Thrifting 101

As a new to college student, with a minimum wage job, and countless college expenses, any time I can get a bang for my buck I will take it. My friends would always show up with the coolest clothes and when I asked them where they got it and they would say "Thrifted!" I would become curious. I would be interested in the value someone else had for that item and the value it now holds with its new owner.

There is a Goodwill maybe 7 minutes or less from my house so I was on a mission to search the whole store for one item I would like, even if it required some DIY talent. (Those YouTube videos make it look so easy, but trust me this is an art form that takes time, sweet, and tears) So off I went on my way to look for something. After purging through multiple racks of graphic tees and padded shoulder tops I realized this would be no easy task. I decided to get some advice from the best thrifter I knew, Molly Nunguesser. The queen of thrifting herself was full of knowledge like...

“check everything, no matter how ugly it looks”

...and with some new nuggets of information and a few days of contemplation I was off again with a new found confidence and drive. Searching through women’s and men’s sections with my sister at hand; we were both able to find a couple of clothes worthy of trying on. My confidence in full effect, due to Molly’s successful techniques. With a few good thrifting trips under my belt I decided my knowledge could benefit some of you guys. So here are some tips when you get the urge to thrift but don’t know where to start!

1. Go with an item in mind. Whether it is a jean jacket, plain white top, oversized tshirt, cropped hoodie, etc. it can inspire you when you find an item unexpectedly. Even if the item is hard to find or requires slight modifications go for it! Surprisingly some of the best things require a pair of scissors and tweezers.

Found this House Of Blues New Orleans jacket at a Goodwill a little farther from me and it has been my favorite find so far

2. Bring a friend. Shopping with company is always the best way to shop. Not only is it a second opinion on the top you are contemplating but it is also a boost of motivation to keep going even when all thrifting hope is lost. Make sure it is some you could spend hours with and rely on with a valued opinion. Also having someone else keeps your sanity in check -long days with no hope can become overwhelming and having a trusted friend to keep you sane is necessary.

3. Search every rack. It seems tedious. It looks daunting. It feels overwhelming. But when you find the top to fit the outfit planned in your head the reward by far out ways the journey. Yes, you will find some very odd skirts or Justice sparkle shirts but it makes it all more fun to joke around.

found this shirt after 25 minutes of looking with no luck

4. Stay focused. Throughout the time you are at the store or stores it is easy to become distracted and defeated. To combat this put on some easing tunes or take a break and just breathe. Focus on the outfit you want and the item you have in min, ignore the bright orange shirt calling your name. Remember, this isn’t the thrifting olympics and sometimes you just won’t find anything.

5. Accept the possibility that you can’t make something out of nothing. Some days are a bust, but some days are like gold mining. Finding the item you have been imagining for days just glowing in front of you. Other days are just boring and feel like they are dragging on and on. In those times always remember that you don’t have to walk out with something.

Thrifting is hard. It isn’t for the impatient. It isn’t all about wearing used clothes. But it is about expressing yourself and not wanting to pay the $800 for a Gucci belt or bulky Balenciagas. Fashion shouldn’t be expressed by how much you pay for something but how good you feel in your own skin. If you are confident and loving life that is all that matters! I hope these tips can help you guys on your journey of thrift shopping. If you have any good finds tweet me @christnaadams or tag me on Instagram @christnaadams because I love seeing how creative and fun fashion can be! And with that happy thrifting and good luck!!

xo Christy

#thrifting #thrift #goodwill