13 Tips for Thrift Store Shopping Success

guest post by super fab fashionista Shannon Mueller

Hello! My name is Shannon and I am addicted to thrifting.

Honestly, it’s the only kind of shopping that I don’t loathe.  I have been thrift store shopping for as long as I can remember.

It all started when I would spend summers in Colorado with my Grandma.  We would literally spend a whole day hitting all the shops! It was like a treasure hunt!

I rarely buy anything new and over the years I have learned some very handy tips to increase my secondhand shopping scores and find the best items for my style.  Enjoy!

 

 

1. Do your research.  Look online to find your local shops.  There are often smaller ones that you may not know about.
2. Find out what day is best to shop. Often there are deals like 5/$10.00 on clothes, etc.  Also ask the shops what days they put out new merchandise.
3. Know that each store is unique!  Some are better for clothes and some are better for décor.
4. Walking into a thrift store can be overwhelming because there are SO many items.  And let’s face it; some of them are not the cleanest most pleasant smelling places!  Try to not let that bother you.  I have found some amazing treasures in the most dingy looking shops!
5. Frequency!  Stop at your favorite shops OFTEN.  They get new items in often and you don’t want to miss that treasure you have been looking for!
6. Shop off season.  It’s okay to look for amazing boots in the summer. ☺
7. Don’t shy away from the men’s clothes.  I have found a lot of amazing pieces that I never would have found if I had stuck to the women’s area only.
8. Take a friend or someone who knows your style and the types of items you are looking for!  I find this extremely helpful because then I have two sets of eyes looking for amazing stuff that I might love. When I take one of my best friends with me thrifting I find the BEST stuff! ☺
9. Remember that clothing can be altered.  Being 5’0” I used to let this prevent me from buying a pair of pants that are WAY too long.  But almost any item of clothing can be altered and will still cost you less than new clothes. ☺
10. Speaking of clothing, you will be doing a lot of walking and rummaging, so wear something comfortable!
11. Don’t go thrifting with a full bladder! I speak from experience. A lot of shops don’t have a bathroom and who wants to stop shopping to find the nearest toilet?  Not me.
12. Try to go with the flow and keep in mind you may not find something you love each time…and that’s okay! ☺
13. Most importantly, Have FUN!

 

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