https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-thrifting-tips Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 11 May 2026 00:43:00 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-thrifting-tips/page/2#post-584917 Sun, 01 Apr 2012 16:20:33 +0000 ButterflyLady 584917@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Brilliant tips, Shannon. Our charity shops in the UK, as Mander says, tend to have a lot of basic high street stuff, although still worth a look if it's a trend you want to try without paying the full price - I regularly donate to my favourite charity shop, and as I am working my way through purging and buying (and sometimes making mistakes) I know there is some good quality stuff there, too. I've found higher end things in amongst the cheaper stuff, it just takes commitment to keep on looking ... </p> <p>Mander, we do have consignment stores in the UK - they tend to be called 'nearly new' shops though, or dress agencies. That's what I did with all my formal office suits after I'd left work after having my first son - I sold them at a dress agency! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-thrifting-tips/page/2#post-584122 Sat, 31 Mar 2012 17:51:03 +0000 christieanne 584122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I collect ski sweaters from Norway/Scandinavia and so I always look through the knit section specifically for those. Touch tells you right away if it's wool (although unlikely that the pattern wouldn't be a dead giveaway). I have bought a couple that needed buttons as the replacement was worth it.<br /> Most of the thrifted sweaters I donate to use for raffle prizes for a heritage group I belong too but I have one or two I have saved out for myself. Have not yet explored ways to make these FAB yet but I try to make them look modern and fun. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-thrifting-tips/page/2#post-584084 Sat, 31 Mar 2012 16:54:27 +0000 Mochi 584084@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As I'm writing this I'm wearing a pristine ivory cashmere cardi I got in a consignment store. Can't remember if it had been new with tags, but you should never say absolutely never....I think the overall bar the store sets should be a consideration. Of course things will cost more in those cases, almost always, but still cheaper than a new item (at least one would hope). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-thrifting-tips#post-584019 Sat, 31 Mar 2012 15:04:03 +0000 ironkurtin 584019@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I 100% agree on feel as a great indicator of quality. It's the most important thing for me in ALL of my clothing!</p> <p>I am a giant cashmere fiend (ok, WAS... 90 degrees today in Austin) and I could locate a good sweater just by hand feel. So while Shannon says no knits, I will say that cashmere is an exception. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-thrifting-tips#post-583989 Sat, 31 Mar 2012 14:16:32 +0000 Transcona Shannon 583989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm so glad I started this thread because all of your input has made me learn even more about successful thrifting. Thanks everyone! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-thrifting-tips#post-583924 Sat, 31 Mar 2012 11:31:46 +0000 Mander 583924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't mind missing buttons, provided they are normal types that I am likely to be able to replace from my stash. Sewing a button only takes a few minutes. Some minor repairs, like a detached lining, are also fine for me.</p> <p>Most of the charity shops here seem to only have cheap high street stuff, so I am very selective about what I buy and how much I pay for it. Still, I do often manage to get cute, serviceable items inexpensively.</p> <p>I have no idea what women in the UK do with their unwanted designer stuff. Maybe it's just my location but I've never seen a consignment store here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-thrifting-tips#post-583858 Sat, 31 Mar 2012 05:51:48 +0000 Anonymous 583858@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great thread Shannon, thank you so much for writing the post! I would add to check the girls' section for shrunken blazers and cardis, they often get misplaced there, and I've found women's clothing (like plaid or striped button front shirts) mixed in with the men's. The skirts and dresses can be scanned quickly by looking down at the hems, I'm always wanting the longer ones, and now I scan the woven shirts and blouses by looking for collars, which saves a lot of time. I've picked up a lot of great ideas here today, thanks everybody! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-thrifting-tips#post-583787 Sat, 31 Mar 2012 03:48:29 +0000 ManidipaM 583787@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, Suz, Joy --- such great tips from everyone! We don't have thrift or consignment shopping in India, but a few of the gateway cities and manufacturing hubs have great flea markets and outlets for 'export surplus' (and samples). All your tips would apply equally well for these.</p> <p>I especially liked Suz's point about taking a risk on the lower price --- never thought to do that before.</p> <p>Btw, what Joy says about the tape measure should apply to ALL shopping --- ALWAYS bring the tape measure, because even the normal shops have such inconsistent sizing. Especially during sale season, it saves hours of queuing for the dressing room (well, in our populous country, at least, it does). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-thrifting-tips#post-583758 Sat, 31 Mar 2012 02:48:42 +0000 Suz 583758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mochi, those are really good points. I know I have made this mistake in thrift and especially consignment stores, too. I go in just wanting to find something...and decide I HAVE found something, even if, on reflection (the kind that comes too late) it is nothing I really want or need, and not even a great bargain! I think Shannon's suggestion of making lists and knowing what you are looking for is key, and then combine that with my willingness to be open to great things you are NOT looking for, specifically...with the caveat that you can't be shopping just to satisfy the shopping itch. Gosh, it gets complicated, doesn't it? </p> <p>Joy, what a brilliant idea to bring a tape measure along. SO clever!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-thrifting-tips#post-583746 Sat, 31 Mar 2012 02:15:19 +0000 Anonymous 583746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon , this is a great list and so helpful. One of my best tips came from Michelle. She says to feel the fabric. I can locate premium jeans and other quality items quickly just by feel.<br /> If you are looking for a skirt, jacket or slacks in black, check a thrift store. Lots of black and lots from AT and BR I find. I've had good luck with trousers, better than in a retail store, but all have been AT, BR or Talbots.<br /> Carry a small tape measure. It has saved me time to measure skirt, sleeve, and inseam lengths and dresses from shoulder to hem, especially. Forum member Shiny once posted that she knows what she needs in the front and back rise of jeans, for example.<br /> If you zone in on one item, you can go through a thrift store quickly...like just looking for a red jacket or a polkadot shirt. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-thrifting-tips#post-583740 Sat, 31 Mar 2012 02:10:00 +0000 Mochi 583740@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are great thrifting tips. I realize that the line can be blurry between thrift and consignment shops. Recent consignment purchases have clarified for me that I need to be careful not to be swayed by emotion in these types of stores. Two examples: a Kate Spade crossover bag I bought very quickly, was tired, was looking for something like that for my trip down to NYC for the meetup and I made a snap decision. Because it was Kate Spade (and in excellent condition, and a crossover bag) I was willing to pay a premium on it, that later gave me second thoughts, as well as the fact that it was made of wool and also doesn't fit my wallet (not a huge deal, but it's silly that I didn't try seeing if the wallet would fit before purchasing). Well, have been using it a lot and the CPW has dropped quite a bit, but I still think of it as a guilty splurge. </p> <p>My more recent questionable purchase was a trench coat that is really my taste, Via Spiga. I snapped it up, again, using the logic that it was one of these fundamental wardrobe needs and if I pass this one up it could take ages to find one that works, yada yada rationalize etc etc. The thing was, it was a new arrival to the store, and had I been willing to stalk it a bit, the price might have dropped 20 to even 50%. And it cost $120. I made an impulse decision to buy it, and especially when I read about the deals people score on YLF, I am feeling I spent way too much. It's a nice spring trench, but not that amazing!</p> <p>So moral of the story is, for me at least, there are forces that make me more susceptible to impulse decisions (one-of-a-kind nature of many items found in these shops, for example). I realize I need to be careful... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-thrifting-tips#post-583725 Sat, 31 Mar 2012 01:55:36 +0000 Transcona Shannon 583725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ack! I can't believe I forgot belts Aida! Thank you for the reminder. That's cool that you've had luck with shorts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-thrifting-tips#post-583648 Sat, 31 Mar 2012 00:50:54 +0000 Aida 583648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great tips Shannon! I follow these myself, though I haven't been thrifting in quite a while. I would add that belts can be great finds, just check the wear first. I have pretty good luck with shorts too, surprisingly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-thrifting-tips#post-583519 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 22:49:00 +0000 Transcona Shannon 583519@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Christieanne - you're quite right about needing to know your prices when it comes to consignment. I went to a consignment shop one time in the "rich" part of my home town and they were asking a price for a dress that was actually cheaper on sale in the store brand new. When I mentioned this to the saleslady, she was quite rude and I never went back there.</p> <p>Sylvie - when I decide to go thrifting I seriously take at least an hour because you really have to comb through everything. Items are misplaced (tops in the skirt section) and you really need to try everything on. I don't find it a "quick run in" kind of shopping. Sorry!</p> <p>Una - agree that VV is becoming a little ridiculous in pricing and sometimes very inconsistent. Like you, it's gotta be a score for me to get but I've still been pretty lucky. And yes, I did mention you have to try on every size. Depending on the era and the designer, I can fit anything from a small to a large. In this instance "size doesn't matter" (lol)! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-thrifting-tips#post-583506 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 22:31:28 +0000 catgirl 583506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also, did anyone mention to shop across a wide size range. Not only are items often misplaced, but depending on brand and era I'm anywhere from a 2 to a 10. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-thrifting-tips#post-583502 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 22:30:14 +0000 catgirl 583502@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I thrift all the time and these are great rules which I mostly follow. I realized the other day that I also am cheaper when I thrift than when paying retail. For example, I might pay $150 for a jacket in the store, but I won't pay $40 for the same jacket at Value Village. So I have a "SCORE!" quotient, and honestly I feel Value Village has become a total rip-off recently. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-thrifting-tips#post-583496 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 22:26:44 +0000 Jewell 583496@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Timely and informative! Thanks so much for sharing!! I've been wanting to try my hand at thrifting for a while now. I've scored a few great pieces at a nearby consignment shop, and there's another I want to check out real soon. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-thrifting-tips#post-583428 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 21:30:10 +0000 Sylvie 583428@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for this list of tips!</p> <p>May I ask how much time one needs to put in to do well at thrifting? </p> <p>For instance, if I'm passing by a thrift store, on my way to somewhere else, I can squeeze in a 10 minute stop. At best, this is going to be once a week.</p> <p>I go on "shopping trips" to try clothing on about once a month on a weekend day. Then I'd be able to stop by a store and spend more time there, but I'm afraid that wouldn't be often enough. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-thrifting-tips#post-583425 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 21:28:49 +0000 christieanne 583425@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love the tips! </p> <p>I took DH by the gem of a store I shopped at Monday to see if a dresser was still there (it was but he didn't like it) and he looked at mens stuff. So many shirts in nearly new condition. He may never let me buy his clothes in non-thrift again. Much better condition and brands than the womens area. </p> <p>I was talking to a staff member and she told me Monday was their "good " day when they put out new things from weekend collection so that was the best tip.</p> <p>Consignment is one of those places I have to decide if something is worth it because the prices are higher but sometimes higher than new item on sale. You really have to decide how much you would pay. I have picked up great handbags and never worn shoes from brands I would never have splurged on otherwise. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-thrifting-tips#post-583397 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 21:08:40 +0000 Meredith1953 583397@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon,<br /> I love your tips and want to put them into practice but the consignment stores here is Boise are just dismal. Either that, or the good ones are a well-kept secret that I haven't discovered! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-thrifting-tips#post-583366 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 20:29:25 +0000 Jem 583366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Shannon! That's a great list. My MIL used to go to the thrift stores alot when my children were little and she got the best things, mainly because she knew when the new items were put out and also knew the staff. I wish I had a good store closer to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-thrifting-tips#post-583357 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 20:22:42 +0000 Bagaline 583357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, your list is a fantastic guide to thrifting to which, as a dedicated thrifter myself, I will add my grain of salt. I refuse to shop in places where the stuff is not arranged by size: I scan only the UK sizes16-18-20 section (about 12-14-16 US). Life is too short to go through racks and racks of clothes that are way out of your range. </p> <p>I agree with you that trousers are very difficult to find and the very few that are in very good condition sometimes have been hemmed at a lenght that will never fit. </p> <p>I sew, which is a blessing for a thrifter, specially for a 5'1" thrifter for whom almost everything has to be shortened. I wouldn't pay 20Euros to take in the sleeves of a jacket that I've paid 7. </p> <p>More than half of my clothes come from charity shops - we are lucky to have many of them in Cork and like you, I've found there some treasures and plenty of very good quality items that I couldn't have afforded new. </p> <p>I also use thrifted items as "style guinea pigs": as an example, when I wanted to see if I would look mutton dressed as lamb in a tunic and leggings, I bought them in a charity shop. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-thrifting-tips#post-583326 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 20:03:11 +0000 Transcona Shannon 583326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Excellent points Suz! Thank you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-thrifting-tips#post-583319 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:55:58 +0000 Suz 583319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is fabulous, Shannon - thank you!! Wonderful tips. GREAT idea to check the men's section for waistcoats!! I never thought of that. </p> <p>I am far from the expert at this that Shannon is. But I'll just add that I DO sometimes buy items I might not buy in a regular store, simply because I am so practical by nature. </p> <p>Does that sound paradoxical? What I mean is that sometimes in a thrift or consignment store, I will come across an item (like a black suede pencil skirt or a sequinned tank) that would be prohibitively expensive for me at full retail price. But at thrift store prices, it might still be worth my while to take a hard look at it. </p> <p>At this stage of building my wardrobe, my clothing budget is so small and my wardrobe holes so vast, that I tend to buy only what I NEED at full retail. But if I can get a fun but less "necessary" item for $3 to $20 or so, why not? I will also (possibly) try a more risky style, because it is an inexpensive way to make a mistake. </p> <p>I also think dressy clothes can sometimes be had at thrift stores and vintage stores. The styles do not date as much and the items have often not been worn much (if at all). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-thrifting-tips#post-583309 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:51:50 +0000 Transcona Shannon 583309@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jayne - I've always kind of dabbled in thrifting but I would say I've become a serious thrifter in the last two years. For me, it has been a great way to extend my clothing budget. But I also enjoy taking a current trend and seeing if I can find a different item as a way to wear it (bright blue puffy sleeved coat as an example). </p> <p>Sarah - one of the other things I've discovered through thrifting is I can often find higher end designer items that I would never have been able to afford new. These are often made with superior fabrics and fantastic quality so are a better purchase than buying something new of lesser quality. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-thrifting-tips#post-583307 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:51:28 +0000 Sara L. 583307@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love your tips! I also thrift and enjoy the treasure hunt. I go every couple months when my sister is in town. It's our thing to do and allows us to catch-up and reconnect without any husbands or kids around. My number #1 rule is the same as yours - I have to like an item enough to be willing to buy it new. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-thrifting-tips#post-583302 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:49:13 +0000 teri 583302@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find many great pieces thrifting and shopping consignment stores. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-thrifting-tips#post-583300 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:46:44 +0000 Sarah A 583300@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love these tips! I am a burgeoning thrifter with about 6 shopping visits thrifting so far, definitely good lessons to pay attention to. Also, I last night tried to pick up some things at Target or TJMaxx and came home without buying (a win for my newly discerning eye!) because thrifting has given me more of an eye for construction and quality since you really look a thrift store purchase over much more carefully for defects than a new one (usually). I have started being recognized by the staff of my favorite Goodwill so I'll take this as a compliment! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-thrifting-tips#post-583296 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:44:51 +0000 jayne 583296@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>great tips Shannon....have you been doing this long? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-thrifting-tips#post-583288 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:41:01 +0000 goldenpig 583288@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, what a great list of advice! I've always been scared to try thrifting because it seems so overwhelming and difficult to find the things you need. I've tried looking in a couple thrift/consignment stores in the past but always come up empty-handed. But now that my wardrobe holes are essentially filled, maybe I can shift strategies and enjoy "treasure hunting" in the future. I am bookmarking this for future reference! Thank you so much, Shannon! </p>