Thrift shopping tips

Thrift shopping tips:

Thrift shopping is great for getting a bargain. Here are some tips to help you make the most of thrift shopping and looking great.

1-Make lists

List what you need to buy so you narrow your search and don't over spend.

2-Buy what you love

If you fall in love with a piece think how much use the item will give you. Putting it back can be risky as it can be sold to another. Remember it could be returned later.

3-Buy what looks good on you

Items look different on hanger than on you. So, try before you buy. Get a friends opinion or ask someone in the shop for a friendly opinion. (best not a shop worker as they just want a sale).

4-Shop Often

Different stock is put out regularly. One day you might find nothing and next week you find 3 pretty outfits. Consider thrift shopping as a fashion treasure hunt.

5-Hoarding?

Consider how the item will take up room in your home. Is there space for another [insert item here].

Do you already have 5 similar to what you are thinking of buying? Maybe swap with friends and family or sell items to make room for this new purchase.

6-Be prepared

Many stores only except cash. Look in hidden places in store like at the back or high up...never know what gem you'll find. Check for sales regularly. Also when trying on lots of clothes, wear something easy to put on and take off. A slip on dress for example with ballet flats and no fiddly buttons and belts or laces. 

7-Customize

You might see a blue plain dress you think gives you great figure but it's not exciting so add some bows or buttons (some personality to it). Make clothing shorter and use cut of fabric for matching bag or headband. Many other ways...some vintage clothes have cute patterns on so you can cut the fabric to turn into other items or for other projects. DIY your finds.

8-Location

Google where shops and markets that sell thrift style items are in your area. Look at car boot sales, markets and stores selling second hand or vintage items (even some antique shops). 

Not just look in highstreet or mall but, in quirky hidden away places. OR TRY A CHARITY SHOP.

9-If in doubt

If you are unsure if you wish to buy it then try it on if it's clothing or try to picture what you'd use it for and how many times you'd use it.

Try to picture the full outfit the new clothing will go with. Or imagine how the furniture will fit the room it will go in.

9-Check quality

Turn items inside out to see if they will last or are fraying for example. Furniture, you should check all draws and hinges to see if it is good condition. 

Look at items from all angles before you buy it. 

10-Haggle

If you're in a market or charity shop or buying a lot of items try to get lower price by using your charm and haggling.