Everyone enjoys reading about a good thrift haul, but reader Rose suggested I post about my thrifting decision-making – why I choose to leave some “maybes” behind but bring others home to my closet. So, in the name of research and reader satisfaction (!), I dutifully went thrifting last weekend and documented my process!
Thrifting Prep Checklist:
Go with a friend – especially one in a different size who can offer a helpful opinion on potential thrift scores – I went with my friend Colleen who is close but not quite my size, loves thrifting as much as I do and has a keen eye and a kind word for my style options!
Watch for sales or take in donations for a discount card – I’m at the point now that I hate to pay full price when thrifting!
Wear a tank top for easy trying-on in the aisles, basic jeans or a skirt so you can see how well pieces will mix with your wardrobe, and slip-on shoes – check, check, check
Gauge which aisles you shop according to your available time – I had time for a nice long shopping trip – a few hours – so I basically looked in all the sections. When I have less time, I only go to a few sections.
Have an idea in mind what you’re looking for but be open to what you might find – I was looking for a pair of mules and cool outerwear. Since I didn’t find any, I’ll have to go again. Shucks.
As you shop, put anything that catches your eye in the cart, THEN try on, THEN edit your choices. Don’t be afraid to stop and Google if you want to check the quality of the brand or authenticity of designer pieces.
Thrifting with Nicole:
After coats, I started gathering pieces for the fitting room. I’ll start with my no’s, then the maybe’s and conclude with what I actually bought!
NO!
MAYBE…
YES!!!
Now for what I ultimately decided to adopt into my closet! Starting with difficult shoe decisions…
And that concludes my thrifting adventure! I spent $34.30 on 7 pieces (including a copper cuff that I forgot to photograph), each of which adds something to my wardrobe. Now, I’m a fashion blogger and I love novelty, so there’s a lot of coming and going in my wardrobe. You might be the kind of person that shops once a year or buys far fewer items – no matter how often you shop or how much you get, SHOP SECONDHAND as much as possible. It is THE source for quality, unique, durable, trendy, stylish and cost-effective pieces and most importantly, it opts out of the horrifying fast fashion cycle that is consuming us and our world.
That leads to an early introduction of next week’s Tuesday Try in honour of Fashion Revolution Week April 18 – 24th: instead of challenging you on what TO wear, I’m challenging you on what NOT to wear… Can you, for one day, NOT wear anything that is fast fashion? Check your tags – where were your clothes made? Who made your clothes? If your clothes aren’t secondhand, made in Canada or the US, or from another reputable ethical or sustainable manufacturer, don’t wear them, just for one day. Now you know how to thrift – so go forth and use these new-found powers for good! We can do this.
Love the challenge!!!! Those shoes…sigh…and the orange dress U0001f352U0001f496
Taylor Madge
I love this post! Your process and mine are very similar 🙂
Rose by His Grace
Absolutely wonderful post! Beyond my expectations of what you could do with this idea! I found your evaluations and thought process most informative and humours too!
I think the greatest thing I learned from this is that even a good priced, lovely item can be walked away from if it does not spark joy. I like the way you allowed items to catch your eye, tried them on then confidently let them stay behind. You showed us that the reasons can vary and it is okay to choose wisely and that does not make us ungrateful, but rather wise shoppers.
Thank you ever so much for doing this. I hope you do more of these in the future as I did find it helpful and informative.
Rose by His Grace Thank YOU for the idea! It was so fun to carry out! Indeed, thoughtful thrifting IS wise – ultimately, as “slow fashion” conscious consumers, we want to buy things that have a long life in our closets, even if they’re inexpensive secondhand pieces. Thanks again and I would love to do it again! Stay tuned!
4 Comments
Love the challenge!!!! Those shoes…sigh…and the orange dress U0001f352U0001f496
I love this post! Your process and mine are very similar 🙂
Absolutely wonderful post! Beyond my expectations of what you could do with this idea! I found your evaluations and thought process most informative and humours too!
I think the greatest thing I learned from this is that even a good priced, lovely item can be walked away from if it does not spark joy. I like the way you allowed items to catch your eye, tried them on then confidently let them stay behind. You showed us that the reasons can vary and it is okay to choose wisely and that does not make us ungrateful, but rather wise shoppers.
Thank you ever so much for doing this. I hope you do more of these in the future as I did find it helpful and informative.
Rose by His Grace Thank YOU for the idea! It was so fun to carry out! Indeed, thoughtful thrifting IS wise – ultimately, as “slow fashion” conscious consumers, we want to buy things that have a long life in our closets, even if they’re inexpensive secondhand pieces. Thanks again and I would love to do it again! Stay tuned!