Hey it’s me again! I know, right? I’ve been seriously neglecting this space… Bare with me! I’m still figuring out how to juggle it all with the new little guy (who is awesome by the way). I promise to be more consistent with posting — and soon!!!
Okay.
So after posting my first all seasons capsule wardrobe early last week, I received several requests for a post on how to thrift for quality pieces. Or in other words: how in the heck did you get that $78 JCrew chambray top for $10.50?!?
I started writing. Got a little carried away in the word department. Reigned in. And then said screw it. Haha. I’m giving you #allthewords
But for sanity’s sake? I’m breaking it up into a short mini series (ooo that makes it sound like a killer special on TV!) — beginning with this post. I’m not quite sure how many posts it will be just quite yet, but I expect at least three.
chambray / graphic tee / white button down /gingham button down / cardigan sweater / blazer
Above are six pieces in my closet that I was able to score by thrifting. I can honestly say that there was/is no room in my clothing budget to have bought these pieces full price from their retailers — despite their quality and timeless (for the most part) nature. But with a little time, a lot of patience, some scouring of eBay, a few second hand store trips and a whole lot of self control — I managed to find and purchase these 6 great pieces.
HOW TO THRIFT QUALITY PIECES FOR YOUR WARDROBE | WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
1. Items on your list. Whether or not you subscribe to or even like the idea of a master list like mine walking into a thrift store (brick + mortar or online) is DAN-GER-OUS. No? Talk about being overwhelmed by the possiblities. Oo! Or falling victim to the statement “but it’s only $3!” In all likelyhood if you don’t walk in there with a strategy and a clear sense of what you really need, you’ll be walking out of there with not only some great deals — but some serious buyer’s remorse as well. #thumbsdown
2. Staple pieces. You probably noticed that all of the pieces I shared with you above are relatively basic, neutral and of the timeless variety. This is not by coincidence. High end brands are known for carrying high quality classics for a reason. Because they are always “in season” or “on trend” it makes them that much easier to track down when thrifting. There will naturally be a larger sea to fish in ;)
3. Brands you love. Maybe I’m just more of a sucker than I’d like to think when it comes to brand loyalty (as a marketer I like to think that I could never fall for marketing ploys…) but I really do find myself becoming partial to certain brands for both style and business practices. Besides, have you ever walked into a Goodwill and been oddly attracted to everything Forever21? No, just me? Well let me tell you, developing an eye for a particular brand makes thrifting in second hand stores a breeze. And on places like eBay? That much more targeted.
I’m keeping it short and sweet, for now ;)
Up next in this series will be How to Thrift Quality Pieces for your Closet, Part II: Where to Look.
Do you have any successful thrifting tips to offer? Let’s hear’em!