5 THRIFTING TIPS FOR THE FASHION LOVER ON A BUDGET

If you're reading this you were probably drawn to the title or the photos from my Instagram. Either way, no one can deny they are always down for saving money. Being someone who loves fashion, styling and all things clothing - it gets tricky with you know...my bank account. I see so many cool pieces from my favorite brands/designers, but then I have to pay rent, car insurance, utilities, etc. I grew up with this problem so I learned at a young age how to thrift and still stay on top of trends. Through the years I have discovered my own personal style and can say that i enjoy thrifting. It can be intimidating at first, but putting things together yourself and knowing you're most likely the only one with that item, it's a great feeling. If you're new to thrifting or you just can never seem to find the "cool stuff" then this post is for you. I have put together my 5 tips for thrifting and if you follow these you're bound to find just what you're looking for without all the frustration and wrong sizes.

Tip #1. Have A Vision Before Going In.

This is important because walking into a Goodwill full of all types of clothes can be very overwhelming, especially if you don't know what you're looking for. Go online, scroll through Instagram and screenshot outfits you love and think you can re-create. Take screengrabs from websites with items you know have been in style before (and would probably find its way to a Goodwill) and have them ready for when you show up to the store. This will help you narrow your search down to only a few things. You'll have an idea of how they are styled, what they look like on, and what colors you like best. Some Goodwills organize their racks by size and color making it much easier to sift through.

Tip #2. Take Your Time.

So you're not going to find vintage high waisted Levi shorts right off the bat. You need to actually LOOK THROUGH the racks. That means getting your hands dirty. You can find some of the coolest stuff hidden in between some basic items or stuff in the back of a shelf. These are the gems most people pass up. Set aside at least one hour to find what you're looking for. You're going to have to try it on (and you should, most thrift store clothing can lie) so you need as much time as possible.

Tip #3. LOOK EVERYWHERE

Most of the times people look only in their gender appropriate section and in their size section. Keep in mind that a thrift store has clothes from many brands, designers, stores, etc... and everyone sizes things differently. That means you may be a size 2 but a size 4 somewhere else. You maybe be short but a medium crop jean may work for you. I can't tell you how many pants I have that are a size 6 or 8 when I know I am a size 2 or tops that are a large but fit like a small. I have shirts from the men's sections I have cut up and turned into dresses. I have jeans from the little boy's section I have cut and turned into shorts. You can find things all over, so look everywhere.

Tip #4. Think Outside The Box.

So you may find something that you're not so sure about. It has qualities that you're looking for, it may even fit, but there's something off about it. Maybe it's too short, or too long. Maybe you don't know how you would wash it, or it has a hole in the armpit. The beauty of thrifting isn't just finding cool things to wear, but MAKING THEM. So this involves a little DIY but hey, save it for a rainy day. I have turned plain jeans into high waisted shorts with lace pockets. I have turned oversized t-shirts into dresses, scarfs into headbands, and so much more. Get creative. Look online for trends you can easily make.

Tip #5. Have Fun.

I always love going thrifting alone usually because I enjoy shopping alone, but if you're not some antisocial weirdo like me, make it fun and bring a friend. Having a second pair of eyes can always make it easier if you're ever in between two items. Your friend may even have ideas that you don't have. Make it a day and have a good time. Even if you don't find anything you're looking for the first time, at least it wasn't a complete waste and you got some friend time in. Take the pressure off. People can spend hours and hours shopping at multiple thrift stores and only find one or two things they love. So you might as well have fun, grab a coffee and know the right item will come your way at the right time and it will feel like magic!!