Hey everyone!
Sorry it's been a hot minute since I've posted on here -- I'm graduating from college in 6 days so things have been pretty hectic! I thought with the summer weather approaching I'd hop on here and give my best tips and tricks for thrifting so you can switch up your wardrobe for the new season!
The most important thing to keep in mind while thrifting is to HAVE PATIENCE! There will be more unsuccessful trips to the thrift store than successful ones, and that is okay! Don't go thrifting thinking you are always going to leave with a steal, because that might not be the case. I never go thrifting looking for one specific item because then I might miss out on another amazing find because I'm having tunnel vision looking for one specific thing. I usually pick a time where I have some free time, or need to take a break from studying-- it's super relaxing! Sometimes I will go up and down the aisle and take my time looking through all the racks. Other times I don't have the time to spend hours shopping and I'll do a quick shop and just walk down the aisles and see if anything really jumps out to me on the racks. If I don't see anything I head home and wait until next time!
Another thing I think is fun to think about when thrifting, is think of your thrifted pieces as blank canvases. Utilize Pinterest or DIY youtube videos, and try to make something new out of a thrifted piece. You could do something as easy as distressing a pair of jeans, or adding acid wash with bleach, to completely ripping apart a top or bottom and making something entirely new out of it. I love seeing what I can create from my thrifted pieces. If it doesn't work out, you wasted what, 3 dollars maybe? And you can always make headbands out of the fabric! There is always something to do with it. When an up-cycle doesn't work out for me, I put the fabric in my scraps bin and I always end up using it down the road at some point for some kind of craft. Youtube is literally my best friend, and Pinterest -- there are SO many cool ideas that are super easy for everyone (even if you don't consider yourself to be crafty)!
My last piece of advice is to not be afraid to wear something quirky or different, especially if you like it! Some of my favorite bloggers are vintage shoppers that find the coolest pieces that are super unique!! Don't think that you have to dress a certain way, or that you have to wear what is "in style." Thrifting is also all about finding things that are unique and fit your personality. I know you've heard the saying "one man's trash is another man's treasure." Well, one woman's closet clean out, is another women's fresh closet addition!! Get creative, have fun, and don't be afraid to wear something that you love! Fashion comes full circle. There's a huge 70s vibe in fashion right now, so whatever it is you find is sure to hit the stores at some point!
Have fun thrifting everyone!
xoxo,
Rachel
This dress pictured was originally floor length, but I thought it would be so cute paired with a long sleeve turtleneck like this! I picked the length I liked, chopped the skirt, hemmed it, and made it into this look in about 20 minutes! Super easy and I get so many compliments on this dress that cost me $4.98 at Goodwill!