To Thrift or Not to Thrift

"How do you always find stuff?" or "I don't know how to thrift" and the best one, "I can't find anything good." I give the same simple response to those three popular lines....my answer

Think outside the box.

If you go into a thrift store with an image of what you want, there is a 50% chance that you might leave unsatisfied.  There isn't anything wrong with entering into a second hand store with the need of a new flannel or Bill Cosby sweater, just don't psych yourself up and think you are going to score a vintage Chanel clutch or a Hermes silk tie for a couple bucks.

I can't address all the things to look out for while thrifting or give you all of my tips in one posts....but what I will do is tell you what to thrift for and what to skip on for my thrifter newbies.

Thrift

1. White button up - As an individual who hoards button ups, purchasing a crisp white shirt makes me nervous. I somehow manage to get anything white dirty as soon as I walk out the house resulting into making my shirt that cost a pretty penny looking like a piece of shit. Why waste the money? 

Tip ladies: shop in the mens shirt for a boyfriend fit. Tip Men: If the sleeves don't hit your arm right, roll those bad boys up

2. Relaxed High Waisted Denim aka Mom Jeans - Do not, I repeat, do not spend more that $20 on mom jeans. There are endless sizes and washes of mom jeans hanging on the Goodwill/Savers rack at a store near you.

Tip: Since it's under $20, why not play around and create a distressed look

3. Blazers - So many great blazers that were once paired with pants are waiting to class up your outfit. Yes, there might be crazy shoulder padding, but you can easily remove them.

Tip: Get your blazer tailored to fit you, you are saving money on purchasing  since you aren't splurging and swap out the buttons to create a different look.

4. Handbag - You can find great quality bags in a second hand store such as the older Coach or Dooney's that are viewed as classics.  But, you can always splurge for a contemporary bag.

Tip: Clean your thrifted bag at the cobbler or have your cobbler dye your bag to revamp the look.

5. Shades - A sticky topic, if they are in great condition and you find them thrifted get em, if not, invest.

6. Rings - You can find some funky one of a kind silver rings that you can stack up and make a statement with instead of going purchasing rings that will make your finger green at mainstream stores.

7. Belts - You are more likely to stumble across a quality leather belt at the thrift store that is marked at the same price as a flimsy (but on trend) belt in a mainstream store but less than a higher end store.

8. Heels - Quality of quantity is the motto! Invest in a classic black pump that you can wear at work to a night on the town.

Tip: The cobbler will be your best friend when you knick, tear or dirty up your shoe!

9. Leather Motto Jacket - This is the ultimate jacket that men and women must have. SPLURGE on this item that will last a lifetime and gracefully age as the years go by. This will add that touch to any outfit and is so versatile!

10. Diamonds - They are a girls best friend! Another timeless piece! No, you don't have to rock 5 carats in each ear, but definitely consider investing in a pair at some point in your life instead of the huge cubic zirconia studs.

Was that helpful? Questions?

xoxo

RIO