Thrifting Tips!

I couldn't tell you how many times I've been in the mall, school, restaurant or any public place and been stopped to gratefully recive a compliment on an $8 jacket, $4 shoes or $12 dress and respond with "Thanks! It's thrifted!" There's nothing better than the look of surprise and facination I get in return!

Thrift shopping is a great way to find looks, styles and even brands that look brand new, close to, or even better than clothing you would spend unnecessary amounts on in the mall or online! And thrift shops don't just sell clothing of course; nick-nacks, picture frames, and home decor are constantly in my Value Village cart.

Friends are always asking for me to take them on a thrift trip, asking what the secret is and how I find such incredible pieces in an overhwhelming, sometimes smelling, thrift store. So I thought I'd take it to the internet, and share my thoughts, tricks and techniques on how I never leave a thrift store empty handed!

Let's talk about Denim...

I must confess, being a 00-0 in waist size, I haven't had the absolute best luck with finding the perfect vintage pair of Levi's everyone seems to think they'll find the first time they go to a thrift store. Recently, I found a hack online to make jeans that are originally too big, fit! Which brings us to our first tip: Look at all the sizes!

Of course if you're a double zero, looking at size 12 jeans might be a stretch, but within a few sizes, a great tip for making oversized jeans fit is to bring the first belt loop and secure it around the button before buttoning the jeans. It sounds funny and unlikely to look natural, but it actually works! Thrift stores range in variety from size to size. In my experience, the smaller sized jeans lack in quantity, so don't feel discouraged if your size seems to be in thin supply, look a few sizes bigger than your own size! And sometimes... people even hide or accidentally place different sized jeans in the wrong sections. P.S... if you're looking for overalls, they hide in the maternity section! But you didn't hear that from me! As for denim jackets, there are plenty! Usually found in the "light jackets" section of thrift stores, sizes are almost never accurate... so once again, look through everything! Jean jackets are typically in good to great shape, but be sure to check shoulders, armpits and elbows for rips.

"Where do I find the vintage clothes I see in YouTube videos?"

Just because you're in a second hand store, doesn't mean every piece of clothing is a 1990's Champions hoodie! Personally, I find more "vintage" looking items in the mens section. I know first hand that men seem to cling to clothing pieces that have been stuffed in the back of a dresser drawer for twenty years, yet claim they love it haha! Another tip is not being afraid to look in the mens section. Oversized Nike and Adidas sweaters are an easy find here, just be sure to wash them a few times! Finding older pieces of clothing is more favourable when you go to a thrift store that's been open for a long time. Newly opened thrift stores tend to lack variety and don't have the hidden gems that older stores do. There are even thrift stores soley dedicated to vintage, classic, specialized pieces that owners find and resell! Do your research on Instagram and Facebook to find these specialized consignment stores!

If you haven't caught on yet...look through EVERYTHHING!

From kids, to mens, to sizes you're positive you won't fit, Look. Through. Everything. Thrift Shopping isn't a 15 minute to half hour deal, plan to spend time going through each hanger, each section! Your first time might take a little longer than you expect, and the soreness in your biceps from pushing hangers could make you want to skip a few rows... but hang in there! Name brands such as Aritzia, Banana Republic, Brandy Melville, Levi's, Champions, ext aren't plentiful. They hide in the cracks of volunteer T-shirts and old gym sweaters, I promise the flutter of excitement in your chest when you find a special piece is worth the hundreds of hangers you go through first.

People change their minds, things don't fit the way they wished... always look in the changeroom "left behind" racks! The items people try on and leave on the racks to be rehung are where I've found some name brands! It's like some of the best items have already been found for you! I once found an Aritzia dress with the tags still attached just hanging on the end of an aisle, someone saved me the trouble of hanger diving and it's one of my favourite dresses I own now!

Find inspiration before you go thrifting!

Look on pinterest, or if you've been eyeing a piece of clothing at the mall or online for a while, go thrifting first. You can find great dupes for more than half the price that look just the same! White button ups are plentiful and sweaters are always overflowing. Bring photo inspiration or ideas of what you're looking for - it helps in the sorting process!

Thrift stores don't just sell clothes...find home decor dupes!

I've recently redecorated my bedroom, and have been looking for contemporary and trendy pieces on online stores such as Urban Outfitters. Nobody wants to spend 30$ on a picture frame...nobody. Gallery walls area trendy decor technique, consisting of mix matched frames; where better to find old and unique picture frames than a thrift store? Nick-nacks and trinkets make interesting pieces to place around your room - tea cups and old mugs make unique plant pots! And there's nothing a can of gold spray paint can't fix an ordinary object!

Well, that's all for me today folks. This is my first post so go easy on me! Thanks for dropping by to read my tips and tricks on something I find so fun and interesting! Happy Thrifting Everybody!

xo, Jennie