I love shopping, almost any type of shopping. It doesn’t even have to be for clothing. In fact, grocery shopping is one of my favorite types of shopping, especially since it is a necessity then I don’t feel as guilty dropping money on it. I do however, feel guilty shopping full price for clothing and accessories. Most of my clothing comes from the clearance section or is purchased during a sale, but shopping this way isn’t always the best for the environment. Recently, in an effort to be more friendly to my budget, the environment and make my style more creative, I have started to shop second hand more often.
Thrifting is gifting for multiple reasons! The first is: treat yo’self! It is fun to get something new (to you at least) and if you are shopping smart it won’t break the bank. The second is that it’s good for the environment. It helps to reduce something ending up in the landfill and is one less thing being made that is damaging to our water supply or air quality. Last but not least, it can be a gift to your community. I prefer to shop at places that give back to the community like non-profit stores where what you pay goes back to help people around you. For example, there is a resale store close to my house that benefits a program to help women facing domestic violence. Since I am spending money, I like to know that my money is going for good and it is cool knowing exactly what it is going to.
I am definitely not an expert on buying second hand and at the end of the day most of my wardrobe is still bought new, but I am working my way there. Here are just a few tips that I like to keep in mind when shopping second hand.
1. Don’t go in with any expectations
Unlike walking into a department store, you never know what is going to be behind the doors. If you go into the store expecting to find something super specific, chances are that you are going to wind up being disappointed. Part of the fun of it is the thrill of finding something cool and unexpected. However, it isn’t necessarily bad to go in with a focus like looking for tops or dresses in general.
2. Set yourself a price limit
If you are going just to spruce up your closet, it’s not a bad thing to go in with a price limit in mind. Since you can often get so much for so little, it can be easy to get carried away. I like to go in with set budget so I don’t overspend. This is also a good idea because at most stores you can’t return items or you just get store credit, so there is no quick fix for buyer’s remorse.
3. Don’t set a time limit
Second hand stores are not the place to rush through. To end up with good purchases, you often have to dig through a lot to find some treasures. Being in a rush only adds unnecessary pressure, so be sure to go when you have nowhere to be fairly soon.
4. Just because it’s cheap, doesn’t mean you need to buy it
I am guilty of buying something just because it is a good price. It is still money even if it is just a little bit. One good rule of thumb to see if you really like it is to ask yourself “If it was double the price, would I still buy it?”. If the answer is no, then it probably doesn’t need to find itself in your closet.
5. Still keep fit in mind
It is hard when there is only one size of the item, that you can’t size up or down in the item like at regular stores. Unless you are thrifty at alterations and have the time to do it, you probably won’t wear the item if it doesn’t fit you well. A key is to always try on, because you never know unlike at stores where you’re sizing may be consistent.
6. Will it work with other items in your wardrobe?
Just like buying anything from a regular store, make sure that the item matches with something you have or else you will wind up spending more money to find something that will. Know yourself when making a purchase and think through it. I like to not pick up items all at once and walk back around to them after I have mulled it over and see if I still like it at second glance. Also, mixing new items or higher end items help to make an outfit interesting and can create some cool style in your looks.
7. Check for stains and imperfections
Since the items have been previously loved, check for holes and flaws. If you think you can get out the stain or do some mending, then go for it! If not, you may want to think twice before buying.
8. Can you rework it into something else?
If you are crafty or creative, try looking at a piece in a different way. Like i did in this outfit, the skirt was too long for my preference and I didn’t love it with the matching top. So I hemmed the skirt and paired it with a shirt I already had.
9. Make it fun!
Sometimes shopping can be frustrating, especially when you have to hunt a lot. Make a day of it and grab a friend to go with to help keep it light. I also enjoy going by myself for some retail therapy and nice alone time. It’s also nice because you can go at your own pace and not worry about holding anyone up as you sift through all the racks.
10. Keep the cycle going
Once you are done wearing your purchases donate them back! A helpful tip is for every time you go to shop bring in an item in to donate or sell. Unless you’re like me and you like to purge your closet and bring in big boxes at once. Either way you do it, as long as you close the gap and keep it out of a landfill!
I hope you find these tips helpful!
With much love & many blessings,
Jill
About the outfit:
Skirt and purse: Thrifted
Shirt: J.Crew Factory
Shoes: Payless
Photography: Emily Westbrook @emwestphoto
