How I Thrift

  

Back in the fall I did a post on tips for thrifting here, but thought it would be fun to re-visit the topic.  I thought I'd share some favorite finds and what works for me when I'm out searching for deals. These three tips are most important to me.

• Fit is key, and I only buy if the fit is perfect on me.  When thrifting don't think about the size or brand, think about fit.
• Great quality is also at the top of my list.  I don't buy pieces that show signs of wear, if it doesn't look new, don't buy it.
• I find pieces that are on trend AND my style.  I always think about what hot now when shopping and steer clear of getting excited over the brand that shows up at the thrift store.

It might sound silly, but I think about what to wear while thrifting.  I like to wear "easy" clothes like plain shirts with a tank underneath and basic bottoms.  When thrifting you can end up trying on some pretty unique clothes, but when you pair it with a basic top or bottoms it's easier to help translate it into a really outfit.  I also wear easy shoes, so I can try to steer clear of having to be barefoot.  Gross.

Be a visionary!  Think about what you have at home that would go with the items you're trying on; think about how you'd style it.  Thrifting is so different than going into a department store and being able to buy a whole matching outfit easily.  The outfit below is the only time I can remember getting the items at the same time and having them actually "go" together.

top (Loft) and skirt (Old Navy) both thrifted

When I'm out shopping the store I pick up about anything I think is cute to try on.  I don't think too much about size, because everything can fit so differently.  I usually don't have a lot of luck with cotton tops, as they pill easily, but knits and woven fabrics usually wear well.  I also don't look at everything.  I stick to looking for great colors, prints, and textures

Once in the fitting room I re-assess what I picked up and discard before even beginning to try things on.  Below are two things that didn't make the initial cut while I was recently thrifting.   Both were pretty worn with a lot of pilling. No matter the top was Loft and the coat Guess, if it's worn out don't waste your time.

New with tags???? This always gets me excited, but fit is key. Recently I found a white, linen mini-skirt that was Juicy Couture with the tags still on.  Problem: I am not a 13 year old girl.  Pass. I also found a new Loft sweater, but it was way too big on me. Pass again.  Remember what I said, fit is key, if you don't like the fit, it doesn't matter if it has the tags on it. This skirt below was new with tags from the Limited and fit great, definitely worth buying!

Top (Apt. 9) and skirt (The Limited) both thrifted

Hmmm, maybe.  That's what I thought when I recently saw a romper on the rack.  I'd never tried on a romper, so I thought "what the heck?"  Verdict:  it fit nicely, but it's so not me.  It's great to find on trend item's while thrifting, but don't try to be someone other than yourself.  My husband wouldn't have left the house with me if I was wearing that romper.  Pass. These white jeans and this print top on the other hand, so on trend and fit perfectly.  Awesome finds!

top (Kohl's) and jeans (CAbi) both thrifted

Sometimes I come across items that fit pretty well, don't show signs of wear, and are cute, but I still don't buy them.  Why, you ask?  I don't need them. If an item is too similar to something else I have I really don't need two.  Even if it's a really good deal, don't just buy something to buy it. This cardigan below and red shorts were great additions to my closet.  Both were unlike other things I owned and fit my criteria for buying: cute, fit, and on trend.

cardigan (Jones New York) and shorts (Loft) both thrifted

I hope these tips helped all of you who love a deal and love to thrift.  What tips do you have to share for finding great thrifted items?

Also, don't forget to enter to win my giveaway for $100 credit to Cushe.com here!

Linking up with:

What I Wore Wednesday

Get Your Pretty On

Fashion and Beauty Finds