My Secret Strategies to Shop Thrift Stores Like a BOSS
full thrift shop outfit for less than $10
It’s no secret that I LOVE to shop! It’s my FAVORITE thing to do! To the untrained eye, it may SEEM like I could just browse and browse for hours, yet honestly when I shop - I have strategies! Especially when it comes to Thrift Store shopping!
Thrift Store shopping is my JAM! I would much rather pop into a second hand boutique or even peruse at my local Salvation Army then hit any of the outlets and I definitely do NOT dream of anything remotely close to Rodeo Drive - no thank you!!
Anywho - I think my love for Thift Store shopping came from my childhood where my mom and I would hit up all the local yard sales on a Saturday morning when I was a teenager. and into my twenties. We would plan ahead by looking through the ‘Yard Sale’ section of the classified ads (remember those?!), draw a circle around which ones we wanted to hit up, and then plan our route of attack. We always loved the ones labeled ‘Neighborhood Sale’ or ‘Multi-Family Yard Sale.’ because that meant LOTS of stuff to pick through. Nothing was worse than pulling up to a house and there was barely anything out to pick from. I would beeline for the jewelry (I LOVE old antique necklaces, rings, bracelets) and she would head immediately for the baby items and toys (we took in foster kids so she was ALWAYS on the lookout for things she could gift them with).
My love for a bargain along with the nostalgia of yard sale-ing from my childhood is what fuels my love for thrift stores today. That said, I have a very specific strategy that I use when hitting up my local thrift shop. First and foremost, I typically only look for very specific TYPES of items. This includes:
Accessories: Things like scarves, jewelry, bags and shoes are GREAT to find in thrift shops as you can find pieces that are unique, vintage, and can often find name brand items for way LESS. My absolute favorite pair of booties are from Goodwill and are genuine Italian leather with a unique triangle shaped heel.
Coats/Blazers: A blazer or jacket is my favorite thing to shop for in general yet I always look at thrift shops because you can find really unique jackets that no one else will have. It’s also a really fun way to top off an outfit and create a really unique look. I have find some really cool faux leather jackets (one red one!) that I wear all. the. time. SO fun.
Toys: You can find KILLER deal on toys for the kids or grandkids at your local thrift shop. I have snagged so many trucks, matchbox cars, legos and figurines! It’s also a GREAT way to build up your children's book collection too!
While I’m always looking for these types of items, I’m never looking for anything specific. The thing with thrift shops is that it’s a place where you find unique treasures. Not necessarily build your capsule wardrobe. IF you are looking for a very specific items (e.g. size 10 button fly Lucky jeans) chances are you will walk out very disappointed. SOMETIMES you may get lucky, yet if you want something specific - go to Old Navy, Target, or order it from Amazon. Thrift stores are for unique pieces and treasures so go in looking for those types of things, knowing that sometimes you will hit the jackpot and other times you may just walk out with a $2 scarf.
I also love to support local small thrift shops that benefit a local charity. While Goodwill and the Salvation Army have some good finds (and I love the options!), I love to support the local neighborhood shop. We have one close to us that helps to provide funding to local hospice programs, which I love. I typically will spend a few bucks on items and round up to the nearest $5 or $10 to support the charity. Such a win/win!
Lastly, you have to pop in frequently! I love to check my local shop every other week. It’s enough time to see/touch/feel new items while also giving you the opportunity to snag the item you saw last time but didn’t grab it. If it’s still there and getting your attention, it’s meant for you!! Also - give a little/get a little. Be sure to support your local shop by dropping off your gently used items as well. This enables your shop to thrive and also the opportunity to pay it forward to other thrift shoppers!!
SO - I’d love to hear about the BEST item you snagged from your local shop! Drop a comment below or send me an e-mail at tammy@mstammyhickey.com. Happy thrift shopping!!
In Style & Grace,