As you prepare new goals and resolutions for 2012, everyone should also be cleaning out their wardrobe and finding new gear for the New Year. Fashion forward individuals have relied on thrifting for ages to keep their wardrobe updated without breaking the bank and in today’s economy the art of buying vintage and used clothing is something that all should be comfortable with. For the majority living in major cities, events and parties happen often and finding new clothes for every public appearance becomes costly. Turning to thrift stores to find unique pieces will not only help you stand out, but will also help your checking account and credit look just as great in the process.
While the art of buying used isn’t always easy, finding good bargains can be done with three simple tips.
One, It’s All In The Name. It’s important to know the difference between vintage and consignment boutiques and thrift shops because that difference affects the price. Vintage and consignment boutiques usually means a higher price. A vintage or consignment shop is where your favorite socialites and stylists shop to find handbags, belts, suits, gowns and dresses by top designers. While shopping vintage is great for special occasions, vintage boutiques aren’t always great for finding steals and bargains.
Some shops do have great vintage looks at affordable prices, such as B.O.R.N. boutique in Harlem.
All too true!! I just hit the Good Will at the top of the year. 4 pants, 4 shirts, 3 ties, 2 scarves, 1 winter jacket… $150 and some change. Basically all Brooks Bros and Banana Republic gear.
I love love love Beacon’s Closet! This shop is the reason why I’m slowly converting to thrifting. I always find something because they only buy trendy, one-of-a-kind pieces. Their price points are super low so there’s a quick turn around on inventory and something new to discover for every visit.
Beacon’s Closet is my SH!T!
Who’s the lovely chica in the photos? Love her style!
I’m an avid thrifter. I love that I can pick pieces from diff time periods and create a look all my own. I say go into a store with an open mind (I strongly encourage shopping the men’s section), and always have the number to a good tailor for those pieces that may need a little TLC.
Shana Donielle @ http://www.kneehighsandlove.com
Thanks chica!
I was a thrifter back in high school…I had some very unique, funky pieces back then. But ignorant folks clowned me because I wasn’t wearing the latest styles.
I haven’t been to a thrift store in years, though. I’ve been checking out some sweet vintage stuff on ebay. I would really love to find a vintage Chanel purse. I also want some vintage jewelry.
I’m not really big on brands (just whatever looks good to me) but I did buy a Ralph Lauren jacket which I love! And recently a sweater dress from Banana Republic which looks like its never been worn…and many other stuff. I haven’t been so lucky in the jewelry department though…but I’ll keep looking. I love getting nice stuff for $5…cheap and look good doing it
)
A nifty thrifty site I like to visit is http://www.Etsy.com. This site features not only vintage clothing, but other items such as jewelry and shoes for EVERY age and gender! Most of the items are custom made as well;-)
I love Value Village, especially near the ritzy areas. However, the ritzy folk usually donate to Goodwill or Salvation Army.
I scored hot pink, peach, Teal, Periwinkle and Red blazers from GoodWill and they were all half off so they were between $2 & $5 lol..I was inspired by Lori aka Lo (The Mop Top Maven’s BFF)
Lori on The Fashion Bomb’s Bombshell of the Day
http://fashionbombdaily.com/2010/09/15/fashion-bombshell-of-the-day-lori-from-la-2/
I’ve gotten into thrifting within the past few months. I use to go to buy jewelry but like the article mention going to all of these different events and buying ciothes each time became quite expensive. As a fashion blogger I attend a lot of events, as a student we take trips to places world wide and as a jewelry designer I attend a lot of trade shows. It was to the point I couldn’t wear the same thing twice because people would notice. I went to my local thrift town, for those who live in the Bay Area, you may be familiar with this store. They were having one of their 50% off sales. I snagged 6 pair of pants and 7 shirts for a whopping $18.56!!! #Winning! I am a thrifter…
I just love thrifting! A lot of people don’t know what gems you can find there.
My name is Lauren and I’m a thrift-a-holic. After finding a BRAND new COACH bag (yes a real one) at the Salvation Army for $3.99 I am completely hooked. I have found so many awesome skirts, dresses and Jackets from thrift stores. Everyone compliments my clothes and nearly faint when I tell them my whole outfit, shoes included cost less that $15.
I really don’t want any one else to pick up thrifting, that would be less goodies for me? LOL. I think I am going to the Goodwill today! I haven’t thrifted yet this month
I am a thrifter for life! I like combining vintage thrift with discount clothing. I get compliments all the time,and people never know (unless they are close friends) where I get my clothes.
I have scored some awesome deals:
A pair of The FRYE Co. chunky wooden heels (brand new, this season) $5
A vintage Burberry trench coat (snapped it up this weekend) $25
Calvin Klein wedge heels (this season, brand new) $10
I usually go to Goodwill, hate St. Vincent de Paul and Salvation Army (poor organization, and I am by no means an organization slob). I disagree slightly with the article’s point that better neighborhoods have better stuff.
Most people think that, and go there for that reason. But I’ve found the best deals at “off the beaten” path places in some of the not so best neighborhoods. Yes, you may have to filter through a bit more junk, but there are usually more gems. Everyone goes to the more affluent neighborhoods and so there’s less good stuff at times, and I’m usually always surprised by what I find thrifting.
The deals are there, as long as you are willling to look and don’t have a phobia about wearing others’ clothes. I have gotten and seen brand new clothing — with the tags still on them — from places like White House, Black Market, Target and H&M. I refuse to pay super high prices for some of the now in “vintage” clothing when I can go to Goodwill and get it for much less.
I’ve seen a Michael Kors bag in Goodwill ($150) and a pair of Loubies ($125), Michael Kors suede shoes (last season) for $25.
Check out my blog for more tips: http://hairnista.blogspot.com/2011/09/six-tips-for-thrift-store-shopping.html