March 12, 2012

HOW TO SHOP AT THE THRIFT STORE

Everyone is trying to save money, so "Thrifting" is becoming more and more popular.  I have been shopping at Thrift Stores, Goodwills and Salvation Armys for a long time.  I am almost always complemented on stuff I bought at the Thrift store.  I wanted to give you a few tips on how to shop at a second hand store.

FYI THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE THRIFTING
- Know the cost of getting a hem for Jeans, Slack, Slacks w/lining, Skirts, Skirts w/lining and Dresses
- Know the cost of Dry Cleaning a Blazer, Pants, Jeans, Suit, Dress and Shirts.  
- Know your brands. If you know your name brands you will know the difference between deal and a ripped off.Knowing name brands is key to knowing the quality of an item. I have listed a few just to give you an idea, I know these stores carry more than I am mentioning so do your research.

NAME BRANDS
Walmart - George, White Sage, Faded Glory, No Boundaries, Just My Size
KHOLS - APT 9 , Sonoma, ELLE, Croft and Barrow
Target - Mossimo, Merona, Xhilaration
Express - Express
The Limited - The Limited
CATO - CATO
Lucky Brand - Lucky
Talbots - Talbots
Gap -Gap
Old Navy - Old Navy
JcPenny - a.n.a, worthington, st.john bay,mixit,mng by mago
Justice - Justice
Gymboree - Gymboree
DEALS/SAVINGS/COUPONS
Know everything about the stores specials and deals before you start shopping. Know the tags of the day, discounts, coupons, know the days when everything is 50% off, get a punch card, get signed up for any mailing list or programs they may have.

SHOP OFTEN
The key in finding the best deals is to shop often, as much as you can.  They are constantly getting new items in. Shopping often allows you to be one of the first to see new items.

GET A BASKET
Always get a shopping cart if they are available.  Put everything you like a little or a lot in the cart. Everyone is on the hunt in a thrift store, never rely on finding it again or going back, if you think you like it take.

HAVE A OPEN MIND
Look at everything, and think of how it can be used. 
Dresses can be changed into tops or skirts
Dress hems can be shortened
Jeans can be shorts or Capri
Long skirts can be short skirts
Hair bows and flowers can be added to clutches
Blazers are always a good find
Slacks can be tailored/ hemmed or turned into Capri's
White tops can be dyed (please note, you cant dye stains)
The possibilities are endless with thrift store items.

TRY IT ON
Try on everything.  My advice is to wear tights and T shirts things you can get on and off easily, the floors are always dirty, so an extra pair of sock or ballet flats to keep your feet covered. You have a 50/50 chance of the size being correct.  Some of the items may have been tailored or hemmed, shrunk due to washing, and sometimes it just does not have a label.

CONDITION OF THE ITEM
Please make sure that there are no holes, stains in under arm, stains in the crouch, check the hem, check the pockets do they have holes, check the collar, button the item from top to bottom, is the color faded. Examine it carefully, you want it perfect.

REMOVE TAGS SLOWLY
Some of the tags have staples and can rip the clothing so be careful when removing.

REALTIY CHECK
Never buy clothing that need a lot of work, have stains (you have no idea how to clean), missing buttons. The problem with repairing an item is actually doing it; if you don't have the time or not willing to pay someone to do it leave it alone.

CHECK THE LABEL
Check the care label and see if the item is dry clean only or can it be washed.  I personally have washed dry cleaned only items.  Look up the fabric and does it have a lot of embellishments. Some items are truly dry clean only.

LOOK AT EVERYTHING
Go through each rack and move each item. Small items like tanks and silk blouse tend to slip off hangers and get crammed between items.

KEEP WIPES IN THE CAR OR WEAR DISPOSIBLE GLOVES
This may sound a little bit over the top washing your hands afterwarsd is always a good idea. Depending on where you are shopping wearing gloves may be a good alterative.

DONT TAKE CHILDREN
Thrifting takes patience and most children dont have any so aviod taking them if you can. 

USE COMMON SENSE
Never put anything in your mouth
Wash clothing or dry clean before wearing. 
If you are purchasing shoes and jewlry always disinfect the item throughly.
Always wear undergarments when trying on items
Just because it has a tag -- still wash it first (hats, gloves, and scraves too)

If you are rebuilding your wardrobe take your list.  Ask questions, the people are usually friendly and willing to help.