thrifting tips

From racks full to bursting with clothing to rows and rows of shoes to household goods galore, thrifting is a world that can be overwhelming. I don't blame the ones who stay far away from Goodwill--it can be scary! But luckily, you don't have to be scared or overwhelmed any longer. Here are a few tips to get you started.

perserverance

Perseverance is key. It can be tiring flipping through fringe-bedecked dresses and blazers with shoulder pads that could reach China. But think of it as a treasure hunt instead! The things you can find are so exciting if you just keep on going.

find the potential

There is potential in almost everything. Love the fabric of a dress but hate the cut? Make a pillowcase out of it. Find the cutest shirt ever but it's a tad too big? Belt it. Discover your dream pair of boots but they're scuffed? A quick application of shoe polish will do the trick. It's important to see beyond what you're holding in your hands--don't judge a book by it's cover. Chances are, whatever is wrong with it can be remedied.

Having said that, though, don't buy things that you know will just end up in your "to-do" pile. It crowds your closet and it's money wasted.

look for sale tags

This is a big one! Almost every piece of merchandise is marked with a colored tag for better organization. Most thrift stores will have a color/tag of the day that's discounted--for example, all items with a red tag are half off, all with a green tag are twenty five percent off, et cetera. Be on the lookout for a board with a color(s) of the day when you walk in.

wear comfortable clothing

You're going to be on your feet for a long time, flipping through racks and hunting through shelves. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing--it's probably not a good idea to wear those new five inch heels if you're planning on hitting the thrift stores. Also, make sure your outfit will enable you to on clothes quickly and effortlessly.

have fun!

Most of all, just have fun. Be a little crazy, try something new. After all, you're spending all of what, fifty cents? Bring a friend and laugh through the aisles. Thrifting is fun!

much love,

carlotta