Beginners Guide to Thrift Store Shopping

Last week my mom sent me to go shopping for my younger sisters. I went thrifting...and while I was out I thought, "I really rock at this! What I need to do is write a beginners guide to thrift store shopping!" Actually, I was taking pictures in my mind also, but I didn't take them on my camera so it doesn't matter. Let's begin!

1. Chronicle what you have in your closet that needs a match or know what you want in general. The best way to do this for the first part, is to take pictures using a camera OR your phone. I pull out whatever I need a match for, and then snap a picture and then stick the camera or phone in my purse. If you're just looking for something specific that isn't a match for anything, make a list! You don't want to come home to realize that you never even looked for those vintage earrings!
2. Dress well. Wear a top that's not too loose. Some thrift stores don't even have fitting rooms so a tank top or fitted t-shirt is best. On bottom I find it best to wear a skirt preferably with an elastic waist and plenty of flare. I like these because you can easily slip it off or even slip things on underneath it with minimal time wasted. Clearly I was thinking of chicks here, but generally guys don't go through as much when shopping because the sizes are much less complicated. Not only that, but they don't wear clothes that take ten years to remove.
3. Take your allergy meds. I put this here for laughs, but on the other hand, I have dust allergies and I'll itch and sneeze the entire day if I forget to take my allergy pill. 
4. Be focused. Thrift stores are not the same places they were when I was a child. They are-because they still have some of those same clothes lol-but they're not. Now, it's not unusual to see clothes at least sloppily color coordinated, and arranged by type. Don't go through all the shirts if you specifically want a pink one, and if you're looking for a vest, come away from the pants! 
5. Get dirty. Sometimes treasures are hidden. If you're looking for a perfect vintage suitcase, don't be afraid to pull out a few and see if there is one underneath. In second-hand shops, it's the norm for things to be piled up on top of each other. The pros also use this handy knowledge to hide things to come back for if they can't find it cheaper elsewhere. 
6. Be picky. Remember where you are. Check for tears, stains that may not come out, and missing components to items. If you're okay with sewing on that button or that tear at the seam, go for it! If not. Leave it.
7. Keep your eyes open. If you want to move on to pro status, know what tags are a percentage off for the day and specifically pick up items under that color. Victory will be all the sweeter for your work. 
8. Take a second glance. There are times when you see a shirt and it looks "ehhh" on first glance...Occasionally on second glance it looks better. Once in awhile try on things that you're unsure of and come out of your comfort zone. I've done it before and got compliments all over the place :-)

I hope this was helpful to you! Are there any tips I left out that you'd like to add? Let me know in the comments! 

Elisabeth Arona

New vintage shopper

I've finally come to a conclusion. I must learn how to buy vintage. Surely there is a special technique that only certain people can know though, right?

Nope. 

I did a quick google search on how to identify authentic vintage and out I went to the thrift store. My goal? To find some cute vintage items to sell in my Etsy shop. You see, I have tons of ideas for sewing, but I also get caught up in the alterations, the custom orders, and just my own mind (wow that sounds bad). My main thought process is to make mostly vintage style clothes-very feminine-and even some maternity, but these things take time. So, here it is, my birthday and mom blesses me with her presence and goes with me to the thrift store down the street.
I specifically skipped Goodwill, just because I didn't want a place that charges the same for all like products (i.e. all skirts for 4.96, all books 1.00) and instead shop where all things were individually priced. It seemed more like a treasure hunt that way.
I took all the tips I learned from the internet, and began my search in the dresses. I was amazed that there were so many to choose from. I did use my search engine from my phone also to look up specific brands etc. I ended up buying only one dress though, a size 14 that my mom said they called a "shift dress" when she used to wear them. Honestly I was a bit nervous as a newbie buyer (although long-time admirer) of vintage and didn't want a bunch of stuff that I personally wouldn't wear that I'm trying to sell. As I paid a hefty $2 for my dress (it was like the cheapest dress there) the cashier remarked on how cute it was.

I got it home and tried it on to take pictures in it and realized that I must keep it. It is perfection-remember this is all in the eye of the beholder. I'm on a weight loss journey, and it's a teeny bit snug, but it looks great on my dress form which is a little less well-endowed in some areas than me. 

What are your thoughts? Do you have suggestions as a seasoned vintage shopper?