Nifty Thrifting: The ins and outs of bargain hunting
Thrift shopping is great for getting a bargain. Here are some tips to help you make the most of thrift shopping and looking great.
1-LIST WHAT YOU NEED/WANT
If you are on abudget write down what you need most to avoid splashing the cash. Keep an organized focus of your shopping.
2-BUY WHAT YOU LOVE
The item you buy doesn't have to be in trend. If you love the item buy it. The art of thrifting is getting brilliant pieces that are different from brand new. Look for quirky pieces that fit your individual style. Dare to be different.
3-BUY WHAT LOOKS GOOD ON YOU
Don't worry if it's out of fashion as long as you love the item and it suites you. They are vintage mostly anyway and you'll most likely never see another person in what you buy from thrift stores.
4-SHOP OFTEN
I don't mean buy lots of items everyday but, go on a fashion treasure hunt. Thrift stores put different items out all the time so, hunt for the gems.
5-LOOK FOR BRANDS YOU TRUST
Checking the label is a good idea. It helps you know where the item came from. Also if it's a brand you know about, it helps gage the quality. Plus it gives you an idea how much money you're saving buying it not brand new.
6-SET A BUDGET
Many stores only except cash. Set a budget for your shopping spree. Just because it is cheap doesn't mean you have to have it. Tip for you is to take out the ATM the amount you can spend that day. This helps if you're trying to be careful with your money.
7-CUSTOMIZE
Think of how you can D.I.Y. the finds you purchase. If a dress is too long you can shorten it and fabric you cut off could become a belt or headband. Many other ways...some vintage clothes have cute patterns on so you can cut the fabric to turn into other items or for other projects.
8-LOCATION OF STORE
Google where shops and markets that sell thrift style items are in your area. Look at car boot sales, markets and stores selling second hand or vintage items (even some antique shops).
Not just look in high street or mall but, in quirky hidden away places. OR TRY A CHARITY SHOP.
9-PICTURE HOW YOU'D USE THE ITEM
If you are unsure if you wish to buy it then try it on if it's clothing or try to picture what you'd use it for and how many times you'd use it.
A lot of clothes look different on you rather than on the hanger. For furniture sit on it or open draws. Check it over, some might need a bit of work to it. If you can vamp it up and are prepared to make it your own go for it.
10-CHECK QUALITY
Turn items inside out to see if they will last or are fraying for example. Furniture, you should check all draws and hinges to see if it is good condition.
Look at items from all angles before you buy it.
11-BE FRIENDLY TO WORKERS
If you shop regularly at same store and are nice to people working in store they could give discount or help you locate gems. Don't be shy to ask if they sell certain item you want. They might have one at back of shop you could buy just not on shelve.(especially in charity shop).
12-BE CREATIVE
An item might not be perfect but with different buttons, new paint (furniture) or a belt, the item could be made to your liking. You could cut off a pretty area of item to use on something else or as something else. An old vintage luggage case could be turned into a cute table...see what you could upcycle or turn into something new.
-Stephanie x
1-LIST WHAT YOU NEED/WANT
If you are on a
2-BUY WHAT YOU LOVE
The item you buy doesn't have to be in trend. If you love the item buy it. The art of thrifting is getting brilliant pieces that are different from brand new. Look for quirky pieces that fit your individual style. Dare to be different.
3-BUY WHAT LOOKS GOOD ON YOU
Don't worry if it's out of fashion as long as you love the item and it suites you. They are vintage mostly anyway and you'll most likely never see another person in what you buy from thrift stores.
4-SHOP OFTEN
I don't mean buy lots of items everyday but, go on a fashion treasure hunt. Thrift stores put different items out all the time so, hunt for the gems.
 |
| Checking labels in a charity shop |
5-LOOK FOR BRANDS YOU TRUST
Checking the label is a good idea. It helps you know where the item came from. Also if it's a brand you know about, it helps gage the quality. Plus it gives you an idea how much money you're saving buying it not brand new.
6-SET A BUDGET
Many stores only except cash. Set a budget for your shopping spree. Just because it is cheap doesn't mean you have to have it. Tip for you is to take out the ATM the amount you can spend that day. This helps if you're trying to be careful with your money.
7-CUSTOMIZE
Think of how you can D.I.Y. the finds you purchase. If a dress is too long you can shorten it and fabric you cut off could become a belt or headband. Many other ways...some vintage clothes have cute patterns on so you can cut the fabric to turn into other items or for other projects.
8-LOCATION OF STORE
 |
| think how furniture fits into your room |
Not just look in high street or mall but, in quirky hidden away places. OR TRY A CHARITY SHOP.
9-PICTURE HOW YOU'D USE THE ITEM
If you are unsure if you wish to buy it then try it on if it's clothing or try to picture what you'd use it for and how many times you'd use it.
A lot of clothes look different on you rather than on the hanger. For furniture sit on it or open draws. Check it over, some might need a bit of work to it. If you can vamp it up and are prepared to make it your own go for it.
10-CHECK QUALITY
Turn items inside out to see if they will last or are fraying for example. Furniture, you should check all draws and hinges to see if it is good condition.
Look at items from all angles before you buy it.
11-BE FRIENDLY TO WORKERS
If you shop regularly at same store and are nice to people working in store they could give discount or help you locate gems. Don't be shy to ask if they sell certain item you want. They might have one at back of shop you could buy just not on shelve.(especially in charity shop).
12-BE CREATIVE
An item might not be perfect but with different buttons, new paint (furniture) or a belt, the item could be made to your liking. You could cut off a pretty area of item to use on something else or as something else. An old vintage luggage case could be turned into a cute table...see what you could upcycle or turn into something new.
-Stephanie x
these are the best and i would totes recommend!!
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