Suz asked me in my thread about my spring purchases/budget about how I manage to thrift successfully (http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ses-so-far). So FWIW, here are my thoughts, experiences and guidelines on the world of thrifting and consignment shopping.
• I will NOT buy an item in a thrift/consignment store that I would not have purchased brand new. I have to genuinely like the piece – there’s no point in buying something just because it’s inexpensive. It’s still a waste of money and will still become a closet orphan even if you only paid $5. If I wouldn’t have bought it new, then I shouldn’t buy it now.
• I will not buy an item that is stained, ripped, missing buttons, has a broken zipper or doesn’t fit (other than requiring hemming, which is a given for me). Not only does altering an item add to the cost, but I just don’t have the time or inclination to get an item altered. My two exceptions are: a shirt or jacket that fits beautifully and is in great condition but I don’t LIKE the buttons – you can pick up new buttons inexpensively and replace them. Sometimes changing the buttons can completely update the look of an item. The other exception is if it is really an exceptional piece in every way but needs the width taken in, sleeves shortened (on jackets) or shoulder pads removed. But nothing more than that.
• I will only buy an item that I know will work in three different combinations with what I have in my closet already. There’s no point in saving money buying a lovely blouse only to find you have nothing that goes with it and you need to go buy a pair of pants or a skirt to work with it. Where’s the savings in that?
• I will not buy knits second hand. Ever. Period. Never in good shape.
• Clothing items that tend to be in the best condition for thrifting include: outerwear (there was a stunning London Fog trench coat at my local Value Village about two weeks ago that was in new condition with the dry cleaning tag still attached – not my size unfortunately but a great find for someone); blazers; dresses, skirts. These tend to have the least amount of wear and tear on them. Pants are really difficult to thrift successfully so I don’t even bother looking. Blouses and t-shirts can be hit and miss. I only look for those if I have more time and patience (and maybe a cup of coffee in my hand).
• Do not forget the “smell” test. I realize this sounds disgusting but I once purchased a beautiful leather handbag and didn’t realize until I got it home that is absolutely reeked of cigarette smoke. I tried everything possible to remove the smell, but it never did come out and I ended up re-thrifting the bag. Body odour and some perfumes can be just as difficult to remove. As strange as I look, I sniff everything before it leaves the store with me.
• Items from different decades are sized differently. If you see an item you love but it isn’t your size, try it on anyway. I’ve fit everything from a small to a large depending on the designer and the era. In the same vein, wander through the men’s section as well. Some men’s button down shirts look fantastic on women, as well as small sports coats can make fabulous blazers for that “boyfriend” look. Waistcoats are always trendy so make sure to check out the suit vests in the men’s section.
• Because many thrift stores have an overwhelming amount of stuff, I always go with a plan/list otherwise it’s really easy to just wander aimlessly around. And each store has a different layout – some group clothing by size, some by colour, some by style, some by era.
• I will occasionally thrift shoes/boots but they have to be in pristine condition – the inside in particular. If the insole is even remotely “mogey” looking but the shoe is fab otherwise, I will see if the insole can come out and I can replace it with a Dr. Scholl’s gel insole. If not, the shoes don’t come home with me.
• Always always always check out purses, jewelry and scarves. You can find some amazing items in these sections, especially if you’re looking for vintage. Many times relatives are closing up the home of an elderly deceased relative and just pack up everything to go to a thrift store, not realizing what they have. Their loss can be your gain. I have found some fantastic watches that merely needed a battery to make them work. And you all know I’ve found some wonderful purses.
• Find out when the new items received get put out onto the floor and try and get there that day. The good stuff goes quickly. Also, if you try something on and it’s great but you put it back, deciding to think about it – be prepared for it to be gone when you return. A lot of customers actually “shop” the return rack (the rack by the changes rooms where customers put back things they aren’t purchasing). I learned this one really quickly when I found a yellow leather moto jacket at Value Village and decided to think about it because it was yellow – I put it on the return rack, walked to my cart and some lady had already taken it.
• Consignment stores in the better and more affluent neighbourhoods tend to have higher end items. But they also have higher prices, so you need to keep that in mind.
• As for how do I know I’ll be able to find an item? I don’t . It’s hit or miss every time I go. You have to go back fairly frequently if you’re looking for something specific and be patient.
• Get to know the staff. I can’t stress this enough and this has been absolutely KEY in my thrifting success. The one thrift store and two consignment stores I frequent now know me by name and I know theirs. They have started to get a sense of what I buy at their store and will often point out items to me when I walk in the door….”Shannon, I just got in ????? and it’s in your size”. This saves me a ton of time and effort and has resulted in my best purchases to date. I’ve even given my cell number to the one lady I really trust and she texts me when something fab comes in (the vintage Cartier handbag) to see if I’m interested so that she can tuck it in the back for me to see without it going onto the floor for sale. I’ve also let this same lady know I’m looking for a vintage orange handbag for summer so she’s put this on her “hunt list” and will let me know if one comes in.
• Above all, be prepared to spend time looking. Thrift stores aren’t known for their great organization and you need to spend time looking through the multitude of racks. Just like finding your perfect mate, you have to go through a lot of crap to find the one “keeper”!