https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strategies-for-shopping-at-thrift-stores Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:47:11 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strategies-for-shopping-at-thrift-stores/page/2#post-2034028 Mon, 10 Jun 2019 19:23:14 +0000 fifthandfinest 2034028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been selling clothes on eBay for the last month or so and many of them I get at the Goodwill - I look for classic knitwear, denim and quality brands.&nbsp;<br />My top tips are to really spend time looking at the item to check for stains and faults, and to take hand sanitizer with you! Oh, and look out for the sales - Memorial Day was 50% off and on Sundays Goodwill stores near me do deals on items with certain colored tags. There's also senior discounts etc.<br />I've found some great things.<br />I also wrote a post for my blog a little while back about the best things to buy at thrift stores if you're interested....<a rel="nofollow" href="https://fifthandfinest.com/home/the-best-clothes-to-buy-at-thrift-stores-a-guide">https://fifthandfinest.com/hom.....es-a-guide</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strategies-for-shopping-at-thrift-stores/page/2#post-2033877 Mon, 10 Jun 2019 03:22:59 +0000 Sal 2033877@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anchie - my heart goes out to you.&nbsp; That truly sounds challenging and stressful in so many ways.</p> <p>I think the thrift shops in general are getting savvier about merchandise and I rarely notice the musty smell of the past.&nbsp; My second hand shopping is often at slightly curated stores which means paying $20-$50 rather than $4 to $15.&nbsp; But the effort is less.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strategies-for-shopping-at-thrift-stores/page/2#post-2033852 Mon, 10 Jun 2019 00:41:15 +0000 Suz 2033852@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Anchie</b>, that sounds horrendous and I have to say that your current love of clothing and beautiful colours feels like the perfect antidote to that awful time.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strategies-for-shopping-at-thrift-stores#post-2033782 Sun, 09 Jun 2019 15:08:30 +0000 bj1111 2033782@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anchie—it’s a terrible thing when people in need are made to feel less than. You probably have some ptsd from the experience.</p> <p>Putting in a plug for the RealReal. Online designer consignment. Decent return policy, well marked if not returnable. Shopping here is not thrifty but there are (relative) bargains if your budget can cope. You also need to have a good sense of the original price and what your discount rate is for used designer goods. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strategies-for-shopping-at-thrift-stores#post-2033765 Sun, 09 Jun 2019 13:24:09 +0000 Anonymous 2033765@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, anchie, I am sorry this happened to you. Here often people who need the thrift store items are given vouchers so they can pick out what they want. Some school districts parent organizations have clothing “banks” where members volunteer. Families are given free new underwear and each family member who wants can pick a certain number of outfits each season. There is always. Huge need for children’s coats as they outgrow them. I have seen children wrapped in blankets that they share because they have no coat. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strategies-for-shopping-at-thrift-stores#post-2033743 Sun, 09 Jun 2019 10:41:48 +0000 Jenni NZ 2033743@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Anchie that was such a difficult experience! We have Caritas here in NZ too, our elder daughter’s best friend from high school had her first real job there in our capital city for a few years. I understand why you would shudder, and perhaps it means you won’t want to shop second hand clothing. But maybe you could look at a beautifully curated vintage shop first. Probably there would be at least some in Vienna? The prices in that kind of shop are often high, but the shop usually smells nice and you can just tell the high quality. I like just looking and feeling the fabrics, I don’t actually buy in those places. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strategies-for-shopping-at-thrift-stores#post-2033732 Sun, 09 Jun 2019 09:44:28 +0000 anchie 2033732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I only have one experience with second hand clothes and not really good one. It was July and I just turned 22 when war broke in my home town. My parents forced me to leave to safety but they stayed behind. It was surreal. We all thought it will be over in few weeks and I packed only summer clothes. But weeks turned into months and summer to winter. I had no income and no way to contact my parents. I needed winter clothes so went to Caritas for help. They didn’t let me choose the clothes because they had preconfigured care packages of winter clothing. I just got the box of clothes in my size, without even looking what is inside. Well let me tell you, it was the ugliest collection of clothes that I have ever seen. Frumpy and dated and in most ugliest colors possible. But I had no choice, I wore them that whole winter. I never set foot in thrift shop since and whenever someone mentions second hand clothes I remember outfits I wore that winter and just shudder. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strategies-for-shopping-at-thrift-stores#post-2033722 Sun, 09 Jun 2019 06:38:21 +0000 Anonymous 2033722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I must say that good department stores usually have new items marked down at sales as much or less than you would pay at consignment. Clearance sales at Nordstrom Rack can be 70-80% off the original price if you find something you want. Often that can even be a better deal than a thrift store. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strategies-for-shopping-at-thrift-stores#post-2033720 Sun, 09 Jun 2019 06:26:05 +0000 JAileen 2033720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I look for natural fibers, too. Most recently I bought a red boiled wool coat. It needs a tiny alteration that I think I can do myself. I think it will be a fun item at Christmas time. I paid $8 for it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strategies-for-shopping-at-thrift-stores#post-2033627 Sat, 08 Jun 2019 18:53:48 +0000 Anonymous 2033627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I often think I “should “ take more of an interest in second hand shopping and thrifting in general , but I have to be honest in admitting it doesn’t interest me . I have neither the time nor patience for it . Like Janet , i *am* interested in designer second -hand , and do follow the Instagram account for the one real shop we have here that provides this service . We aren’t talking thrift store prices though - not even close . I have yet to go into their bricks and mortar shop though - there is a bit of an intimidation factor at play which I’m embarrassed to admit . It’s run by two young hip women - and I fear their judgment </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strategies-for-shopping-at-thrift-stores#post-2033626 Sat, 08 Jun 2019 18:41:24 +0000 Janet 2033626@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t know why, but I have lost interest in secondhand clothing. I bought lots in my 20s. I occasionally pop in somewhere for a look but never find anything interesting. Maybe one has to be more tenacious here. </p> <p>There is a designer secondhand store not far from me that specializes in handbags, and their prices are not thrift store by any means, but reasonable for what they are (Chanel and the like, authenticated by the owner). I have a bag from there that I enjoy. I think I like that store because it’s carefully curated and not just Target stuff crammed in next to a possible Burberry. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strategies-for-shopping-at-thrift-stores#post-2033617 Sat, 08 Jun 2019 17:21:29 +0000 Gennifyr 2033617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been doing the majority of my non-food shopping at thrift stores for the past 4ish years. </p> <p>I keep a list on my phone of specific items I need and stick to it. I stop at the Salvation Army store several times a week because it's near the library (5 mins away) but I buy more at Frenchys (an Atlantic Canada chain). It's on the way to the grocery store so I stop in every two weeks. They get their clothes trucked in from out of province (possibly the U.S), so I can find a lot of Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Loft, Zara etc as well as the popular sports brands there.</p> <p>These aren't long visits. Usually 10-15 mins. I seem to always find what I want in a reasonable period of time. I do buy ahead of the season the season I'm shopping for. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strategies-for-shopping-at-thrift-stores#post-2033589 Sat, 08 Jun 2019 14:38:36 +0000 Mel 2033589@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of great advice here. My top tips in a nutshell:</p> <p>1) <b>The best thrift stores/rummage sales are <i>usually</i> in wealthy suburban areas.&nbsp;</b>&nbsp;You can find this out by googling the city and its suburbs average income. In these areas, you tend to have a lot of people who want to get rid of their nice clothes and not too many serious thrifters. The stores in downtown areas "tend" to be picked over or higher-priced and the stores in poorer/average income areas "tend" not to have as nice stuff. For me, the best stores are in a small suburban area about one hour from my house: I take a whole day once or twice a year and hit about five stores in this area and come away with armloads of beautiful clothing!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>2) <b></b>As the others have said,<b> you need to become an expert in identifying defects</b> (stains, discoloration, tears, etc.) Not even the sellers manage to see them all and they usually try to check.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>3) <b>Take your time.</b> When I walk into a thrift store I know I need at least an hour to check it over. A large store can take three hours. An open air market with lots of vendors can take a whole day.&nbsp; Unlike a department store, every single piece in a thrift shop is unique. You can never stroll through a thrift shop in a few minutes and say, "I've seen it all." Thrift stores are also more or less organized according to their owner's skill and time; the slightly disorderly ones need more time but often yield more treasures! The patient one wins the prize in this race.</p> <p>I'd also say try to go without too many strict criteria of what you are looking for. You'll have more fun. You may not find the exact item to plug that hole in your wardrobe, but you will find <i>something</i> awesome, and the price will be so right that it doesn't hurt the wallet to stock up on favorites or try out something new.&nbsp;</p> <p>As for buying used clothing online, I have a ton of tips for that but it will have to be another feed!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strategies-for-shopping-at-thrift-stores#post-2033576 Sat, 08 Jun 2019 13:51:03 +0000 Anonymous 2033576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another tip: Carry a tape measure and check lengths, inseams, etc. this will eliminate some try-ons. I find that you can’t depend on size. Some items may have been professionally altered and sizing will be off. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strategies-for-shopping-at-thrift-stores#post-2032855 Wed, 05 Jun 2019 19:46:52 +0000 Vildy 2032855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A very basic tip but I find that small church or charity thrift stores often use the yellowish spaghetti bulbs and it's very hard to tell the real color of something.&nbsp; I once took a brown pair of pants and moved into the next room, which had some outside windows. They were purple!&nbsp; So try to find some natural light in order to judge how a color might look against your skintone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strategies-for-shopping-at-thrift-stores#post-2032786 Wed, 05 Jun 2019 14:39:31 +0000 ChristelJ 2032786@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Most of my wardrobe is thrifted. I frequent any type of second hand store or consignment store, large or small. My favorites are the small charity stores run by volunteers. Their prices are best, and they get many quality items donated to them, in my experience. </p> <p>Great tips from everyone above. I will add that it helps to go often and spend a lot of time, and be patient. I load my cart up with absolutely everything that piques my interest, and TRY IT ON, because most of it will not fit. Many, many items are donated for odd fit. Look beyond your size range. Sizing can be so arbitrary. </p> <p>Although I do go with a list, my best finds were not things I was looking for. Be open to colors, textures and shapes that catch your eye, even if not in season or not on your list! I have several silk designer dresses in pristine condition bought for next to nothing when they happened to show up. Also some of my favorite bags, and most of my belts, which are always a great value compared to what they cost new. Used shoes tend to be broken down to someone else's foot contours, so i only look at those that are still new. </p> <p>I used to work at a thrift store. The massive piles of clothing we had to sort through gave me a whole new perspective. I came away realizing that it is all relative; all clothing is ultimately a pile of rags, some which will bring joy to you and therefore have value, and the rest don't. There are treasures within the piles, but it takes some diligence as well as enjoying the thrill of the hunt itself to unearth them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strategies-for-shopping-at-thrift-stores#post-2032666 Wed, 05 Jun 2019 03:37:17 +0000 Anonymous 2032666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>About a half to a third of my wardrobe is second hand. Some of my strategies are to wear leggings and a tank top, no jewelry and slip on shoes for easy trying on. Some places don’t have changing rooms with doors, just curtains. I want to be able to try on without stripping down to underwear.<br /> Pay no attention to sizes in garments. Try on anything you love. And consider alterations. Use your hands to feel for the best fabrics. Especially jeans.<br /> Look carefully for holes and stains. Are all the buttons on the garment? does the zipper stick. Do not settle. Early in my time on YLF, I wanted a red jacket badly. I ended up with 4 or 5 red jackets and none were the right ted for me. What a waste of time, money, and closet space. Now I am on a search for a fab turquoise jacket that will look great with black.<br /> Good luck with the hunt.<br /> Oh, and shop second hand stores in the best areas of town. Items usually stay in the area where they were donated. Especially Good Will has this policy but they may also have a “boutique” location where the designer stuff can be found. Ask if your area has one. Also ask if there are senior citizens discounts or special discount shopping days. It can depend on the area. Many consignment shops have loyalty programs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strategies-for-shopping-at-thrift-stores#post-2032664 Wed, 05 Jun 2019 03:32:11 +0000 Jenni NZ 2032664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess my issue is possibly being so good at getting low prices on new stuff that my wardrobe is a bit big by the time I enter the thrift store. My best ones are the charity stores especially in the slightly poorer suburbs. The fancier suburbs near me have had the fancier clothing sent there sometimes and the prices are still quite high, I am less willing to pay them. My last success (admittedly 18 months ago) was the $8 silk shirt in colours I was looking for. Has had 29 wears so I’m happy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strategies-for-shopping-at-thrift-stores#post-2032650 Wed, 05 Jun 2019 02:33:15 +0000 Carla 2032650@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bella - any kind of second hand - consignment, yard/estate sale, hand-me-downs. Strategies on how to approach this somewhat different type of shopping.</p> <p>Marlene1, Sal - interesting point about outerwear. I suspect Canadians hold onto their winter coats longer, and wear them harder, since I've not seen much to temps...</p> <p>On the other hand I totally get Nemosmom tip about occaisionwear. I don't know if it is our proximity to the Big City or the posh college prep school - but if I ever need a formal gown in the future, I'll check out our local thrift shops. I also look at denim, in part because the issue of dye transfer is usually resolved. </p> <p>Shevia - good idea about checking the men's section for denim!</p> <p>Sara L. - if I was one size smaller I would own two additional pair of white jeans and a pair of white shorts! The local thrift shop had a stash of pristine white denim last month. I wonder if folks are just afraid of white and give up on the colour?</p> <p>Vildy - yes to finding unidentified treasure at thrift stores, and beautiful fabrics </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strategies-for-shopping-at-thrift-stores#post-2032639 Wed, 05 Jun 2019 01:44:26 +0000 Jaime 2032639@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My wardrobe is almost completely second hand at this point. I do have some shoes and older items that I bought new, and I will try the odd item from time to time, but it is rare that my outfits have more than one bought new piece.<br />Anyway, I loved reading this thread of course! What Vildy said about the varying levels of knowledge of shopkeepers totally resonated. I find that a new with tag from H&amp;M can be seen as more desirable than anything used. I am not complaining.<br />So tips for charity/thrift shops - hold everything up to the light, particularly anything knit. You want to see if there is pilling and how bad it is and also any small stains that might be the reason the item was donated.<br />Look in the men's section, particularly for jeans. The staff often doesn't know the difference in my local shops and some jeans are unisex.<br />Consider the off season items, which tend to be less picked over.<br />Look under the collar and arms of blouses.<br />Look carefully at the lining of bags.<br />Take your time - the one piece you want might be squished between a lot of junk.<br />I could go on and on but will stop here, and second hand shopping at consignment or on-line is a whole other topic. Will be following this thread! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strategies-for-shopping-at-thrift-stores#post-2032607 Wed, 05 Jun 2019 00:15:44 +0000 Suz 2032607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do enjoy shopping at second hand and consignment stores. Not thrift stores, per se.&nbsp;</p> <p>My main strategies are encompassed by your two main points. Look for classic items (sometimes designer or at least very high quality) and keep an open mind for wild cards.&nbsp;</p> <p>There's a consignment store in Vancouver that gets the cast offs from a woman who lives most of the year in LA -- she's involved in fashion somehow and wears her items once, if that. She's tiny -- smaller than me, alas, so her clothes don't fit me, but wow, if you were the right size, you could have an entire wardrobe of basically new and still very trendy items for almost nothing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strategies-for-shopping-at-thrift-stores#post-2032586 Tue, 04 Jun 2019 23:03:08 +0000 karen13 2032586@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to be super picky at thrift/consignment as they don't often have petites, which I need for tops, dress, and jackets. The thrill of the sales goggles too often overwhelms me and pushes me into mistakes which can't be returned. This thread is making me think I need to focus on accessories - belts/bags/scarves. And maybe I should look for workout wear as mine is ridiculously ratty and &nbsp;length/ fit can be a bit less important in workout tights. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strategies-for-shopping-at-thrift-stores#post-2032583 Tue, 04 Jun 2019 22:50:03 +0000 Sal 2032583@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I mostly shop second hand at slightly curated thrift shops or a consignment shop.&nbsp; This year I have added five second hand items.&nbsp; Last year it was probably three.</p> <p>- Ignore the sizing to a certain degree especially on unknown labels.<br />- I find jackets/coats the best deal as they are often lightly worn.<br />- Whilst getting a designer piece is wonderful, don't ignore unknown brands or cheaper brands.&nbsp; I got a Zara cardigan which I love and is of good quality.&nbsp; I expect to get two years wear from it - already about 5 wears so far.&nbsp; I think I will easily get to 30 wears.<br />- I think you can be more experimental with thrifting both from a financial perspective and a waste perspective.&nbsp; And often even if it does not work you can view it as a charitable donation.<br />- Whilst I know jeans can be a good buy second hand, I haven't bothered because the effort trying them on and getting a good pair seems too hard.&nbsp; I also have not bothered with shoes except for one pair of dress sandals that I owned for nine years and were my go to for all this time.&nbsp; They cost 5 UK Pounds.<br />- In the past I had great success with glassware, bowls, napkins, teatowels etc...&nbsp; I am not looking for these areas right now.</p> <p>In terms of my top 20 favourites in my closet right now, two would be thrifted or second hand<br />- blue floral dress<br />- faux fur coat</p> <p>My other thrifted items in my closet right now are<br />- patterned silk blouse<br />- black shell top<br />- Sportscraft trench<br />- white floral summer dress<br />- yellow stripe skirt<br />- gold bomber<br />- sort of animal print cardigan</p> <p>- black tailored jacket</p> <p>The white floral dress is unworn, the rest have all been worn at least three times....&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strategies-for-shopping-at-thrift-stores#post-2032575 Tue, 04 Jun 2019 22:24:07 +0000 Cardiff girl 2032575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That would be a fun post Sterling!<br /> I can tell you that 6%of my wardrobe is thrift shopping and that it’s the fourth largest percentage brand in my wardrobe(Thanks style book !)<br /> I love a good thrift shop and have some great buys,although none as good as Vildy by the sounds of it.l too favour some shops over others depending on the mark up they put on.l won’t pay near retail sale price for example on second hand clothes.<br /> My Best Buys are probably two jackets,one is by fenn Wright and Manson,still had the labels on in 100%merino wool.Its a sixties style swing jacket and I wear it constantly in autumn/winter.#1<br /> The second is a designer label denim jacket apparently selling for a good deal of money second hand but cost me £9.I wear this to death too#2<br /> I don’t tend to go charity shopping with any fixed plan but I do try and remember that I should apply all the care to purchases that I do to full price stuff.Its easy to get carried away when it’s all so inexpensive and start to sacrifice fit ,colour and so on,.<br /> I do think it’s a great way to try out a trend that you are not sure about before committing a lot of cash. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strategies-for-shopping-at-thrift-stores#post-2032561 Tue, 04 Jun 2019 21:32:37 +0000 Anonymous 2032561@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not sure how or why, but I read your title as "Strategies for Shop Lifting at Stores." &nbsp; It took me several moments before I realized I had read it incorrectly. &nbsp;Thanks for the smile. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strategies-for-shopping-at-thrift-stores#post-2032530 Tue, 04 Jun 2019 20:01:59 +0000 Vildy 2032530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>I prefer stores like Goodwill and church thrift stores over consignment. Reason is, the folks pricing the items at these former places usually have no knowledge of or interest in clothing, whether intrinsically or what people are looking for.&nbsp; So prices stay very low. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Example: I got a tan shoulder bag for a dollar at a church thrift that was genuine alligator from allied-occupied Germany - it had a mark note in it.&nbsp; I saw the same thing offered online for four figures. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I got an unusual black quilted camel hair coat - thickness between a camel's hair sweater and a plush camel coat - with leather collar and pocket bands for five dollars. Extraordinarily lightweight and warm. <br /></div><div>Made for a specialty department store. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>But at the same time, volunteer staff at church thrifts get notions. <br /></div><div>"I know this is good quality because it was my daughter's and she only buys good clothes." (They weren't)&nbsp; Or they may recognize a designer's name and not know the difference from a Target collaboration or the designer's lower end line or licensing of their name.&nbsp; All those things they mark up considerably and I don't bother explaining or arguing and they tend to sit unsold.&nbsp; But also, if you are a regular customer they tend to recognize broadly what you like and bring it out to you. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My wardrobe tends to evolve a lot so I look for trends or colors I want to try.&nbsp; And I do try on pretty much everything.&nbsp; If not in a church ladies room, say, then in front of any mirror I can find and I dress to be able to do this.&nbsp; I notice that most people do not try on and just load up because the prices are so cheap and take their chances on having to donate back. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I also can sew and can do my own alterations and sometimes what my husband calls "remanufacturing" to my own specifications. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>ETA: often I'll find sewing or knitting projects people have donated. Usually beautifully made but while they're terrific at sewing, they're not always so good at fitting skills.&nbsp; <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I got a cotton tropical print dress with no white in the print.&nbsp; Husband says it's the perfect summer dress and looks like a parrot. :D&nbsp; I get compliments on this every time I wear it.&nbsp; One dealer told me it was the prettiest dress he'd ever seen.&nbsp; Only it didn't start out as a dress. It was a safari-style romper. And I can tell what happened. The sewist didn't try to sit down in until it was finished and that's when she learned that she hadn't altered to give enough crotch depth.&nbsp; So I just made it into a dress.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another example is a kind of bland but also beautifully sewn grey and white faux seersucker shirt dress with circle skirt.&nbsp; Once on, it's almost impossible to get off again.&nbsp; So I merely removed the waist elastic and now it's terrific. <br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strategies-for-shopping-at-thrift-stores#post-2032529 Tue, 04 Jun 2019 19:43:33 +0000 nemosmom 2032529@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>Like you, I keep a running list of wants/needs and bring it with me, but many times, I come home with something else (treasure!). Thrifting has become my first stop for completer pieces like jackets and belts, dressier or designer separates like silk tops, or special occasion wear. I also seek out thrift shops when shopping for colors that aren't readily available in retail, especially in spring/summer when brights and pastels are so prevalent. When I need earthtones in March, I'm hitting Goodwill!<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Locally, we have Goodwill, ORT, and two consignment shops. I've had good luck online, too, at places like Poshmark, eBay, and ThredUp. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Online secondhand shops are a <b>great</b> resource for designer denim, when you have a specific brand, cut, and size that you are after (I tend to dupe denim, as it's the bottom I wear daily).&nbsp; Most of my kids' clothes come from thrift shops. I buy their sneakers, socks, and undies new, but gear and most everything else comes from secondhand shops. I also thrift things like nubby sweaters and thin vegan leather items I can hack up for their Star Wars Halloween costumes.</p> <p>A lot of my own wardrobe is thrifted, including all three of my special occasion dresses, half of my light/mid-weight toppers, 7 of my 13 blouses, and 11 of my 15 pairs of jeans. </p> <p>I have a tendency to save more expensive/retail items out of fear of ruining them. Thrifting allows me to buy a nice piece at a lower price so I feel better about wearing it without worry. I'm weird. :D</p> <p> </div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strategies-for-shopping-at-thrift-stores#post-2032518 Tue, 04 Jun 2019 19:00:02 +0000 Anonymous 2032518@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All my thrifting is consignment. I check every so often, though buy very little there. I'm counting all purchases towards my 36, whether full price or a few $-so have gotten pickier this year!</p> <p>Clothing wise I look for my colors and interesting prints-and just in the categories I need now (so skipping on sale cold weather stuff). I make sure the things are opaque, and check carefully for stains, dodgy seams etc. Many things are new with tags-but I check carefully anyway before and in the fitting room. No fitting room-no buy-no exceptions. Anything not just right or easily alterable stays at the shop. Basically I do the exact same as in any retail shop!<br /> I have more luck with accessories (esp scarves and jewelry) and decor-but don't need any atm.<br /> Really most of the time Im dropping off, not buying though! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strategies-for-shopping-at-thrift-stores#post-2032515 Tue, 04 Jun 2019 18:49:57 +0000 Sara L. 2032515@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love thrift shopping.&nbsp; I try not to be too specific when I'm thrifting.&nbsp; I always look through the dresses since those are hard to find.&nbsp; Other than that I try to think generally - like I might want skirts but I don't look for particular colors or patterns.&nbsp; Or maybe I'm looking for solid colored tops to go with some patterned bottoms I already own but I don't look for particular styles or fabrics.&nbsp; &nbsp;If I need something specific like white jeans, I save that for normal shopping.&nbsp; Thrift shopping is for fun extras.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strategies-for-shopping-at-thrift-stores#post-2032513 Tue, 04 Jun 2019 18:41:26 +0000 bella 2032513@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Are we counting second hand, consignment stores or are you only including thrift stores like Good will? I've had good luck in the former recently and would be happy to chime in but don't have any experience in the latter.&nbsp; </p>