Thrift store virgin

[~Fabulousity~]

My cousin and sister have found nice things at thrift stores, whenever I try to do the same it never works for me. I guess some people just have an eye for spotting nice things in clutter.

[Miss 2 A]

Originally Posted by ~Fabulousity~

My cousin and sister have found nice things at thrift stores, whenever I try to do the same it never works for me. I guess some people just have an eye for spotting nice things in clutter.

I used to hate shopping in any sort of clutter, even a store like TJMAXX would stress me out, I felt like running out. I got the hang of it and then thrifting was a Huge step, some days I'm just so stressed that I'd rather not rummage through ugly, smelly clothing that other people have donated.

Don't give up, I'm sure you'll find something :)

[HeyItsRobin]

OP where in california do you live? I go to buffalo exchange and their prices are OK. I just got a trina turk dress there for like $11. I like them because they are so organized and they don't have a bunch of crap.

I also like to go to amvets and goodwill, although sometimes I get too tired of looking because there is no organization at those stores.

[HermesNewbie]

Originally Posted by Miss 2 A

I do my thrifting at places like Goodwill, salvation army (both have great prices), value village (more expensive and sometimes a bit of a ripoff but with vintage they can be cheap) Occasionally a private thrift store, or consignment store.

I miss Value Village -- such a wonderful store! I used to live near several stores but then moved to a state where there are none at all. I love thrift store shopping but, sadly, I don't have much time for it now.

Kweenovharts, you may want to check out Secondhand Chic by Christa Wiel. She provides a lot of useful information about thrift store shopping and about clothing in general. I've had my copy for over 10 years and I find myself flipping through it at least every few months or so.

Have fun at the thrift stores!

[.:Sprigged:.]

Originally Posted by HermesNewbie

Kweenovharts, you may want to check out Secondhand Chic by Christa Wiel. She provides a lot of useful information about thrift store shopping and about clothing in general. I've had my copy for over 10 years and I find myself flipping through it at least every few months or so.

Seconded! I love this book...it is well-worn!

I have nothing to add except don't let it overwhelm you...just keep focus on what you want. If you want a skirt, it is okay to ignore the pots and pans.

Also, if there are certain things you will never buy (8-tracks and mens/childrens wear for me) then just zone them out...it makes it so much less overwhelming.

[PurseXaXholic]

I LOVE thrifting, I agree, set aside a day for it. Don't go into it knowing you only have an hour. I usually go through all the women's clothing, shoes, purses, and jewelry. There are a few thrift stores around here, and I've found a Oscar de la renta dress for $4, Christian Dior Vest for $9, splendid cardigan for $3 etc. Just don't give up! And frequent them regularly. Sometimes you'll find a lot, sometimes you find nothing. Its all luck :)

[avedashiva]

Originally Posted by HermesNewbie

I miss Value Village -- such a wonderful store! I used to live near several stores but then moved to a state where there are none at all. I love thrift store shopping but, sadly, I don't have much time for it now. Kweenovharts, you may want to check out Secondhand Chic by Christa Wiel. She provides a lot of useful information about thrift store shopping and about clothing in general. I've had my copy for over 10 years and I find myself flipping through it at least every few months or so. Have fun at the thrift stores!

Thanks for mentioning this book - I am going to definitely check it out

[PurseXaXholic]

Oh, and deffinantly go alone, or with someone who also enjoys thrifting. There's nothing worse than someone pulling at your side, asking if you can go, while you are trying to look through the racks.

[Miss 2 A]

Originally Posted by PurseXaXholic

Oh, and deffinantly go alone, or with someone who also enjoys thrifting. There's nothing worse than someone pulling at your side, asking if you can go, while you are trying to look through the racks.

Or feeling guilty because they might not say it but they're bored to death. This is often my case which is why I don't ever accomplish much unless I'm shopping alone (which I enjoy)
Believe it or not I usually have tops 3 mins at every thrift store, because it's usually done on a day trip out of town so we try to cover as many as we can. I still find great stuff, it's just I wish I could have more time.

[HermesNewbie]

Originally Posted by avedashiva

Thanks for mentioning this book - I am going to definitely check it out

No problem at all! I just realized that I mispelled the author's last name... it's Weil instead of Wiel. Sorry about that!

[kweenovharts]

HeyItsRobin I live in South Bay and I actually did go to Buffalo exchange in LB with my bf and a couple of friends the other day. Didn't really find anything but I think it's because I felt rushed and overwhelmed. It was my first time so I think it wasn't bad. Definitely wanting to do more shopping or thrifting on my own soon.
HermesNewbie thanks a lot for the book recommendation, I will check it out.
All of you ladies have been very helpful, I really appreciate all the advice

[jayjay77]

Yes, you need to take your time and have low expectations. I've had good luck getting jeans at thrift stores. Jeans always shink and people always put on weight so I have found some nice pairs of jeans barely worn. Shoes are easy too -- they either fit or they don't. I also like thrift shops for home furnishings -- i have some great lamps and a lovely print that I got at thrift shops.

[Antonia]

One of my best friends loves going to thrift stores. I prefer consignment shops because I always find really great things for unbelievable prices. That said, I have gone to thrift stores on occasion. The last time I went was at a store called Savers and I wasn't looking for anything in particular. What I found was a vintage wool coat with fur collar, the lining was impeccable....who ever owned this coat must have never worn it because it looked brand new. I'll post a picture of this tonight when I get home. Best of all it was $14.99!!!

[annemerrick]

Originally Posted by PurseXaXholic

Oh, and deffinantly go alone, or with someone who also enjoys thrifting. There's nothing worse than someone pulling at your side, asking if you can go, while you are trying to look through the racks.

I have three little people doing that the whole time! So i quit taking them (my youngest actually does love to thrift). I usually carve 15 minutes out for the store that is by my kids school, and I basically am on war speed flipping through the racks!! I try to take my kids as seldom as possible!

[Antonia]

Hi ladies....here is a pic of my vintage coat bargain at the thrift store!