High Class... Thrifter?

I’ve never been one to pass up a good deal.  Let’s face it, times are relatively tough for many of us and our budgets are tight.  But who says that we need to sacrifice our style just because we don’t have thousands to spend on a killer new wardrobe?  I know that I’ve alluded to my knack for sifting through the used clothing racks at places like the Salvation Army and Goodwill before, but for those of you for whom this is uncharted territory, it may all seem a bit…well…crazy, perhaps? Well you’re right, sort of. 

There are many different reasons people tend to do some, most, or all of their shopping at thrift stores, which can range from being environmentally conscious, to being financially savvy, to a love for vintage styles or a hankering for quality apparel.  Unfortunately, due to our country’s greed (this is obviously a severe generalization), we currently only manufacture approximately 2% of what we’re wearing, which is drastically different from the 98% that our country once proudly produced. Along with that greed, came a drastic decline in the quality of materials and construction of the garments that are now sold in most of the mass market stores across the globe.  Quality control has taken a backseat to fast turn around and inexpensive foreign labor, forcing us to shop more frequently and fill the pockets of seemingly every else but ourselves.  Think about it.  Do you really think your brand new top would even make it to a thrift store in 20 or 30 years?  Doubtful, considering if may possibly have a few pulls or holes after the first washing, even on a gentle cycle.

Although I do love vintage silhouettes and fabrics, the main reason I shop at thrift stores is the adventure of the hunt and the quality of a hand crafted Made in the USA garment or a famous Italian Designer name.  It’s like searching for a hidden gem that’s just waiting to be plucked out from the surrounding imposters.  If you’re not a seasoned thrift store vet like moi, however, here are some tips and tricks that can help you fake it ‘til you make it.

1. Determine if thrifting is even something that you would enjoy.  Let’s face it.  Many of you could care less about finding one perfect piece and would rather do your shopping online.  So do that!  Thrifting can be a hassle and quite annoying, in fact, for someone who doesn’t love the challenge of a bargain and the hunt for the gem.  Just remember, in order to find the diamonds, one must sift through a lot of rocks.
2. Allow yourself plenty of time.  I’m talking 1 hour at the absolute minimum.  I can kill hours upon hours without even realizing it, especially if I’m with my mother.  Never, ever, take my mother or myself up on an offer to tag along.  You will likely be laying down on one of the bed bug filled sofas before we have gotten through the pants.
3. Pick a section and see it through.  If you have something in mind you are in search of, say the perfect pair of dress pants, head to that section immediately and narrow that section down further to a general size range.  Remember, sizing has changed dramatically in the past 10 years or so, so you may be able to go up a size or two (or even three), depending on the designer and year of the garment.  Oh yes, we as Americans like to sugarcoat the fact that our hips are ever expanding.  Ah, yes, what was once considered a standard sizing in the 1940’s and 1950’s has somehow gone to the wayside and we’ve added some “padding” per se.  Haven’t you ever wondered if Marilyn Monroe was really a size 12?  She had a 23 inch waist according to her dress maker, which is not even in the same ballpark as a size 12 by today’s standards. 
4. Pick a good day to shop.  If you’re looking for the best possible deals and cheapest prices, it would probably be best to hit the racks on sale days.  Wednesdays are family day at Salvation Army, and most items are 50% off.  If you’re looking for the biggest selection, Tuesday may be the best bet.  On average, most donations come in over the weekend and take a day or two to be processed and put out for sale, making Tuesday the optimum day to shop.
5. Bring a smart phone.  Seriously.  If I find a gorgeous piece that I can’t live without I could care less who the designer is.  But if you’re looking for pieces that may have resale value, it may be valuable to Google a tag that is less familiar to see if the item may have vintage value.  You may end up wanting the cash more than wanting the clothes!
6. Check carefully for holes, stains, tears, etc.  Even if you find a quality garment with a small imperfection, still consider it.  Is it a stain that can likely be removed?  Do you have a tailor who is capable of fixing a small hole or a missing button?  I’d never turn down a killer look for a slight imperfection.  In fact, I sometimes buy pieces just because they have cool buttons or another element that I may want to use for something else.
7. Don’t be afraid to try things on.  It may skeeve you out a little, but don’t be afraid to try things on.  I typically try to wear a pair of black leggings and a tight fitting black tank so I can easily slip things on over them.  I can still get the general idea of fit and not leave the store feeling the need to shower immediately. 
8. Wash before wearing.  Basically all thrift store finds have a unique “scent” of sorts (more like a strange odor of mothballs and musky feet).  Always wash or dry clean your new finds before wearing to rid them from any odors or stains left behind from the previous owner.  You can also use home remedies like vinegar to get out tough odors like cigarette smoke.
9. Wear your items and do as those before you have done- Donate!  I go through my closet at least twice a year and sell and donate things that I have not worn at least twice within the last year.  Sometimes I kick myself a few years down the road for the things that I purge, but you can’t keep it all!  Plus you need to make space for your new thrifty finds.