the vintage vine: Thrift- EXPOSED

8.18.2011

Thrift- EXPOSED

I am going to share with you the inside raw deal of thrifting. Where to find it, what to look out for, and why its worth doing. Lets start with where I like to shop....

My favorite places to shop for those one of a kind, photo-worthy pieces are the cheapest small town Goodwill's, the Salvation Army, and if you're lucky to find one, an estate sale. These places are there to provide clothing at a bare minimum and usually don't know the worth of the things they sell. Take advantage.

Now I don't usually shop for trends but I can say that I'm slightly influenced and I always pay attention to the upcoming season. Try to stay ahead of the wave...or ride that bad boy out. Ignore sizes and designer labels, they mean nothing. We all know that a size 6 now is slightly larger than a size 6 from the 1940's (you can thank fast food for this one) and just because its 3 sizes larger doesn't mean it wont look amazing belted or with skinny jeans. Try everything on and please for the love of god do not go thrifting for Express clothing. Unless you spot YSL's on the shoe rack or a Dior skirt... labels are just that. Look for style.

Classics are the easiest thing to start with. Look for a killer pencil skirt, a tweed blazer, dashing earrings, or a simple silk button up...I guarantee these will all come in handy at some point in time. Thrifting is a skill, so if you don't find anything in your first trip - try again! Practice makes puuuuurrrrfect!

Warnings

Thrift stores smell funny.

This is a very time consuming shopping adventure.

Holes, broken zippers, stains, unrepairable fabric.

Serious thrifters will follow you if they think you're on to something.

Pointers

Go in a two piece outfit, something simple like jeans and a plain tee. You will be trying on separates.

Avoid getting overly made up, easy make up and hair. Fit in.

Go alone or bring someone with a lot of patience.

Read all signs for sales/discounts. Thrifting adds up too!

vintage blazer & earrings

Levis, boys shirt, thrifted loafers

Heres why I thrift:

I love getting dressed in a piece of clothing I know has not been mass produced in the last 10 years. I enjoy the satisfaction of the girl dressed in head to toe designer gushing over my boots that cost a lousy 5 bucks. I appreciate the cleverness of a person who can be the best dressed at an event and shopped her grandmothers closet for the look. Vintage clothing/accessories were all made with lush, durable materials, so you can expect to keep that piece for another 20 years. The pieces I find truly melt my heart and inspire me to put a story behind them.

A sneak of what I brought back from Ohio...