Fall in Love with Thrifting Again
With the rise of resale apps and Facebook Marketplace, thrifting isn’t as simple as it was even a few years back. Gone are the days of walking into your local Goodwill to find a pair of vintage orange tab Levi’s waiting for you on the rack. These days, local thrift shops are often better served as an inspiration board: a place to enjoy time alone and discover new brands, fabrics, colors, and silhouettes that you love. If you come home with more than inspiration — that’s great! If not, the hunt of it all can be just as rewarding. Follow these simple steps to fall in love with second-hand shopping again:
SET THE MOOD: Treat your solo thrifting dates as sacred self-care. Wear something you feel good in, pick up your favorite emotional-support drink, and choose a playlist that makes you feel like the main character. You’re going to be there for a while, so make yourself at home.
TAKE YOUR TIME: This is self-care, not a race! Take the time to look through and touch every piece of clothing in every section of the store. Clothing items regularly get placed in the wrong section by both employees and shoppers. I have found some of my favorite pieces in the little boy’s section. (Sorry to whoever was trying to hide that Vintage Harley Davidson Graphic Tee!) Why touch every item? High-quality knits and fabrics have a distinct texture and feel. Over time, you will develop a feel for fabrics that you love. Engaging multiple senses turns thrifting into an immersive and therapeutic experience.
RECORD YOUR FINDINGS: As you’re scanning the store, keep your phone close! If you find a vintage knit sweater that you love the weight and feel of, but the size is wrong or it smells offensively of cigarettes, take a photo of the tag or piece itself. If you love the feel of a shirt, take a photo of the tag so you can remember the fabric content! Focus on fabric, brand, neckline, sleeve type, and pattern. Over time, you will find patterns in the types of pieces you are drawn to. Personally, I always reach for a boat neckline and a 100% cotton Shenandoah sweater with an embroidered design.
MOVE THE SEARCH ONLINE: Your notes and photos from the thrift store will now serve as a guide for what to search online. Use Image Search tools or search brand names, silhouettes, and fabric contents to find items in great condition and your size. Be sure to set the filter to “used” when shopping on eBay to view only vintage and pre-loved items.
It won’t be long until your closet is filled with your new favorite brands and pieces that are unique to you.
Happy Shopping!
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