The Mac Styles: Thrifting

I’ve been thrifting for years, even before it was considered an acceptable way of shopping. Back in the day, there was a stigma attached to thrift stores, but for my mom and me thrifting was a Saturday ritual. We look forward to our adventures at our local Goodwill, Salvation Army, Savors, Church rummage sales, and garage sales. We'd go anywhere we could to find a deal...now that was a good day! I get a natural high when I walk in the thrift store. I hit those racks with a vengeance looking for that major thrift score!

Here are my top 10 tips for successful thrifting!

1. Shop early. Be the first one in the store, this gives you time to scope out the surroundings. You’re also less likely to come across that annoying shopper who follows you around and goes down the same aisles. I’m very territorial when it comes to shopping. Please don’t be on the same rack when I’m looking.

2. Shop often if possible. Thrift store merchandise changes every day. Sometimes while you’re in the store, they’re bringing out new merchandise! It’s best to check back often. No, that doesn't mean you need to buy on each trip.

3. Learn the days they have their sales. Most thrift stores offer an additional percentage off of certain colored tags, or customer rewards programs to be redeemed on certain days.

4. Work the room. When I enter into a thrift store I normally start looking at accessories first, such as jewelry, handbags, and shoes. Then I will shop clothes. The goal is to look at all items in detail to insure you missed nothing. Find the best pattern for you.

5. Dress comfortable. Not all thrift stores have dressing rooms. By dressing comfortable, with loose fitting clothing, you can try things over your own clothes if need be.
An insider tip: If you want to see if jeans or pants will fit without trying them on, try the waist band around your neck. If it fits around your neck easily they should fit.

6. Look for quality. Make sure the item is sewn well, nice material, leather goods, or name brands.

7. Look for the stand out pieces. The nice thing about thrifting is finding items you would normally not see at the everyday retailer. I look for vintage pieces or what I call conversation pieces. Look for items from different decades and modernize them with pieces already in your closet.

8. Check sizing. Sizing has changed over the decades. Don’t get caught up in a number...If possible try it on. If not, you may have to make a judgment call if the item is going to work for you.

9. Take assessment of your items. Before making your purchase, look for any stains, holes, or rips...anything thing that can’t be repaired. There is nothing worse than buying something and later discovering it’s damaged. I recently walked away from a brand new Ralph Lauren crest blazer because it had moth ball holes on the back. I was so upset because it was a total thrift score, but I knew that it couldn’t be repaired. Still losing sleep over that jacket…..why………..moth balls!

10. Get to know the staff. As I mentioned before, if you shop often you should get to know the staff. If you become a loyal shopper, they can become your allies and be an additional lookout for good deals!