Getting the Most Out of Thrift Shopping

Believe it or not, it is possible to build an entire, stylish and fashionable wardrobe from the thrift store. What I've found is that a lot of people don't feel like searching through so many items of clothing just to find one piece. The key to this is to approach thrift shopping as a treasure hunt. You're on the hunt for the most unique, vintage, gently worn clothing that you can find so that you won't have to worry about running into that girl on the street wearing the same thing that you are. And who doesn't like having unique pieces. Through trial and error, I've discovered a way to make the most out of your thrift store adventures.

1. Never go to just one thrift shop. While you may be able to rack up a couple of pieces worthy of a place in your closet, you won't find enough to come close to building a wardrobe. It's important to make various stops at different thrift stores throughout your city. Different areas have different people who have different style.

2. Visit thrift stores in wealthy areas. You have a greater chance of finding some vintage fashion items and designer pieces. Wealthy people usually buy expensive clothing and accessories, and often the employees of these stores are just working to pass the time so you won't have to worry about them getting the cool items first.

3. Don't count something out because it isn't your size. This is super important because there have been many times I've passed on getting a dress or a shirt because it was a size too big. Eventually I just caved in when I came across an awesome Prada dress that was a size 8 (I wear a size 4). I purchased it and, upon getting it home, put a belt around the waist and viola! It fit perfectly! From then on I've gotten t-shirts, blouses, and dresses that were a size or two too large and have had no problems tweaking it to fit my body. Buy what catches your eye and bring out your inner DIYer!

4. Find out when the stores put their new stuff out. This usually means going on a Tuesday because the donations that came in over the weekend have been sort through, priced, and ready to go on the floor. Which almost guarantees that you won't leave empty handed.

5. Always smell the clothes before buying and check for stains. Yup, I said it. We all know that thrift store smell, and while yes, we know the clothes came from some other persons home, we don't want to take home clothing that possess a smell that yells "Thrift Store." Know that the clothes will have a smell to them, but you have to decide whether you think you will be able to remove that smell with disinfecting. Also check the items for stains. There's no guarantee that any mark on a piece of      clothing will be able to be removed, so choose wisely. If you just have to have those camel color Chanel trousers with the stain on the calf, by all means buy it if the price is right. Just know that you're taking a risk. But who doesn't like a little gambling every now and then.