thrift adventure

American Apparel shirt. AGAIN skirt.
To start my spring break, Beth Jones invited me to thrift at Savers along with Laurel Dailey who documented everything. Both girls are amazing at what they do so it definitely amped the normal shopping experience. We discussed our method to the madness over some coffee – Beth came super prepared with her purse on her waist… and I’m not entirely sure how I never thought of that myself. Realizing this was just as prominent going to the Barney’s Warehouse Sale in cumbersome layers while noting the rest of the girls came in leggings and tank tops – but that’s a completely different madhouse.


See how clever that is??
I get questioned a lot on how I approach thrifting. There IS a method to the madness; case in point, both Beth and I left with an arsenal of spring goodies and seperately totaled cheaper than $45 bucks. To follow, a couple of personal tips:

• Try not to get overwhelmed. As you can see, Savers is like the Target of Goodwill. There are racks beyond racks of clothes – thankfully, sorted by types AND sizes. But just take a deep breath and know what you want/like. I tend to gravitate towards blouses, skirts, and tops. Beth goes for pants and printed tops.

• Make sifting easier by looking for quality. There is so much junk to sort through, and I’m the type who is OCD about seeing everything before I buy it – you can’t do that here. I satisfy that “am-I-getting-the-best-I-can-get” by running my fingers along the hangers until a color/fabric/print catches my eye – then I’ll pull it out and examine the cut. That way, I get the feel that I’ve seen as much as I could have.

• Go with a friend. Often, I shop alone – I can get more into the zone that way, but that leaves me with a lot more space to cover. With a friend, you can divide and conquer. I was already exhausted looking at my normal racks and didn’t bother to go through pants or accessories. This helps later when you start trying stuff on because you can grab what they give up… which leads to…

Getting a second opinion from the boyfriend

• Try everything on, you might surprise yourself! I throw everything I might like in the cart. I know there are a lot of people who rather just buy stuff, try it on at home, and return it later. Not sure if you can return items at a thrift store, but I can’t imagine the convenience to return a $3 top. So just try it on. Plus, you never know what looks good on you and what might mislead you.

• Don’t get discouraged, and I know it’s very easy to. Shoulder pads may look terrible on you – consider how it looks taking them off. Pants aren’t exactly perfect – maybe get them tailored. A dress hem is unflattering on you – cutting the hem yourself is easy! Eventually you start to get a feel of what cuts/eras look best on you, and everything can be altered! If you think about it, spending $5 on a top and $20 on getting it tailored is far more rewarding and cheaper than buying it full price elsewhere.

My purchases.

Beth's purchases

• Come inspired with a clear mind and fresh eyes. Some day when you’re feeling inspired but you’re not sure how to use that as an outlet, go to a local thrift shop and DIG. You’ll be amazed at what you can find! But again, don't be discouraged because not every visit is a winner. I've been in a store for over an hour and tried on at least five mediocre things and left the store with nothing.

Loved everything I got with the exception of that to-die-for snakeskin leather jacket by Oscar de la Renta. I weighed my odds with a size 14 jacket that didn't fit me and the price of tailoring it (if it's even possible)... it just wasn't meant to be. But I know it's okay because I haven't felt any buyer's remorse. But I would love to get your aspect on thrifting! Do you always go with a friend? Best thrift find? What is your method to the madness? Also, check out Beth's post for more pictures and her side of the story. Pictures by Laurel.