thanks guys! i actually usually just head to my local salvation army thrift store - there used to be one right near my usual grocery store, which made thrifting regularly a lot easier - but they've since moved, so i only end up going once every two or three weeks, if not longer.
sinead - my advice is, in no particular order:
- find out what day they stock up, and go then!
- pick a thrift store in a good, upmarket area; you wouldn't believe what gets thrown out.
- check by every mirror; people take the good stuff to mirrors to hold them up against themselves, and then leave them there if it doesn't work. and then it gets buried under other stuff people take to the mirrors. quickly glance through all the hangers by mirrors to see what people have left behind.
- check for stains and smells.
- thrift with an open mind. dowdy long dresses can be shortened; missing buttons can be replaced; sleeves can be removed; clothing can be dyed.
- sale principles apply: don't just buy it because it's a good bargain, make sure it fits with everything else in your closet!
- my salvation army thrift store has no changing rooms. make sure you're wearing a cami as your bottom layer so trying tops on is a breeze. for bottoms, you may either want to take a tape measure with you, or only buy what you're sure of. jeans and pants are tricky so i try to stay away unless they're brands i know the sizing for. skirts and dresses are easier to estimate.
- be patient! thrifting can be very rewarding, but it can also be the most frustrating thing in the world. devote some time to picking through the racks. if you don't find something on a thrift trip, don't get frustrated - come back, try again. don't get suckered into buying a dress or top that's only okay and that you won't end up wearing.
there's probably more i'm missing, but that's what i tend to keep in mind when i thrift; hope it helps!
