How To Shop A Consignment and Thrift Store
Thrift stores are some of the best inventions in life.
I have a newfound love of thrift stores. I cannot believe it took me so many years to step foot in an actual thrift store. I'm not talking about consignment shops such as Plato's Closet. What I am talking about is the vintage (or sometimes more so modern) shops that have china, dresses, Levis, and more. Sure, the store may not look like the best place, but darn it, it sure has some good stuff (and for cheap prices, too!)
This past Friday, two friends (Rachael and Maggy) and I went thrifting. Well, the first store we went to was actually Plato's Closet, but the last two were the type of thrift stores that I mentioned above: the good kind (not saying Plato's Closet isn't because if there is any store that has my love an devotion, it is that store). I came back to Stanford with a bag full of clothes. Four dresses, two shirts, and a scarf later, I am in the good space above. Plus, when we got back to campus, Rachael and I shopped Maggy's closet because she wanted to get rid of stuff because she bought so. much. stuff. Like, people call me a shopping addict! Have ya' met Maggy? (Obviously not because she is so much worse than me!)
- Take your time - Patience is a requirement. When you thrift shop, you cannot be in a rush or else you'll never find anything good! Remember that thrift stores take a lot of unwanted items from a little bit of everyone. So, there are good and bad things mixed together. Therefore, you need time to scavenge through the rows of clothing, shoes, and antiques. Be prepared to be in the store for an hour or more if you're looking to buy something good. But, to be honest, that's the fun of thrifting: the challenge.
- Don't be a prude - The stuff in thrift and consignment stores come from people all over. (Keep in mind, consignment shops are a bit more picky, though!) If you are afraid of who wore what, what they did with it, yada yada, then thrifting is not for you. Just think about the quality of the item and how much it costs. You can always take it back home and wash/clean it.
- Go with a friend or two - Shopping is always fun with others - thrifting is no different. When I went with my two friends, we had a ball trying out things, showing each other our finds, and helping each other find stuff. It was a really fun time. Plus, you can get second opinions which can never be a bad thing.
- Consider things that you would not at a regular store - Seeing as the prices at thrift stores and consignment shops are much cheaper than retail stores, you can feel more comfortable with buying something and seeing how you like it. Instead of shelling out a lot of money for something that you aren't sure you would even like, just take risks when the price is right.
- Look at the shoes - My friend found some nice heels at one thrift store for ten bucks! Um, hello? Never skip the shoes just because they're used. You never know what you could find.
- If you have a creative mind, imagine what that shirt/dress/ or those pants could become - Ripping and cutting old shirts, jeans, and dresses so that they can become something new is really fun! When you go thrift shopping, never forget to imagine what you could do with an item. Maybe the way it looks now is not something you would personally wear now, but if you have scissors, it can be. If the print is fun or if the texture is right, I recommend that you get creative!
Tune: U Know What's Up by Donell Jones feat. Lisa Lefteye
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