#one: Enter with a clear mind. Every trip will not be a success, but that’s the joy of thrift shopping. Some visits will be better than most.
#two: If you love something, buy it. It will not be there "when you come back." Trust me.
#three: Look for trends and never used clothing/items. And also a cart. You thought I was joking? Carts are hard to come by on busy days in thrift stores. So act quick... Back to trends and such; if it's your first time thrift shopping, newer, "trendier" items will be more appealing. Most stores will have some of these types of items marked with white tags or in a special section titled "better garments."
#four: People are not there for you, get into your own zone and stay there… But be mindful of others. And remain aware of the rude shoppers, just give them a quick death stare and keep it pushing.
#five: Ladies, of all shapes, wrap dresses are your friends! And for some reason thrift stores seem to always have them. As well as "shirt" dresses, these are staple styles that can go from season to season. Wear them with multiple layers or get your
Tom Cruise in Risky Business on. I usually prefer the latter, aow.
#six: Honey, beware of things with crotches! Check ALL pants and shorts thoroughly. You shouldn't be looking at used undies so I won’t even go there… But no, maybe I should…
#seven: Do I really have to say this? I think I really have to say this. Stay AWAY from used undergarments! We know how we sweat, we know our bodies... You don't know dead Wilma's... whose closet those panty drawls and bras probably came from. Do you really want those problems?
(My opinion, my preference. Say no.)
Oh, cause you thought that was crotch rust.
#eight: Look everywhere, high and low. On top and beneath clothing racks. On shelves, in corners, in the toy section, in the furniture section. Why? People hide things, and well… All is fair in thrifting.
#nine: If you fall in love with something with no tag(at certain stores,) have patience because you may have to return the next day for it. Just be sure to ask, sometimes the associates are having a good day and will tag it for you immediately.
#ten: If you have an allergy sensitivity to dust particles, like myself, bring a Claritin. You’ll need it!
#eleven: Wear thin, comfortable clothing. You’ll need light clothing because more than likely you’ll want to try something on. So to skip the whole dressing room/undressing thing, come prepared to slide clothing on top of what you’re wearing. Comfortable shoes and cross-body bags are a plus as well. Or fanny packs, if you’re that kind of person. No shade, who doesn't love the convenience of a zippable pouch on their crotch?! I'm a fan.
#twelve: Some things will be far tackier than anything you've ever seen your casino frequenting aunt wear, it’s okay. My advice is to try a bold print that you normally wouldn't reach for every once in a while. Change is good, spice is nice. Plus crazy shirts are great conversation pieces.
#thirteen: Sets normally can’t be sold separately. So if you fall in love with one piece, you better open up your heart to the other. Unless… Pants? This came with pants? Oh well, I never saw any pants. (This is when that old paisley printed luggage you walked pass comes in handy… I’m kidding. Or am I?)
#fourteen: Rome wasn't built in a day. Al Roker didn't go bald over night. Rihanna wasn't born a blonde. All good things, take time. Take your time and be patient. The word "organization" and thrift stores are typically not synonymous.
#fifteen: Wait! Before you go, check out the t-shirt section! There are some gems there. And some that are a wee questionable… Up-cycling old shirts is always in. Find a quirky cool shirt you like and make it your own. Check
this video out for some ideas. And for those of you that are crop top crazy, check out the "boys'" t-shirt section! Who would have thought squeezing into your baby brother's race car tees could somehow work? Try it. But baby, don't force it.
Basically…
HAVE FUN! It isn't that deep. You wouldn't be doing this if you didn't think you’d learn something, or if you were closed minded. With that being said, go alone or grab a buddy. Have a fashion show in the aisle with your bff Jill, set schedules monthly to do thrift store tours. Show me what you find! Spread mental wealth. Try something new. There’s always something
Unique waiting for you.
Peace & Hand Sanitizer,
Kelly xoxo
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