setting, styled with something you may already have. Mixing and matching new items with old ones will save you money! Personally I don’t like making a list before going thrifting, that way I don’t have expectations, and I can just shop freely without obsessing about what’s on my list.
5. Quality Assessment
Once you find an item you love, and I say love because you really have to love an item at a thrift store to avoid unnecessary purchases. And if you love it, then take it because next time you come in the chances of it being sold out are very likely. Make sure you assess the item throughly to make sure there are no rips, stains or holes.
6. Be Patient
This might sound weird, but I love going thrifting and shopping alone. You may or may not have the same patience as someone else. Thrifting requires patience, you can’t be afraid to dig and look through the racks. I usually go around the store 2 or 3 times before finding something. That’s actually what happened when I found this jacket!
7. Wash/ Dry Clean
This may be obvious, but make sure you wash or dry clean everything before wearing.
{Shop This Look}
Makeup: Marlyn Valencia
Photography: Nathalie Bize
