Thrifting with a purpose

While I am ok with spending two dollars on an item that I might only wear once, I would rather fill my closet with clothes that I actually will wear multiple times in a variety of ways. To do this, I visit thrift stores or consigment stores with a plan. I tend to shop at thrift stores with friends or when my clothing allowance/budget is tighter.

Know your thrift stores

Because I usually thrift shop when my budget is limited, I usually try to head to the thrift stores when they have a special discounted day. There is a Value Village thrift store that has all of their merchandise half off the last Wednesday of the month and my friend, Vassi introduced me to a store called Park Avenue Thrift Store which sells their clothing a different price every day of the week. If you go on Friday, the merchandise has just been put out so you have more choices and everything is $2.25 (the most expensive day) and the least expensive day is $0.25 on Thursday. Now it might be tempting to buy more than you should at that price point but you should go in with a plan.

Plan your shopping experience

• Have a budget in mind. My budget is usually around $20. Like I said I usually visit my thrift stores when money is tight!
• Evaluate your closet: what are some colors you may want to add? Is there a particular item you hope to find?
• Give yourself the freedom to browse and buy an item you were not looking for IF it fits well and is in good condition.

How to shop

• What to wear: some stores do not have changing rooms but will have full length mirrors throughout the store. I usually wear leggings and a tank top with an easy layer I can take off. That way, I can try dresses, pants, and anything else and see if they fit.
• While I do not shop at Goodwill too often since their prices are a little higher than other second hand stores, I do like how their clothing is organized by color! I usually browse the aisles looking for items of a particular color and keep my eyes peeled out for brand new tags. I found a pretty paisley skort last year with tags still attached (Craft and Barrow, pictured above).
• Have an idea of what you will wear the item with and make sure there are no stain nor rips.
• Keep your eyes out for unusual items. I love how Jodie Filogomo from Jodie Touch of Style always find real cool items while thrifting!

Now get out there and have fun! And tune in tomorrrow for a special post where I style more thrifted items as I participate in the instagram #thriftedchicstylechallenge!

A  bientôt!

Please take a minute to subscribe to receive an email letting you know when a  new post goes live. I usually post Monday, Wednesday and Friday but sometimes have a bonus post during the week. Come back tomorrow to see the outfits I am sharing on Instagram for the #thriftedchicstyle challenge!