While I clearly love a good deal (as evidenced by my entire blog!), thrifting is relatively new to me. I’ve been reading some truly inspiring blogs (Thrift Your Heart Out and Pauper Into Princess , to name two). Seriously, thrifting is no joke! I decided it was time to really get out there and thrift a little. It’s always good to get out of our comfort zones, right?
Seeing as how I’m new to this, I will have a lot more tips to come, but I’ll start with explaining how I felt about the whole process. I found it to be a bit overwhelming because there was so much stuff in the store. It was almost like a warehouse of clothes and other household items. I loved that everything was all charity driven/donations based. All of their profits go to a really great cause, including employment in their stores for adults with disabilities.
Because the store was so huge, there was a lot of sifting through pieces that just didn’t work until I found a few gems. And when I say gems, I mean, GEMS. I can’t wait to post about my vintage Diane Von Furstenberg sweater that I got for $4. Anyway, the sweater featured today was a $5 find…but the store was offering coupons that day, so I got it for $4. It was originally approx $70. Not bad, huh?
I’d say this was a great way to try something new. I will definitely be doing this more often and more regularly. Stay tuned for my other finds from that day!
Sweater: thifted ($4)
Pants: Ann Taylor Loft ($10 marked down from $45)
Shoes: Marshall’s (approx $20 marked down from approx $100)
Barrette: Missoni for Target (on sale, approx $3)
Fashion Huntress tips:
I went with a friend of mine who has been thrifting for a long time. She helped walk me through the process of finding a good thrift store and sifting through deals. Her two best pieces of advice were:
1) “It’s easy to get carried away when thrifting because the prices are so low. Really think about whether you want something before you grab it just because it’s a good deal. Otherwise, it will just sit at home unworn.”
2) “Try things on.” Yep, you sure can try things on right over your clothes in most thrift stores. In the one we visited, trying things on over your clothes was completely acceptable. The staff didn’t even blink as we tried things on. As a side note, I highly recommend wearing leggings and a t-shirt so that you can easily get things on and off without the bulk of jeans or a sweatshirt underneath when trying things on over your clothes.
My side note: I didn’t bother with trying to clean the pieces I picked up myself. I took them all the dry cleaners and called it a day. Easy peasy.
Anyone else thinking of trying out thrifting? Or those that already are thrifting and loving it?
What an adventure, readers, thanks for hanging on through this one! Thank you, as always, for visiting!
the fashion huntress 
You inspire me with all your amazing finds! Can’t wait to see your DVF post!!!😉
I couldn’t believe my luck when I found it! I’ll post it in a few weeks- it’s red and sparkly, so I think I’ll wait until November for a winter seasonal look 🙂
Sounds gorgeously sexy😉
Amazing fall outfit! Love it!
I have only just started venturing into thrifting-I’ve been excited by some really great finds. I LOVE that sweater you’re wearing- I’ve been searching for something like that but haven’t found it yet.
I love thrifting for the house and sometimes I’ll find clothes. The thrift store racks could be a little overwhelming, but I enjoy the surprise of finding that perfect item.
No kidding, I was just about to go into a thrift store today! Ill definitely have to check one out this weekend now! Thanks for the tips, you’ve given me the courage:)
XOXO
I thrift all the time! Where did you go? I live far up north, so I often go to the Unique on Howard/Western or the Sal Army on Devon just west of Damen.
We went all the way up to the Goodwill in the north shore suburbs! It was in Glenview. I think it was well worth the trip! I have not been to the Unique on Howard yet, but the friend I was with mentioned she liked it too! How’s that Sal Army?
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The SA on Devon is very big, so you really have a lot to sort through. The last time I was there I got a J. Crew button down and some skinny maroon pants from “Life in Progress” which I guess is Forever 21. I generally find more at the Unique. Going up to Glenview is a great idea!
This makes me want to go thrift shopping this weekend! You always find such amazing deals, that look fantastic on you. I too am new to “thrifting” but I love the hunt, and being willing to walk out empty handed is half the battle. But it’s so worth it when you find that diamond in the rough.
XO
Katie
I’ve only done goodwill and found two things (and that was when I had a baby with me so imagine what I could do on my own). What about plato’s closet? Are those still around? Never been
Love the sweater
Speaking of thrifting, reminds me of hand me downs. I did the reverse. I got an old cubs shirt from my kid nephew (super cuddly and worn) and have paired it with army green pants but now in colder weather also leggings and a casual long sweater…sort of a pop pin’ tags look;)
Haha, Eve! You are too funny! And yes…I think Plato’s Closets still exist! I just love a good charity shop visit because they do so much good work for the community- clearly a cause close to our hearts! I would love to visit a Sal Army with you. We could do some serious huntressing with the two of us and Anne!
I’m on board!
Love the idea
Thrifting is very new to me as well. Like you I recently went with a friend who showed me the ropes. I must say I really enjoyed myself and will be posting my great finds very soon. Kudos to you……for stepping out of your comfort zone and because of it….you have the cutest and most cozy sweater. Love the outfit!!!!
I have never thrifter but YAY for great fashion hauls!
You are so sweet 🙂 I admire your blog, so it means a lot that you like mine! I love that you’re getting into thrift shopping. I can’t wait to see more of your finds, especially the DVF sweater 🙂
While I get creeped out at buying sweaters or blouses or t-shirts at thrift stores, I love finding blazers and coats!
Great sweater and colors ❤ Happy week-end!
Great finds!! xx
These are great tips. DVF for $4? GO YOU!!! Can’t wait to see how you style it! You make thrifting seem way less scary than I make it out to be in my mind!
I don’t thrift as often as I would like to just because it does take a bit of dedication and patience, but I’m always thrilled with my finds. Snagging a really nice item for under $5 is pretty much one of the best feelings in my book.
Thrifting has become my new thing as well. I love all the wonderful items you can purchase at great prices. What’s trash to someone can be a treasure to someone else. Love this outfit, looking great in those red jeans 🙂
-Vogue&Heels
http://www.vogueandheels.com
I absolutely LOVE thrifting – but it can be addictive! Seriously when you keep finding awesome things for cheap, you can have a tendency to buy too much. Which is why I totally agree with your tip – only buy what fits and what you absolutely can’t live without!
These finds are amazing! You can’t go wrong with a gorgeous fluffy angora sweater. Feeling like a very proud thrift-mama right now! Can’t wait to see what else you got 🙂 xoxo
Great advice!
Love the cashmere sweater and the red pants.
beautiful fall outfit and great tips! we love thrift shopping and the best tip we always like to give is to have alot of patience. it often takes alot of browsing to get to the really good stuff!
xoxo
Your friend gives good tips – I often fall prey to the “but it’s so cheap!” syndrome. Don’t be like me! I’m glad you’ve ventured into thrifting!
I’ve missed your outfits! I love this one so much… So cozy looking ❤️
Please check out the store I opened with my friend at http://caffeinatedflowers.storenvy.com !
Cozy and lovely!
It’s sunday, it’s 27 Oct across the pond..it’s Blog Party time! So layer up that cashmere..it’s time to dance! xxx
Why I don’t live there, we don’t have such amazingly incredible shops here in NZ. Love your sweater, cozy and beautiful!
Thank you for lovely comment on my blog
I know I have said it before but I have to say it again, I need to steal you to go thrifting, I seriously have the WORST luck! Not to mention, that hair clip is the perfect finishing touch!
xx Cara
You are so good in find good deals! Can’t wait to see your DVF piece! xoxo
I love the sweater, it looks so comfy and warm! I can’t wait to see your DVF piece!! ❤
Diana
http://www.ManhattanImageandStyle.com
LOVE the red pants!!! DVF..i am waiting… 😀
http://willfullyelegant.wordpress.com/
That is a great deal! Lovin that sweater! 🙂 It looks oh so comfy cozy 🙂 🙂
Beautiful turtleneck and red pants. I love these two colors together!
I love thrift shopping. We can always find great treasures there. I think that a lot of my cloth is from a big thrift store from my country.
You are right with the advise, we can get carry away with small prices, it has happen to me several times.
I love all of the tips included here!! I think most people like thrifting in some way, if they are able to find good places to go! I will definitely be posting the DVF sweater soon, as well as my other finds! More thifting adventures to come 🙂