Hey curvy girls all over the world, A few months ago a few readers sent in emails requesting tips on how to thrift. I love a good thrift find like the next girl, but, I really have no strategies when I thrift. I just go in and pick what looks good to me and alter it if necessary. I didn’t want to leave the readers hanging so I reached out to a blog friend and a fabulous experienced thrifter that you may know, Reiko from God’s Favorite Shoes. Reiko was so nice to hook SC readers up with her tips on thrifting.
Checkout Reiko’s tips:
How to thrift! I can’t say that there is an exact science. I just kind of go with what feels right and usually get really lucky. So, I’ll share what I know. This is based totally on my experience alone. If it works for you…great. If not, just laugh at me :).
2. Go in with the mindset of finding basics for your wardrobe. My go-to areas of any thrift store are dresses and blazers. I look for items that I can’t find in a local department store. Usually if I get the feeling where I’m nervous to leave an item, that means I need to get it.
3. Don’t get stuck on sizing. Usually when thrifting, the clothes are older which means that the sizing system may have been different than it is today. What was a size 14 in the 70’s might be a size 10 today.
4. Know your name brands…really I should say “quality”. Know what is worth it, and what’s not worth even a dollar.
5. On the flip side of #4, don’t buy things just because you recognize the name brand. Buy it because you like it. Yes, every designer makes at least one piece in a collection that totally should not be worn by humans. Acknowledge that. Leave it on the rack.
6. “Envision” when you thrift. I’ve bought plenty of dresses that I envision as a cute shirt. Maybe the bottom is not flattering but the top is fabulous. Sometimes changing buttons on a dress or a shirt can give you a whole new wardrobe piece. You’ve got to be a visionary.
7. Find an alterations person/tailor. They are invaluable when you need to tailor an dress or jacket to fit perfectly. I invite “my tailor” to birthday parties. She never shows up but still…the invitation is there! HA!
8. Make sure to ALWAYS check for broken threading, buttons, holes, fading…if it can be fixed…great. But you don’t want to spend 60 bucks repairing a 6 DOLLAR DRESS. (yes, I’ve done that). If you are a procrastinator by nature…you know good and well you are not going to “fix that button” or “shorten that hem”… so don’t buy it! (sorry…I had to be tough on you)
9. Do not overlook the men’s department and boys department. There are treasures there! There is nothing like a crisp oversized button down shirt cinched with a belt and rolled up sleeves. Men’s button downs are often in perfect condition in thrift stores.
10. Find alternate ways to wear the obvious. Turn a daishiki backwards and give your wardrobe new life!
Great post! Wonderful ideas! 🙂
LOVE this post. Was thinking about doing something similar. There are so may potential pitfalls around thifting; thanks for making sure we get it right!
Addi
Great post, Alissa! Glad you shared Reiko’s tips.
This is a good post and I think it can be applied to ALL shopping, not just thrift. I recently spent $45 to tailor a dress I bought on sale for $18. Cute trumps broke? Maybe, maybe not.
oh my goodness though i was so scared that was you when i saw the huge hair…your hair looks great like it is don’t change it.
Great post…I love Reiko…she is like a master thrifter!
Great job Reiko, awesome thrifitng tips and of course I LOVE that huge hair, lol!
xoxo,
Your partner in crime
Wow love these tips…Personally I go to the thrift store to find blazers,jackets,winter coats and I got some great finds this past winter ohhh and for purses as well. :)…Never knew thrifting could be so much fun until last year!!