Often I get asked by my friends where I get my vintage; according to one “How are you such a thrifting queen?!”
Now, I don’t think I’m a ‘thrifting queen’, I just get lucky sometimes. I’ve cultivated a lot of skills over the years and, because I love to share and help people, here are some tips I use when I’m out thrifting and searching for vintage.
Utilize technology.
Thankfully, in this age of technology, we can do a quick internet search for anything we want to look for. Sometimes just searching ‘thrift store’ and your area can come up with some new places to check out. There is also the site The Thrift Shopper which is a thrift store directory!
Have an idea of what you’re looking for.
Don’t be afraid to rummage.
Ask questions.
Keep a little cleaning kit in your purse.
Now, searching for vintage treasures can be a bit messy. Dust, jacket collars covered with hair…sticky candy still in the pockets (Yes, this happened once), are among the unpleasantries you’re likely to encounter. I have some hand sanitizer in my purse if there’s no bathroom, and some lotion to keep my hands nice and soft. Baby wipes are also a very good idea.
Sometimes the garment just needs a belt to bring it all together, or a popped seam needs a safety pin.
Rather, don’t wear a full face without it being properly sealed. I’ve seen makeup smears on contemporary clothing when I’m out shopping with my sister, and it’s so saddening. I try to just keep a light translucent powder and maybe my brows done, but if I do have a full face of makeup on, I have a secret weapon. I keep a scarf in or on my purse. When in the dressing room, I’ll tie the scarf on my head, then try the garment on. Any transfers happen on the scarf, and the clothes are left clean.
According to my grandma, department stores used to keep scarves in dressing rooms for that very problem!
I know I titled this with thrifting tips, but there is a difference between the various places you can shop.
Thrift stores and second hand stores have no specialization of eras, and tend to be very affordable.
Vintage Boutiques and Antique Malls are specially collected and sorted by era, and are sold at a higher price.
Do you thrift often?
What are some of your tips?