Thrift Like a Pro

Why do people thrift? It could be the thrill of the hunt, scoring a designer deal at a fraction of the price. Some do it to contribute to environmental efforts by reducing waste. Others simply want their money to stretch a bit further. Whatever the reason, thrifting offers a multitude of benefits and enjoyment. I love thrifting not only for its sustainability aspect but also for the opportunity it provides to diversify my wardrobe. It’s exciting to discover favorite brands, unique designer pieces, and vintage gems that might otherwise be out of reach. Thrifting also gives one the chance to experiment with their style, crafting distinctive looks that truly represent their style. For me, thrifting isn’t just shopping; it’s a creative journey towards authentic self-expression.

Shop with intention

Whether I’m thrifting, shopping online or IRL, I always have two handy lists: my ‘shopping list’ and a ‘no-buy’ list. The shopping list serves as a reminder of the pieces I’m currently missing in my closet, ie: ribbed oatmeal tank top, tan toe ring flat leather sandal, black fitted vest, rhinestone choker to wear with my denim shirts, etc. The no-buy list is a curated list of items that have not worked for me in the past, ie: denim skirts, skinny jeans, girly ruffles, platform shoes, synthetic knits, dresses with a “set” waistband, etc.

If a piece doesn’t work, try restyling it

This dress sat in my ThredUp cart for about a month at around $60. The colors, wrap styling, leopard print, V-neck, and midi length checked all my style boxes, but I was unsure about the ruffles. After a month of contemplation and a promo that reduced the dress to $22, I finally hit the buy button. The dress arrived as expected, but the ruffles—an element on my “no buy list” that I overlooked due to the $22 price — felt too frilly for my everyday style. As I played around with styling it, I realized it would be beautiful as a swim cover-up, an occasion where I don’t mind a little more playfulness in a piece, a good reminder that when something you like doesn’t work as you intended, think about how you can wear it another way, you might be rewarded with a fun surprise! Outfit Details: Blank London “Zadie” Leopard Maxi Dress, $22.00 @ ThredUp| Anthropologie Tote, last season, now available, duped @ Target for $35.00 (here) | from Bembien on sale at Madewell (here) | tote bag organization insert, AMAZON (here) | Eric Javits hat (similar here) | Tory Burch Miller sandal (here)

10 Thrifty Shopping Tips

1. Keep a list & check back regularly. When thrifting, everything can be considered a deal. I like to keep a list on my phone of what’s missing in my wardrobe, so I only buy things I need – more is not better.
2. Beware of Final Sale. ThredUp and RealReal offer returns and exchanges on some items, but most second-hand buys are final sale, so before you pay, take a photo of the item or, if shopping online, check if it works with your wardrobe by using your laptop in your closet.
3. Closet Orphans. Regardless of how great a buy it is, only purchase items in your size (unless they’re easily alterable, and even then, consider the cost of tailoring) to avoid ‘Closet Orphans’.
4. Calculate the full cost of the item. Always calculate the cost of dry cleaning into the total price – I once spent $40 to remove a perfume smell from a faux fur vest with leather trim.
5. Wear and tear. Check for wear, pilling, and fading to ensure the garment has enough life left for you to wear until you tire of it. Items in ‘like new’ condition are often worth the extra dollars as you can resell them when you no longer want them.
6. Sizing. Always check measurements and fabrication when shopping online. Vintage pieces often run smaller than today’s garments.
7. Use the search filters. If you love to shop designer, consider ThredUp and The RealReal (better than ThredUp IMO), set up detailed searches (highly recommended!), and be notified when items you’re looking for come in stock. ThredUp even has a “premium” and “designer” filtering option.
8. RealReal Tip: get specific about what you are shopping for and set up your filters, then, filter from low to high price. I have found that many of my favorite brands – Alice and Olivia, Vince, IRO, Frame – end up on the deep discount list and if you keep a close watch, you can pick up some great deals on designer pieces.
9. Poshmark. Poshmark – not my favorite – is similar to what eBay used to be, making it easy to shop and sell with its user-friendly app. However, remember you’re buying directly from a seller, so ask questions about the condition and fit before purchasing. While Poshmark offers “Posh Protect”, most sales are final, though there’s room for negotiation, unlike ThredUp.
10. Shop Local. Explore local consignment and thrift shops in your area. Brick-and-mortar boutiques are great spots to pick up unique jewelry, accessories, shoes, and handbags, as these types of items are ones I prefer to inspect in person, not only for size, but quality, wear, and smell (perfume can ruin a beautiful handbag!) Here in the Bay Area, I shop at Repeter Boutique Los Altos or Menlo Park, Filmore and 5th, or my local Goodwill. I recommend visiting a few, to find your favorite spots, as some are better than others.

Thrifting is a unique experience that appeals to different people for various reasons. Some relish the thrill of discovering hidden gems amidst racks of clothes, while others appreciate the opportunity to find quality items at affordable prices. The environmental aspect of thrift shopping, reducing waste by giving pre-loved items a new life, also resonates with many. I find thrifting to be both exciting and rewarding, as it allows me to explore my creativity, express my style, and contribute positively to sustainability efforts. What about you? What draws you to thrifting, and what are your thoughts on the experience? We’d love to hear about your experience with shopping the second-hand market, drop us a line down below!