Let's be real. I love shopping. If I could, I would fill my closets with J Crew, Kate Spade and Louboutins. Unfortunately, I am a college student with limited cash flow and textbooks that run over $100 a pop, which puts a serious damper on my shopping sprees. While I'll have to wait a while before I can justify a pair of Louboutins, I have found a way to keep my closets well stocked on a budget and I'll let you in on my secret: thrift shopping!
I can work Goodwill like nobody's business. I'm pretty sure my superpower is spotting mint condition cashmere in thrift stores. Of course, I wasn't born with this superpower, nor was I bitten by a radioactive cashmere spider. I've mastered the art of thrift shopping through tons and tons of practice. Here are some tips I've learned. I hope they help you look fabulous for less!
Know Your Store
This is one of the most important tips. Explore local consignment and thrift stores and figure out which ones best meet your needs. If you're after brands like J Crew or Loft, try stores in more affluent neighborhoods. Additionally, know when your store puts out new merchandise and visit during those times. Avoid weekends unless absolutely necessary. Stores are more crowded, so merchandise is picked over and you have less room to really dive into looking. People also drop off donations during the weekend, so you'll have a greater selection during the week.
Dig, Dig, Dig!
Thrifting is not for the faint of heart. If you want it to really pay off, you have to be willing to invest time in searching through bins, racks and shelves. You might not find something every time you go, but the more time you put into it, the more likely you'll score something good (like a Michael Kors cardigan with the tags still on)!
Quality Counts
Check any potential purchases throughly. Look for stains, rips, and loose buttons. Try it on. Does it fit well? Is it stretched out? Just because it's cheap doesn't mean it's a wise purchase. You want to look for high quality brands that are in good shape. Otherwise, you're wasting your time and money.
Ask About Discounts
Some stores, Goodwills especially, offer discounts for students, seniors, and active military. Also, many stores have a 'color of the week' where they offer a discount on items with a specific colored tag. Each store is different, so be sure to ask.
I hope this takes away some of the frustration of thrifting and encourages you to go hunt for some bargains. Trust me, there are mint condition, vintage Lilly Pulitzer dresses out there, you just have to go find them! Happy shopping!
Kate xox
