As I am heading into my summer capsule wardrobe planning (I’ll share my shopping list next week!), I have been looking at my budget and trying to wrap my head around what I can afford. My husband and I are currently working on some financial goals, so my budget is pretty small, but I am a determined girl :) I intend to use thrifting to fill some of my wardrobe gaps and I wanted to share my best tips with you.
1. Always go with a list. It’s best if you’ve already gone through your summer clothes and know what you need/want, for example: slouchy khaki shorts, a graphic tee, and a vintage denim jacket. This helps prevent you from getting “style-confused” when you hit the store. There are so many options you could suffer from decision paralysis! Plus a list helps save you from buying something ‘because it’s a good deal.’ Bottom line: a list is your BFF.
2. Choose stores wisely. Every area is different, big city vs little city, etc. I have only been in Portland for four months, so I am still getting the skinny on which thrift stores in which parts of town I like best. I have consistently had good luck with Value Village/Super Savers, I think their items are fairly well culled. I recently found a Crossroads in my area, and they have great stuff, and bonus: they buy used clothing and give you 50% in trade. I love hitting up Goodwills too, some of my favorite items have come from there. If you’re in the Portland area, the Goodwill on Burnside is a gold mine! From my experience Goodwill seems to carry items that directly correlate with those habitating nearby.
3. Leave your kids at home. I can’t stress this one enough. Let them have a date with dad, and take a girlfriend instead.
4. Read labels. Make sure you don’t accidentally buy something that’s from Wal-Mart. Labels give a good indicator of quality, and age (vintage). See what materials the garment is made of. See which country it is made in. As a rule of thumb I try to stick to brands I am familiar with.
5. Sniff test. It’s kind of weird, but it works. I have made the mistake of purchasing a less than stellar smelling item, only to get it home and I find I couldn’t shake the stink. You don’t have to be awkward about it, but a quick pit sniff in the fitting room could save you some time and $$.
Do you have any tips? I’d love to hear them.
See all my posts with thrifted items:
Seasons & Salt: THRIFTED
For more reading on thrifting:
Closet 101 / How to Thrift Quality Pieces for Your Closet, Part 1
How to Shop at Goodwill (and find all the best stuff!)
Happy Friday!
andrea
Awesome tips! The list-making one is so important, but I haven’t done it! I change styles based on my mood, but I have a “style core”, so my most basic pieces are usually the same while accessories switch it up.
Great post.
Candice, I just keep a running list on my phone and update it when I think about it. I totally feel ya on the “style core.” I love when I can express myself through what I am wearing (as cheesy or cliche as that might sound).
Thanks for the comment!
I always look for silk when I’m thrifting. It’s a fabric I love, but can’t always afford. Sometimes, I buy really nice pieces that don’t quite fit because I can’t resist the temptation. It’s such a bad habit. My tip, try clothes on and only buy what fits or you’ll never feel good wearing it.
Yes! Very good. I used to buy items that I’d tell myself I’d alter later – and of course I never did!