embracing second hand

With thrift store shopping becoming widely acceptable, maybe you have recently discovered "new" treasures at very satisfying prices.  I certainly remember a time when it wasn't cool to be looking for a prom dress at Savers, but from a very young age my dad taught me that my dollar would stretch three times more there, than at Wet Seal.  I still remember the days when I would score an Express sweatshirt or an Esprit dress for $2.99.  The best!  I have to admit every time I see a pair of Guess jeans hanging on the Good Will rack, my heart skips a beat.

Today there is no shame in my game.  I proudly get myself into any thrift store I can get with in a mile of, buying up everything from hats to shoes (yes shoes), purses, linens, and dresses.  I've scored bedding, jewelry, books, belts, gloves, dishes, and more awesome furniture than you could imagine.    

Right now, let's focus on used clothes.  If you're a seasoned second hand shopper, you'll know what I'm talking about.  If you're new, welcome.  Here are my top 10 helpful tips.  I've been at this for 32 years and if there's one thing I know, it's how to pick over a thrift store.

This year's Christmas Card.  Everything we're wearing in this photo except my boots and jewelry came from a TS. ({Nino's} face is blurred for privacy purposes).

1.  Let go of prejudices.  Some people consider thrift stores and used clothing shops nasty, dirty places. Some are, but most aren’t.  Explore your neighborhood and find a shop or two that you like and you’ll be hooked.  Don't fixate on the fact that you'll be wearing clothes that someone else has worn.  Why do you think we have washing machines?  Pretty soon you'll be so happy with your good fortune, you'll get over it.

Recently I was a bridesmaid for my dear friend, {Nicole's wedding}.  I wore this dress I bought at Savers for $5. 

2.  Take your time.  At normal clothing shops, everything is neatly organized. Not so much at thrift stores. While thrifting, it’s important to be patient, to browse the racks methodically.  Go when you have a couple hours to kill and you're not in a hurry.  DO NOT take your small, hungry, tired children.  Doing so will suck the energy of the thrift store Gods right out the door. This is the last thing you want.

3.  Go with a friend.  Sometimes it's hard for me to judge if a piece of clothing is really good, or just the best thing I've seen all day.  It's helpful to have a second opinion. Your friend should have an eye for what looks good on you, and vice versa.  It's also good to have another mind to help you think outside the box.  For instance, Jilly might find an adorable shirt with a stain on the sleeve and rule it out.  But I might convince her it would look brilliant under a cardigan with a skinny belt.  That's what friends are for.

4.  Experiment.  I've brought home several items from a TS with the intention of re-purposing.  I cut the top off a dresses to make skirts, made several a pairs of boot cut jeans into skinny jeans or shorts, and I've taken in the seams of countless shirts for a tailored fit.  The good news is if you screw up, you probably only spent a few dollars.  Not the end of the world. 

My Easter dress I found at Savers for $5.99, taken in a few sizes.

5.  Watch for sales.  Almost every thrift store has it's weekly sales.  Our Good Will has 50% off day every other Saturday and always has 20% off coupons on-line.  Savers has a weekly colored tag on sale and dollar days.  Check with your local stores to see when they offer discounts.  The store might be more crowded than usual, but it's completely worth it if you have some time to stand in line. 

This outfit cost under $25

Citizens of Humanity Jeans- $10 St Vincent de Paul (Retail at Nordstroms for $172)
Chevron T- $4 Name Brand Exchange
Gray Cardigan- $2 Last Chance (Nordstroms return outlet)
Silver belt- $2 Good Will
Yellow Wedges- $6 Good Will

6.  Try things on.  Sizes vary widely between manufacturers and even by eras. (Today’s clothes have a looser fit).  Some places don’t have dressing rooms, so it’s smart to wear a modest, thin layer in case you need to strip down in the aisle.  I have no patience for returns so I try on everything from the waist down and I don't buy unless I know I'm going to keep it.

7.  Examine each item thoroughly.  It stinks to get home to find your new shirt has a hole in the pocket, or that the pants you thought were a steal actually have a broken zipper.  A few years ago, Jilly thought she'd found an authentic pair of Parada boots. Cinderella relentlessly tried to shove her size 7 foot into these size 6 shoes, only to look more closely and find they were a brand called Parade (made exclusively by Payless).  We laughed so hard our sides ached. 

8. Shop for accessories.  Why pay $30 for a new belt in a department store when you can get a better belt in your size for two bucks?  I shop at second-hand stores for hats, purses, jackets, wallets, gloves, scarves, jewelry, sunglasses, and shoes.  If I can't throw them in the wash, I use Lysol spray and Clorox wipes. 

9.  Get to know the sales associates.  If you go to the same store often, ask when they rotate stock and get their new shipments.  Most also have extra stock in storage. If you become friends with the owners, you might even ask them to keep an eye out for particular items.  Who knows, maybe the owner of Thrift Town is your new bestie.  

10. Make it fun!  Don't throw in the towel if you walk in to a TS for the first time and walk out empty handed.  Chances are you're not going to come upon the perfect dress for you daughter's Quinceanera the first trip.  Like any sport, this one takes practice.  Stop in and shop as often as possible to increase the chance of scoring deals.  I always go into thrift stores with an open mind and a bottle of hand sanitizer.

I cherish the memories of my three sisters, my dad, and I walking into the Thrift Center where we were cheerfully greeted by name.  Now it's so fun to take my own family treasure hunting on sale Saturdays. 

I can honestly say over 50% of my families wardrobe is made up of used clothes and accessories.  My man is thankful he doesn't have to work hard all day to spend his pay check on expensive jeans and I'm thankful to be stashing away extra money for a rainy day.  I'm grateful my dad taught me how to be resourceful, re-use, and re-purpose.  It comes in real handy when you're trying to stretch a buck.

Stay tuned.  Jilly will be posting all her best tips on thrifting furniture and home goods.